New York offers world-class angling opportunities ranging from the trophy salmon and trout of the Great Lakes to the legendary fly fishing streams of the Catskills. Anglers can explore over 7,500 lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of miles of saltwater coastline along Long Island.
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
General season runs from June 15 to November 30; 5 fish daily limit, 12-inch minimum length. Catch and release is allowed in most waters during the off-season.
Walleye
Season open from May 1 to March 15; daily limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum size requirement in most inland waters.
Brook, Brown & Rainbow Trout
Inland season is April 1 to October 15; daily limit of 5 fish, with no more than 2 over 12 inches in wild waters.
Chinook & Coho Salmon
Continuous season in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie; the spectacular tributary runs peak from September through October.
Striped Bass (Marine)
Season runs May 1 to December 10; restricted to a 1 fish limit with a slot size of 28 to 31 inches to protect the spawning population.
Muskellunge
Inland season starts June 1; Great Lakes season begins the 3rd Saturday in June. Minimum size limits range from 40 to 54 inches.
Summer Flounder (Fluke)
Typically open from early May to mid-October; check annual marine regulations for specific bag limits and 19-inch minimum size.
Northern Pike
Season open May 1 to March 15; 5 fish daily limit with an 18-inch minimum length.
Top Waters
Lake Ontario
A premier Great Lake destination famous for trophy-sized Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Steelhead.
Lake Erie
Nationally recognized as one of the best fisheries for Smallmouth Bass and high-yield Walleye fishing.
Salmon River
The most famous tributary in the state for massive fall runs of King Salmon and winter Steelhead action.
Lake Champlain
Consistently ranked as a top bass fishing lake in the country for both Largemouth and Smallmouth species.
Oneida Lake
Known as New York's 'Walleye Factory,' it provides the highest walleye catch rates in the interior state.
Montauk Point
The 'Sportfishing Capital of the World,' renowned for its legendary fall 'blitz' of Striped Bass and Bluefish.
Upper Delaware River
A bucket-list destination for fly anglers seeking wild Brown and Rainbow trout in a scenic river environment.
Seneca Lake
The largest of the Finger Lakes, providing exceptional deep-water fishing for Lake Trout and Landlocked Salmon.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support New York's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Reel Action Fly Fishing
Charter/GuidePulaski, NY
Professional fly fishing guide service specializing in Salmon River steelhead and Great Lakes salmon.
Strike Zone Charters
Charter/GuideOlcott, NY
Expert Lake Ontario sportfishing for King Salmon and trout aboard a fully equipped tournament vessel.
Upstate Guide Service
Charter/GuideSkaneateles, NY
Licensed outfitter providing light tackle and fly fishing trips across the Finger Lakes and Central New York.
K&G Sportfishing
Charter/GuideOswego, NY
Full-time charter operation specializing in Lake Ontario salmon and Oswego River fishing excursions.
Fat Nancy's Tackle Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopPulaski, NY
A landmark shop offering an extensive inventory of salmon and steelhead gear for the Salmon River.
Narby's Superette & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopKent, NY
Providing local knowledge and specialized tackle for Lake Ontario and Oak Orchard Creek anglers.
Tight Lines Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopSag Harbor, NY
Full-service saltwater tackle shop serving the fishing needs of the East End of Long Island.
Whitewater Outfitters
Bait & Tackle ShopHampton Bays, NY
Specializing in offshore, inshore, and surf fishing tackle for the diverse Long Island marine environment.
Chautauqua Reel Outdoors
Bait & Tackle ShopMayville, NY
Dedicated bait and tackle provider for Lake Chautauqua's famous musky, bass, and walleye fisheries.
Montauk Marine Basin
MarinaMontauk, NY
Full-service marina and fishing headquarters located in the heart of the world's premier striped bass waters.
Oak Orchard Marina
MarinaWaterport, NY
A key access point for Lake Ontario fishing with boat slips and full amenities for transient anglers.
Anchor Marine
MarinaGrand Island, NY
Providing boat storage, service, and slips on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Catskill Marina
MarinaCatskill, NY
Strategic Hudson River marina offering dockage and services for striped bass and freshwater anglers.
Malinda's Fly & Tackle Shop
Fly ShopAltmar, NY
Specialized fly shop located steps from the Salmon River, offering custom flies and expert local advice.
The Hungry Trout Fly Shop
Fly ShopWilmington, NY
Adirondack fly fishing hub providing gear and guides for the legendary Ausable River.
Esopus Creel
Fly ShopPhoenicia, NY
Curated fly shop and guide service catering to the trout anglers of the historic Catskill mountains.
River Bay Outfitters
Fly ShopOceanside, NY
Expert fly fishing shop serving both freshwater and saltwater fly anglers on Long Island.
Smith Boys
Boat DealerNorth Tonawanda, NY
One of New York's largest boat dealers, specializing in fishing boats and marine service across multiple locations.
Alpin Haus
Boat DealerAmsterdam, NY
Leading dealer of fishing and recreational boats serving the Capital District and Adirondack regions.
Spellmans Marine
Boat DealerHampton Bays, NY
Long Island's source for premier saltwater fishing vessels, parts, and certified marine service.
Great Lakes Boats & Surplus
Boat DealerClayton, NY
Dealer specializing in fishing boats and marine equipment for the 1000 Islands and Great Lakes.
JP Ross Fly Rods
Rod BuilderWhitesboro, NY
Manufacturer of world-class custom fly rods and small-stream fishing gear made right in New York.
Buffalo Rod Company
Rod BuilderBuffalo, NY
Custom rod builder specializing in high-performance tackle for Great Lakes bass and walleye fishing.
East End Rods
Rod BuilderSouthampton, NY
Crafting premium custom saltwater fishing rods designed for the demands of Montauk and Long Island surf.
The Rod Shop
Rod BuilderMexico, NY
Specializing in custom-built trolling rods and repairs for the Lake Ontario charter fleet and local anglers.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.