Trout Species and Regulations in New York

In New York, brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout are all regulated fishing species. The regulations vary depending on the location and the time of year.

Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout

For these species and their hybrids, the daily limit is five fish with no length limit if fishing in the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, and Lake Champlain tributaries, and tidal stream reaches.

In inland trout streams during the spring to fall season (April 1 to October 15), the daily limit is five fish, with no more than two exceeding twelve inches in length. From October 16 to March 31, trout fishing in these streams is catch-and-release only, and only artificial lures may be used.

Lake Trout

For lake trout, the daily limit is three fish, and each must be at least twenty-one inches in length.

Trout Fishing Seasons in New York

In New York, you can fish for trout year-round, although there are different seasons for different species and locations.

Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout

For brown, brook, and rainbow trout and their hybrids, you can fish from April 1 to October 15 in the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, and Lake Champlain tributaries, and tidal stream reaches.

In inland trout streams, you can fish all year-round. However, the catch-and-keep season lasts from April 1 to October 15, while October 16 to March 31 is catch-and-release only.

Lake Trout

For lake trout, the fishing season extends from April 1 to October 15.

Fishing Licenses in New York

In New York, anyone over the age of fifteen must have a valid fishing license to fish, including for all trout species, regardless of whether they are catching and keeping or catching and releasing. Your fishing license does not give you permission to trespass on private property.

Trout stamps are not required to fish for trout in New York.