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New York regulations

Muskie (Muskellunge) Regulations in New York 2026

New York muskie 2026 open seasons vary by 9 management regions. Statewide rules apply for 40″ min. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from DEC.

DECOfficial source

About Muskie →

Rules (60)

New York statewide
Min size
40"
Min size
30"
Verified · View official source ↗
All Fresh WatersIn season
Season opens
Jun 1
Season opens
May 1
Season closes
Nov 30
Season closes
Mar 15
Daily bag
1
Daily bag
1
Verified · View official source ↗
Chadakoin River From Chautauqua Lake Downstream To Warner DamIn season
Season opens
Jun 1
Season opens
Jun 1
Season closes
Nov 30
Season closes
Nov 30
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
40"
Verified · View official source ↗
Chautauqua Lake And Its Tributaries Upstream To The First Road BridgeIn season
Season opens
Jun 1
Season opens
Jun 1
Season closes
Nov 30
Season closes
Nov 30
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
40"
Verified · View official source ↗
Lake Champlain And Tributaries To The First Impassible Barrier (New York/Vermont Border Water)
Season closes
Nov 30
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Verified · View official source ↗
Lake Erie And TributariesIn season
Season opens
Jun 15
Season opens
Jun 15
Season closes
Dec 15
Season closes
Dec 15
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
54"
Min size
54"
Verified · View official source ↗
Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, And Their TributariesIn season
Season opens
Jun 15
Season opens
Jun 15
Season closes
Dec 15
Season closes
Dec 15
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
54"
Min size
54"
Verified · View official source ↗
Lower Niagara River And TributariesIn season
Season opens
Jun 15
Season opens
Jun 15
Season closes
Dec 15
Season closes
Dec 15
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
54"
Min size
54"
Verified · View official source ↗
Otisco LakeIn season
Season opens
May 1
Season closes
Mar 15
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
36"
Verified · View official source ↗
Upper Niagara River And TributariesIn season
Season opens
Jun 15
Season opens
Jun 15
Season closes
Dec 15
Season closes
Dec 15
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
54"
Min size
54"
Verified · View official source ↗

Other New York fish regulations

Other regulated species in New York with current rule pages — same DEC source, same verification cadence.

Also known as

Muskie is also called Muskie (Muskellunge), Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Tiger Muskie, musky, muskellunge. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in New York.

Frequently asked questions

When is Muskie season in New York?

Muskie season in New York runs from Jun 1 to Nov 30 per DEC.

What is the size limit for Muskie in New York?

Minimum size for Muskie in New York is 40 inches in Chadakoin River From Chautauqua Lake Downstream To Warner Dam, per DEC. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.

What is the daily bag limit for Muskie in New York?

Daily bag limit for Muskie in New York is 1 in All Fresh Waters, per DEC.

Official sources cited

Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DEC before keeping a catch.

← All New York fishing regulations