Northern Pike regulations in New York

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A northern pike is a keeper today if it measures at least 18 inches, with a daily limit of 5.

Northern Pike size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
New York inland waters (statewide; regional special regs differ)	May 1 – March 15	18 inch minimum	5 per person per day

Exact NYSDEC wording

Season: May 1 - Mar 15
Size: 18"
Limit: 5
Inland waters — as printed: “Northern Pike | May 1 - Mar 15 | 18" | 5”

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

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About the northern pike

Species of fish

The northern pike, also known as jack, northern or simply pike, is a species of carnivorous fish of the genus Esox (pikes). It is commonly found in fresh waters of the Northern Hemisphere.

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 Northern Pike in New York?

18 inch minimum in New York state waters.

How many Northern Pike can you keep per day in New York?

5 per person per day.

When is Northern Pike season in New York?

May 1 – March 15.

Is my Northern Pike a keeper today?

A northern pike is a keeper today if it measures at least 18 inches, with a daily limit of 5.