first Saturday in May

The seasons for the four fish species officially begin each year on the first Saturday in May. The state-wide fishing regulations for each species follow, but keep in mind there are differences on certain waterways:

*Walleye – The state-wide regulation notes the daily catch limit is five fish, each with a minimum size per fish of 15 inches. However, on Lake Champlain and the Finger Lakes (with the exception of Honeoeye Lake), for example, rules call for a maximum daily take of three fish with a minimum length of 18 inches each. On Oneida Lake, it’s three fish, 15 inches. Check the DEC fishing guide before getting out to make sure you are aware of the rules on the waterway you plan to fish.

*Northern pike: The state-wide regulation notes the daily catch limit is five fish, each with a minimum size per fish of 18 inches. However, on Lake Champlain the daily catch limit is five but the minimum size is 20 inches, and it’s 22 inches on Lakes Erie and Ontario and their tributaries, along with on the Finger Lakes, the Seneca River and Cross Lake in Cayuga County. On the St. Lawrence River and tributaries downstream of Tibbetts Point), though, it’s only three fish with a 22-inch size limit. Once again, check the DEC fishing guide before heading out.

*Pickerel: The state-wide regulation notes the daily catch limit is five fish, each with a minimum size per fish of 15 inches.

*Tiger muskie: The state-wide regulation notes the daily catch limit is one fish, with a minimum size of 30 inches. The minimum size is 36 inches on Otisco Lake (the eastern-most Finger Lake); 54 inches on Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and all their tributaries -- and 40 inches on the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. It can’t be stressed enough. Check the DEC fishing guide before heading out.