Check a catch

Lake Trout regulations in New York

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? The lake trout season is closed today. It is open April 1 – October 15.

Lake Trout size limit, season and daily limit

WhereSeasonSize limitDaily limit
New York inland waters (statewide; regional special regs differ)April 1 – October 1521 inch minimum3 per person per day

Exact NYSDEC wording

Season
April 1 - Oct 15
Size
21"
Limit
3
Inland waters — as printed
“Lake Trout | April 1 - Oct 15 | 21" | 3”

Source: NYSDEC, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).

Check your lake trout in seconds

Say it, snap a photo, or type the length. SlotGauge answers KEEP or RELEASE using today's New York rules.

Open SlotGauge for Lake Trout

More

Winter FlounderStriped BassScupSummer FlounderBlack Sea BassOyster ToadfishTautogAmerican Eel

About the lake trout

Lake trout

Species of fish in northern North America

The lake trout is a freshwater char living mainly in lakes in Northern North America. Other names for it include mackinaw, namaycush, lake char (or charr), touladi, togue, laker, and grey trout. In Lake Superior, it can also be variously known as siscowet, paperbelly and lean. The lake trout is prized both as a game fish and as a food fish. Those caught with dark coloration may be called mud hens.

Read more about Lake trout on Wikipedia →

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NYSDEC, not Wikipedia.

All 48 New York species A–Z →

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Lake Trout in New York?

21 inch minimum in New York state waters.

How many Lake Trout can you keep per day in New York?

3 per person per day.

When is Lake Trout season in New York?

April 1 – October 15.

Is my Lake Trout a keeper today?

The lake trout season is closed today. It is open April 1 – October 15.