What Fish Are in Season in NY?

Fishing in New York is a year-round adventure, offering diverse options from tranquil freshwater lakes and rivers to the vast Atlantic coastline. Knowing which fish are in season means you can savor the freshest and most flavorful catches while also supporting sustainable practices and local fisheries.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a casual fisher, this guide will help you understand the benefits of eating seasonal fish, what affects their availability, and how to fish responsibly. Let’s dive in and explore the bounty of New York’s waters together!

The Benefits of Eating Seasonal Fish

Eating seasonal fish isn’t just about getting the best-tasting catch of the day — it’s about making choices that benefit your health, the environment, and local communities. Here’s why eating seasonal fish is a win-win for everyone:

Freshness and Flavor

When you eat fish that’s in season, you’re enjoying it at its absolute best. These fish are fresher, often caught just hours before they reach your plate, which means they’re bursting with flavor and have a perfect texture. There’s nothing quite like a freshly caught, perfectly cooked fish to make your meal memorable.

Nutritional Value

Fish in season are like nature’s superfoods. They’re at their nutritional peak, packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Eating seasonal fish ensures you’re getting the most health benefits possible from your seafood.

Environmental Impact 

Did you know that eating fish in season helps protect our oceans and waterways? It means we’re fishing in harmony with natural fish populations and life cycles, reducing the risk of overfishing and helping to maintain healthy ecosystems. By choosing seasonal fish, you’re making an environmentally responsible choice.

Economic Support

When you buy seasonal fish, you’re often supporting local fishers and their families. This boosts the local economy and helps ensure that small-scale fisheries can thrive. Plus, local fishers are more likely to use sustainable practices, meaning your purchase supports better fishing methods and healthier oceans.

What Factors Affect the Seasonality of Fish?

Several factors influence when different fish are in season. Understanding these can help you make better choices about what to fish for and when.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions play a significant role in fish seasonality. Temperature changes can greatly affect fish behavior and populations. For example, some fish may move to deeper, cooler waters in the summer or become more active in the spring as the water warms up. These shifts impact their availability, making it essential to consider the time of year when planning your fishing trips.

Seasonal Patterns

Migration patterns are another important factor. Many fish species migrate to different areas depending on the season. These migrations can bring certain fish into local waters at specific times of the year, making them more accessible. Knowing these migration patterns allows you to target the right species at the right time, increasing your chances of a successful fishing trip.

Spawning cycles are crucial as well. During spawning seasons, fish gather in large numbers to reproduce, making them more abundant. However, this is also a time when they should be harvested responsibly or left alone to ensure future populations remain healthy and robust. By respecting spawning cycles, you contribute to the sustainability of fish populations!

Fishing Regulations

Fishing regulations are also vital in determining fish seasonality. Seasonal restrictions are often put in place to protect fish populations during critical periods like spawning, ensuring sustainable fishing practices. These regulations prevent overfishing and help maintain healthy fish stocks. Additionally, size and bag limits control the number and size of fish that can be legally caught, ensuring younger, smaller fish have a chance to grow and reproduce while preventing the overharvesting of larger, mature fish.

Sustainable Fishing Practices

Sustainable fishing is all about ensuring our waters remain teeming with fish for generations to come. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Catch and Release Guidelines

Proper handling – When you’re releasing fish back into the water, handle them gently. Use wet hands or gloves to protect their delicate slime coating and try to keep them in the water as much as possible. The less time they spend out of the water, the better. If you can, unhook the fish while it’s still in the water to reduce stress and injury.

Gear recommendations – The right gear can make a big difference. Barbless hooks cause less injury and are easier to remove, making the release process smoother for the fish. Circle hooks are another great option — they tend to hook fish in the lip, reducing deeper injuries and making it easier to release them safely.

Supporting Local Fisheries

Community impact – When you buy fish from local fisheries, you’re not just getting fresh, delicious seafood — you’re also supporting your community. Local fishers rely on your business to keep their operations running and their families supported. Plus, it feels good to know where your food is coming from and to support those who work hard to provide it.

Sustainable practices – Local fisheries often follow more sustainable practices compared to larger commercial operations. They understand the importance of maintaining healthy fish populations and are more likely to adhere to guidelines and regulations that protect the environment. By choosing local, you’re helping to promote these responsible practices.

What Fish Are in Season in NY?

Fishing in New York is a year-round adventure, with each season bringing its own bounty of fish. Here’s a guide to what’s in season and where to cast your line:

Note: Please consult with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation for the latest guidelines and regulations regarding fishing and licensing within New York State and its municipalities. 

Spring Freshwater Fish

  • Walleye – Known for their excellent taste, walleye are a popular target in the spring. These fish are not only delicious but also provide a fun challenge for anglers.
  • Trout – Spring is the prime season for trout fishing in many of New York’s streams and rivers. Whether you’re after rainbow, brown, or brook trout, this is the time to get out there and enjoy the beautiful spring weather while casting your line.

Spring Saltwater Fish

  • Striped Bass – These migratory species return to New York waters in the spring. Striped bass are a favorite among anglers for their strong fight and great taste.
  • Black Sea Bass: Black sea bass are popular in the spring for their sweet, mild flavor and firm texture. They are often found around reefs and wrecks.
  • Bluefish – Active and abundant in coastal waters during spring, bluefish are known for their aggressive strikes and fast runs. They make for an exciting fishing experience.

Summer Freshwater Fish

  • Largemouth Bass – Widely sought after in lakes and ponds during summer, largemouth bass are a classic target. Their powerful jumps and size make them a thrill to catch.
  • Panfish – Species like bluegill and crappie are abundant and easy to catch in warm waters. They’re perfect for family fishing trips and provide plenty of action.

Summer Saltwater Fish

  • Fluke (summer flounder) – Popular for their taste and abundance in summer, fluke are a staple of summer saltwater fishing. Their unique appearance and delicious flavor make them a top choice.
  • Sharks – Various shark species, such as sandbar and dusky sharks, are prevalent in the summer months. If you’re looking for a thrilling catch, sharks offer an exhilarating challenge. However, be wary of prohibited species — not all sharks are legal to fish!
  • Haddock – While typically found in deeper waters, haddock are plentiful during the summer. Known for their delicate, slightly sweet flavor, they are a favorite for many anglers.
  • Tuna – Summer is prime time for tuna fishing, with species like bluefin and yellowfin being highly sought after for their size and fight.

Fall Freshwater Fish

  • Salmon – Fall runs of salmon in rivers and streams are a highlight for many anglers. The sight of these powerful fish making their way upstream is truly spectacular—they’re fantastic for dinner, too!
  • Muskellunge – Known for their size and challenge, fall is a prime time for muskie fishing. These “fish of 10,000 casts” are a bucket-list catch for many.

Fall Saltwater Fish

  • Blackfish (tautog) – Abundant in rocky areas during the fall, blackfish are known for their delicious taste and strong fight. They’re a favorite for many saltwater anglers.
  • False albacore – Known for their speed and fight, they are a popular fall catch. These fish are fast and can provide an adrenaline-pumping experience.
  • Monkfish – Often referred to as “poor man’s lobster” due to its sweet, firm flesh, monkfish is abundant in the fall. They are found in deeper waters and are a unique and tasty catch.
  • Skate – The skate is a flat fish found in cooler waters during the fall. Known for its delicate, sweet flesh, skate is a delicious addition to any seafood menu.

Winter Freshwater Fish

  • Ice fishing species – Species like perch, northern pike, and walleye are common targets in winter ice fishing. Bundle up, drill a hole, and enjoy the unique experience of fishing on ice.
  • Trout – Certain trout species remain active in cold waters, providing a great winter fishing opportunity. Winter trout fishing can be peaceful and rewarding.

Winter Saltwater Fish

  • Cod – Found in deeper, colder waters during winter months, cod are a prized catch for their taste and size. Winter is the perfect time to go after these hearty fish.
  • Pollock – Another cold-water species that is abundant in winter, pollock are known for their tasty filets and strong fight. They’re a great winter target for saltwater anglers.
  • Crab – Winter is prime season for crabbing in New York waters. Blue crabs are especially abundant and make for a delicious, fresh seafood option.

Other Seafood Options

New York’s waters also offer a variety of other seafood options that are available throughout different times of the year:

  • Clams – Available year-round, clams are a versatile and tasty addition to any seafood dish. They can be steamed, grilled, or enjoyed raw.
  • Shrimp – While peak seasons can vary, shrimp are generally available year-round and are a staple in many seafood recipes. They’re perfect for grilling, frying, or adding to pastas and salads.
  • Oysters – Oysters are best enjoyed in the cooler months, particularly from fall through spring. These shellfish are prized for their briny, sweet flavor and are delicious raw or cooked.

No matter the season, New York offers fantastic fishing opportunities and a wide variety of fresh seafood to enjoy.

Get Fresh Seafood and Fish Delivery with FreshDirect

Whether you’re after trout, salmon, or any of your other favorite seafood options, we have you covered. 

FreshDirect allows you to get all of your seafood faves delivered straight to your door with no hassle. We offer delivery throughout the boroughs. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, or elsewhere in the New York area, you can have fresh, locally-caught seafood in time for dinner!

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