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DEC Announces June 15th Opening of 2024 Black Bass
Season
Published: June 09, 2024 at
09:00 a.m.
By: Press Release from
DEC Announces Opening of 2024 Black Bass Season
Quality Bass Fishing Opportunities Available
throughout New York State
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean
Mahar Friday announced that the open (harvest) season for largemouth and
smallmouth bass, collectively known as black bass, begins June 15 and runs
through Nov. 30. For most of the state, a catch-and-release season exists
from Dec. 1 through June 14. Special fishing regulations exist for some
waters, so anglers should check the current fishing regulations before heading out to
fish.
“From
neighborhood ponds and smaller streams to the Great Lakes, New York is
fortunate to have some of the most outstanding bass fishing opportunities
in the country,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “I
encourage all anglers to find the time to enjoy, and share with others, the
fun and excitement that comes with casting a line and landing a bass in New
York.”
Black bass are
New York’s most popular sportfish for good reason. Both largemouth and
smallmouth bass can be found throughout the state, thriving in waters of
all sizes, and are among the most exciting fish to catch.
In 2023, New York
State landed six lakes on Bassmaster Magazine’s top 100
best bass lakes in the country. Among the New York waters included are the
St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), ranked as the second-best bass lake
in the nation, and Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River, ranked as ninth-best
lake. Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake, and Chautauqua Lake made
the list, as well, and are in Bassmaster Magazine’s top 25
Northeastern Best Bass Lakes 2023.
New York’s
warmwater rivers also provide outstanding bass fishing opportunities.
The Chenango River, Tioughnioga River, Unadilla River, Chemung River, Wallkill, and Seneca River are just a few of the many warmwater
rivers worth checking out to find great river bass fishing experiences. Be
sure to check out DEC’s Places to Fish and Warmwater Fishing webpages for more information on
where to go bass fishing, as well as the Tackle Box feature in the HuntFishNY mobile app.
For tips on how
to catch bass, see Fishing For Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass. Those
new to fishing can check out the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing, which
has all the information needed to get started. There’s also a “how-to” video series on DEC’s YouTube
channel.
The New York
State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish
are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.
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