Mark your calendars - fishing seasons for muskellunge begin on June 1 in inland waters and June 15 in Great Lakes waters and their tributaries (Lake Erie, Upper Niagara River, Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River) and their tributaries. Muskies are managed as trophy fish in New York, and minimum size regulations of 40 inches for inland waters and 54 inches for Great Lakes waters reflect that. There are some exceptions to inland water regulations, so be sure to check the current fishing regulations for the water you plan to fish.

Popular hotspots for trophy muskies include the St. Lawrence River, Upper Niagara River, and Chautauqua Lake. Other quality fisheries can be found at Waneta, Greenwood, Bear, and Cassadaga lakes and the Susquehanna, Chenango, and Great Chazy rivers.

More on Muskies
Musky Fishing Tips
Musky, Pike, Tiger Musky and Pickerel fishing opportunities
Muskellunge Management in New York