Black bass season to start in New York on June 15

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – The official start of black bass season will be Saturday, June 15 across New York State.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar Friday announced that the season for largemouth and smallmouth bass, collectively known as black bass, begins June 15 and runs through Nov. 30. 

Black bass are the state’s most popular sportfish for good reason. Both kinds of bass can be found throughout the state, thriving in waters of all sizes, and are among the most exciting fish to catch.  

I encourage all anglers to find the time to enjoy, and share with others, the fun and excitement that comes with casting a line and landing a bass in New York.

Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar

Last year, the state landed six lakes on Bassmaster Magazine’s top 100 best bass lakes in the country. Among the New York waters included are the St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), ranked as the second-best bass lake in the nation, and Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River, ranked as ninth-best lake. Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake, and Chautauqua Lake made the list, as well, and are in Bassmaster Magazine’s top 25 Northeastern Best Bass Lakes 2023. 

Anglers can also check out the DEC’s Places to Fish and Warmwater Fishing webpages for more information on where to go bass fishing, as well as the Tackle Box feature in the HuntFishNY mobile app. 

For tips on how to catch bass, see Fishing For Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass. Those new to fishing can check out the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing, which has all the information needed to get started. There’s also a “how-to” video series on DEC’s YouTube channel. 

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. 

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