Muskellunge regulations in New York

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A muskellunge is a keeper today if it measures at least 40 inches, with a daily limit of 1.

Muskellunge size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
New York inland waters (statewide; regional special regs differ)	June 1 – November 30	40 inch minimum	1 per person per day

Exact NYSDEC wording

Season: June 1 - Nov 30
Size: 40"
Limit: 1
Inland waters — as printed: “Muskellunge | June 1 - Nov 30 | 40" | 1”

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

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About the muskellunge

Species of fish

The muskellunge, often shortened to muskie, musky, ski, or lunge, is a species of large freshwater predatory fish native to North America. It is the largest member of the pike family, Esocidae.

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

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Muskellunge in New York?

40 inch minimum in New York state waters.

How many Muskellunge can you keep per day in New York?

1 per person per day.

When is Muskellunge season in New York?

June 1 – November 30.

Is my Muskellunge a keeper today?

A muskellunge is a keeper today if it measures at least 40 inches, with a daily limit of 1.