SlotGaugeCheck a catchAmerican Lobster regulations in New York
· Shellfish & crabs · 2026 season
American Lobster size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY Marine & Coastal District | Open year-round | 3.375–5.25 inch slot | 6 per person per day |
Notes
- Recreational lobster permit required. LMA 4 closed Apr 30 – May 31; LMA 6 closed Sep 8 – Nov 28.
Exact NYSDEC wording
- Season
- LMA 4 closed April 30 - May 31; LMA 6 closed Sept 8 - Nov 28; other LMAs open all year
- Size
- 3 3/8" minimum, 5 1/4" maximum carapace length
- Limit
- 6
- statewide — as printed
- “American lobster (Recreational permit required) 3 3/8" minimum carapace length 5 1/4" maximum carapace length 6 LMA 4: closed April 30 - May 31; LMA 6: closed Sept 8 - Nov 28”
Source: NYSDEC, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the american lobster
Lobster of the western North Atlantic
The American lobster is a species of lobster found on the Atlantic coast of North America, chiefly from Labrador to New Jersey. It is also known as Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, northern lobster, Canadian Reds, or Maine lobster. It is sometimes called the true lobster or common lobster, but those names are ambiguous. It can reach a body length of 64 cm (25 in), and a mass of over 20 kilograms (44 lb), making it not only the heaviest crustacean in the world, but also the heaviest of all living arthropod species. Its closest relative is the European lobster Homarus gammarus, which can be distinguished by its coloration and the lack of spines on the underside of the rostrum. American lobsters are usually bluish green to brown with red spines, but several color variations have been observed.
Read more about American lobster on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NYSDEC, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for American Lobster in New York?
3.375–5.25 inch slot in New York state waters.
How many American Lobster can you keep per day in New York?
6 per person per day.
When is American Lobster season in New York?
Open year-round.
Is my American Lobster a keeper today?
A american lobster is a keeper today if it measures between 3.375 and 5.25 inches, with a daily limit of 6.