DEC Reminder: Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel and Tiger Musky fishing season opens up Wednesday, May 1

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar is reminding anglers of the fishing season for walleye, Northern pike, pickerel, and tiger muskellunge aimed to open on May 1.

"New York is home to exceptional cool-water fishing opportunities, with many lakes and rivers renowned for abundant walleye and aggressive pike and pickerel,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar.

According to DEC officials, Walleye are a challenging fish species to catch, but delicious to eat, making them one of the most prized sportfish in New York.

As the largest member of the perch family, adult walleye typically weigh-in at one to three pounds, but they can get much larger. The state record is a remarkable 18-pound 2-ounce giant caught from the St. Lawrence River in 2018.

Anglers don't have to look far to find exciting walleye fishing opportunities in New York, as they are found in more than 140 water-bodies across the state.

Northern pike are another popular spring target for anglers.

These fish can also be found throughout much of the state, and opportunities for trophy-size fish are available in a number of waters, especially in the northeast and west.

Image via Shane Muckey.