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DEC Announces June 15 Opening of 2025 Black Bass
Season
Published: June 12, 2025 at
09:45 a.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Announces Opening of 2025 Black Bass Season
Quality Bass Fishing Opportunities Available
throughout New York State
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton has
announced 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
is in place from Dec. 1 through June 14. Special fishing regulations exist
for some waters, so anglers should check current fishing regulations before heading out to
fish.
“New York has
some of the best bass fishing in the country and this affordable, fun
activity is accessible for all New Yorkers,” Commissioner Lefton
said. “I encourage all anglers, novice or expert, to take
advantage of the outstanding bass fishing opportunities New York’s abundant
waterways have to offer throughout the state.”
New York’s bass
fisheries remain in the national spotlight and contribute to the $5 billion
in economic benefits provided by New York’s recreational freshwater fishing
industry each year. In 2024, the St. Lawrence River and Lake Erie/Upper
Niagara River were ranked the nation’s #1 and #7 bass lakes, respectively,
by Bassmaster Magazine. Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, and
Oneida Lake also made Bassmaster Magazine’s top 25
Northeastern Best Bass Lakes list in 2024.
Fishing for bass
is a great option for beginning anglers interested in going “beyond the
bobber.” For tips on how and where 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, (PDF)
which has all the information needed to get started. There’s also a “how-to” video series on DEC’s YouTube
channel.
Bass fishing is
another fun way for New Yorkers get out and enjoy nature, and the open
season further supports Governor Kathy Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that
promotes physical and mental health by helping encourage 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.
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.
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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