Open Season For Black Bass Set To Begin In NY

NEW YORK — Open season for black bass begins Thursday in New York.

The Department of Environmental Conservation said Monday that the season for largemouth and smallmouth, collectively known as black bass, will run through Nov. 30.

For most of the state, a catch-and-release season exists from Dec. 1 through June 14.

Special fishing regulations exist for some waters, the DEC said, so anglers should check the current fishing regulations before heading out to fish.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said New York is home to some of the world’s best fishing destinations, especially for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

“I encourage anglers of all abilities to get outside and explore the many special bass fishing opportunities our state has to offer,” he said.

The DEC has webpages — Places to Fish and Warmwater Fishing — for more information on where to go bass fishing. Bass anglers are also encouraged to check out DEC's “Tackle Box” feature in the HuntFishNY App, which provides anglers with one-stop shopping for waterbody-specific information on fishing regulations, stocking and fishing and boating access sites.

Bass can be readily caught both from shore and by boat, and there are many simple, yet effective, techniques like wacky rigging, that can be used to catch them. If you’re new to fishing check out the I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Fishing which has all the information you need to get started. There’s also a “how-to” video series on DEC’s YouTube channel.

DEC’s Bureau of Fisheries recognizes catches of big sportfish, including state records, through the Angler Achievement Awards program. Largemouth bass 20 inches and longer and smallmouth bass 18 inches and longer qualify for awards. Last year, 79 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass qualified for the Catch and Release Category, with the longest measuring 22.5 inches. If anglers catch a big bass this year, please advise DEC.