Pickerel regulations in New York

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A pickerel is a keeper today if it measures at least 15 inches, with a daily limit of 5.

Pickerel 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	15 inch minimum	5 per person per day

Exact NYSDEC wording

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

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

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About the pickerel

Species of freshwater fish

The chain pickerel, also known as Jackfish, Mud Pike, or Southern Pike is a species of freshwater fish in the pike family of order Esociformes. The chain pickerel and the American pickerel belong to the Esox genus of pike.

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 Pickerel in New York?

15 inch minimum in New York state waters.

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

5 per person per day.

When is Pickerel season in New York?

May 1 – March 15.

Is my Pickerel a keeper today?

A pickerel is a keeper today if it measures at least 15 inches, with a daily limit of 5.