Season Starts June 1 for Inland Waters, June 15 for Great
Lakes Waters
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
today announced that the fishing seasons for muskellunge begin on June 1
in inland waters and on June 15 in Great Lakes waters (Lake Erie, Upper
Niagara River, Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence
River).
"New York provides some
of the best muskellunge fishing opportunities anywhere in the
world," said
Commissioner Seggos. "I
encourage anglers seeking a challenge and a unique trophy-fishing
experience to cast a line and try their hand at landing one of these
elusive predators."
A member of the pike family,
muskellunge, or "muskies" are New York's largest freshwater
sportfish. Muskellunge can grow to massive sizes, sometimes reaching 50
pounds or more, and are considered the ultimate trophy by anglers who pursue
them. Referred to as the "fish of 10,000 casts," it takes
patience and dedication to catch one of these toothy top predators.
New York State's high quality
muskie fisheries can be found in 13 lakes and 19 rivers, with the most
renowned fisheries in the St. Lawrence River, Upper Niagara River,
and Chautauqua Lake. Other quality muskie
waters include Waneta, Greenwood, Bear,
and Cassadaga lakes and the
Susquehanna, Chenango, and Great Chazy rivers. For tips on how to catch
and properly handle muskies, see the article "Muskie 101" on the DEC website.
New York's minimum size
regulations reflect the muskellunge's trophy status. The minimum size
limit for inland waters is 40 inches. The limit is 54 inches for Great
Lakes waters. Review the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide for more
information.
Muskie anglers are encouraged
to check out DEC's 'Tackle Box' feature in the HuntFishNY App, which provides anglers
one-stop shopping for waterbody-specific information on fishing
regulations, stocking, and fishing/boating access sites.
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