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DEC Announces May 1st Opening Day for Many Popular Coolwater Fish Species
Published: April 29, 2025 at
04:30 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Announces Opening Day for Many Popular Coolwater Fish Species
Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger
Muskellunge Fishing Season Begins May 1
Abundant Angling Opportunities for New Yorkers to
‘Get Offline, Get Outside’
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda
Lefton today announced the fishing season for Walleye, Northern Pike,
Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge begins on May 1. New York's coolwater fish species provide excellent fishing
opportunities for anglers of all ability levels.
“Fishing is a
great way to get outside and enjoy nature, and New Yorkers are fortunate to
have such a large variety of popular sportfish to choose from in the
state’s abundant waterways,” said Acting Commissioner Lefton. “I
encourage all anglers to enjoy the great fishing that can be found here in
New York and share the fun with others, especially those new to the sport.”
Anglers looking
for walleye should not have to go far to find high quality fishing
opportunities. Walleye occur in more than 140
waters and in every major watershed in New York State. Information on
fishing locations for walleye can be found on DEC’s website. Early to
mid-spring can be particularly good for walleye fishing. Walleye
are aggressive post-spawn feeders and can often be found in relatively
shallow water near spawning locations this time of year. Typical gear used
for walleye fishing includes spinning or baitcasting reels, medium weight
rods, and monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Reliable baits include
artificial lures, live baits, or both. Jigs, crankbaits, stickbaits, and live bait harnesses can all be
effective. More information on fishing for walleye can be found on DEC’s website.
Spring is also
one of the best times to fish for northern pike. Northerns
move into shallow tributaries, bays, and wetlands in early spring to spawn,
typically just after ice-out. After spawning, these fish tend to stay near
these shallow water areas and feed aggressively before returning to deeper
water areas for the summer. Pike fishing gear typically includes a medium
heavy rod and a spinning or baitcasting reel with monofilament or braided
line used with a steel or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Casting swimbaits,
crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and spoons along and around structures works well
in the spring.
Although smaller
than pike, pickerel can be relatively easy to catch and provide anglers
with some great action when they are on the bite. Lures used for pickerel are similar to those
used for pike, but usually smaller in size.
Tiger
Muskellunge, which is a cross between a Northern pike and muskellunge, can
grow appreciably large. These fish are stocked by DEC at select
waterbodies to provide anglers the opportunity to
enjoy targeting big, hard-fighting fish.
For information
on fishing destinations for northern pike and other esocids
such as chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge see: Musky, Pike, Tiger Musky, and Pickerel Fishing
Opportunities.
DEC offers a host
of resources for those interested in getting started in
fishing. 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 and
fishing/boating access sites.
2025 Freshwater
Fishing Regulations Guide
A digital version of the new guide is available to download on
DEC’s website. Hard copies of the guide are available wherever sporting
licenses are sold. For locations, visit DEC’s website.
To help make
fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers,
DEC partners with libraries across the state to
provide a free fishing rod lending program. In addition to borrowing a
book, patrons at participating libraries can sign out a fishing rod. This
affordable opportunity for people to try fishing before purchasing their
own gear supports Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, to promote
physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put
down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy
recreation and outdoor social gatherings. For more information and a list
of participating libraries, visit the DEC’s website.
Safe Fish
Consumption
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) offers health advice on
eating fish caught across New York’s waterways. More information on New York State Fish Consumption Advisories and advice by specific waterbody location can be found
on DOH’s website.
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