The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the season opener for walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, and pickerel will begin on May 1, 2026.
“We are so fortunate to live in a state where there are fishing opportunities all around us,” Director of DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Jacqueline Lendrum said. “For anglers interested in taking their proficiency to the next level, fishing for walleye, pike, and pickerel can offer a fun challenge.”
Walleye have a well-deserved reputation as one of New York’s most prized and tastiest gamefish. They are often considered one of the more challenging fish to catch but understanding when and where to find them and how they behave can go a long way towards putting fish in the boat. Walleye are found in more than 140 waters throughout the state, so anglers don’t have to go far to pursue this popular sportfish.
Excellent walleye fishing is available from Fort Pond on the eastern end of Long Island, to Chautauqua Lake and Lake Erie in western New York. Other reliable fishing locations for walleye are available on DEC’s website. Fishing for walleye can be particularly good in May. As aggressive post-spawn feeders, walleye are often found in relatively shallow water near spawning locations this time of year.
The typical gear used for walleye fishing includes spinning or baitcasting reels, medium weight rods, and monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Reliable baits can include artificial lures, live baits, or both. Jigs, crankbaits, stickbaits, and live bait harnesses can all be effective, with simple presentations often being the most effective. Walleye fishing opportunities in New York have never been better, so now is a great time to give it a try.
Spring is also one of the best times to target northern pike. Northerns move into shallow tributaries, bays, and wetlands in early spring to spawn, typically just after ice-out. After spawning, they tend to stay near these shallow water areas and feed aggressively before returning to deeper waters 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 structure works well in the spring. Anglers can find high quality pike fishing opportunities in a number of coolwater lakes in the Adirondacks, such as Great Sacandaga Lake, Tupper Lake, the Saranac Chain of Lakes, and Cranberry Lake. The St. Lawrence River, Seneca Lake, and Conesus Lake are also considered top pike fishing locations. For more information on fishing destinations for northern pike and other esocids, such as chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge, see DEC’s website for Northern pike, muskie, and pickerel fishing opportunities. Anglers are reminded that the fishing season for muskellunge opens on June 1.
Anglers can use their smart phones to find fishing opportunities around the state by accessing the Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app. The Tackle Box provides one-stop-shopping for information on access sites, stocking, regulations and more. Information on how to download the app can be found on DEC’s website. Anglers are encouraged to check out these valuable resources when planning their next fishing trip.
Recreational fishing supports Governor Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative promoting physical and mental health by encouraging New York’s children and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. One of the ways teens and youth can find ideas to get offline is through DEC’s Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge, which offers 50 fun and interesting activities for youth to complete by the age of 19.
To help make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers, DEC has also partnered with libraries across the state on the Fishing Rod Lending Program. While borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This program offers an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information and a list of more than 80 participating libraries, visit DEC’s website.
Safe Fish Consumption
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.
