New York inland trout streams switch to catch-and-release Friday

New York’s inland trout streams change rules today. The statewide freshwater regulations, in effect April 1, 2026, close the harvest season for trout in inland streams on Oct. 15. From Oct. 16 through March 31 those streams are catch-and-release only, and only artificial lures are allowed. Through Oct. 15 the daily limit was five trout, with only two longer than 12 inches, and no minimum length.

Brook trout in lakes and ponds also close after Oct. 15. That season ran April 1 through Oct. 15 with no minimum length and a daily limit of five. Lake trout close on the same date: the open season is April 1 through Oct. 15, with a 21-inch minimum and a daily limit of three. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and splake in lakes and ponds stay open all year, with a daily limit of five and only two longer than 12 inches.

The Record of Troy carried a Department of Environmental Conservation reminder on Oct. 14 that the Friday change was coming, and it told anglers to check special regulations before they go. The DEC regulations page says the same thing: exceptions apply, and the special-regulation tables can set a different season, length, or gear rule on a named water.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: NYSDEC — Statewide freshwater fishing seasons, sizes, and catch limits (regulations effective April 1, 2026). Also: The Record — DEC October 16 trout season regulation reminders (Oct. 14, 2026).