DEC announces opening day for many popular coolwater fish species

Walleye, northern pike, pickerel & tiger muskellunge fishing season begins May 1

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Press Release

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the fishing season for walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskellunge begins 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,” Lefton said. “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. Walleyes occur in more than 140 waters and in every major watershed in New York. Information on fishing locations for walleye can be found on DEC’s website.

Early to mid-spring can be particularly good for walleye fishing. Walleyes 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 work 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 freshwater fishing regulations 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 Gov. Kathy 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 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.