When is striped bass season in New York?

Hudson River: Apr 1 – Nov 30. Marine District: Apr 15 – Dec 15. Those are the 2026 New York dates; always confirm against New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before a trip, because an emergency order can shift an opener with little notice.

What is the New York bag limit for striped bass?

The New York daily bag limit for striped bass is 1 / day. The possession limit is 1 in possession. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.

What size striped bass can you keep in New York?

The New York size rule for striped bass is Hudson River slot 23–28 in; Marine slot 28–31 in. Slot limit: Hudson River 23–28 in; Marine 28–31 in (release fish outside slot). Trophy rule: Catch-and-release only outside slot windows.

Do you need a license to fish for striped bass in New York?

Yes. New York requires a valid fishing license to fish for striped bass, with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a New York license — compare resident and non-resident New York fees on the state regulations page below.

Are there gear restrictions for striped bass in New York?

Yes. In New York, striped bass fishing carries these gear rules: Non-offset (inline) circle hooks required when fishing with natural bait (Hudson River and marine district); No gaffing of slot-size fish; Marine Registry required for saltwater participation.

Do specific New York waters have different striped bass rules?

Yes. 4 named New York waters carry rules that override the statewide striped bass regulation, including Hudson River (north of the George Washington Bridge), Long Island Sound, Montauk Point, and 1 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.

2026 regulation year

New York Striped bass 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules

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Last updated June 9, 2026

Striped bass are New York's headline migratory game fish — the Hudson River run draws anglers from across the East Coast every spring, and the Long Island marine fishery extends through fall. Slot limits are tight: keepers must fall inside a narrow window (23–28 in on the Hudson; 28–31 in marine).

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Season

Hudson River: Apr 1 – Nov 30. Marine District: Apr 15 – Dec 15.

Apr 1 – Nov 30Hudson River (north of the George Washington Bridge; closed Dec 1 – Mar 31 above the Mario M. Cuomo / Tappan Zee Bridge)
Apr 15 – Dec 15Marine District (NY ocean + Long Island Sound)

Bag & possession

Daily bag: 1 / day
Possession: 1 in possession

Size, slot, trophy rules

Size: Hudson River slot 23–28 in; Marine slot 28–31 in
Slot: Hudson River 23–28 in; Marine 28–31 in (release fish outside slot)
Trophy rule: Catch-and-release only outside slot windows

Gear restrictions

Non-offset (inline) circle hooks required when fishing with natural bait (Hudson River and marine district)
No gaffing of slot-size fish
Marine Registry required for saltwater participation

Named water-body overrides

Where statewide rules differ on specific New York waters:

Hudson River (north of the George Washington Bridge)
Slot 23–28 in; 1 / day; Apr 1 – Nov 30; closed Dec 1 – Mar 31 above the Tappan Zee / Cuomo Bridge
Long Island Sound
Marine slot 28–31 in; 1 / day; Apr 15 – Dec 15
Montauk Point
Marine slot; fall blitz heavily fished
Jamaica Bay
Marine slot; urban estuary fishery

Official source

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation publishes the authoritative 2026 New Yorkfishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.

The striped bass rules on this page are sourced from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's official striped bass regulation page.

Visit official New York fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

Striped bass closures, slot-limit changes, and harvest pauses are posted to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's emergency-order feed — check it before any New York trip during the active season.

Frequently asked questions

When is striped bass season in New York?: Hudson River: Apr 1 – Nov 30. Marine District: Apr 15 – Dec 15. Those are the 2026 New York dates; always confirm against New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before a trip, because an emergency order can shift an opener with little notice.
What is the New York bag limit for striped bass?: The New York daily bag limit for striped bass is 1 / day. The possession limit is 1 in possession. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.
What size striped bass can you keep in New York?: The New York size rule for striped bass is Hudson River slot 23–28 in; Marine slot 28–31 in. Slot limit: Hudson River 23–28 in; Marine 28–31 in (release fish outside slot). Trophy rule: Catch-and-release only outside slot windows.
Do you need a license to fish for striped bass in New York?: Yes. New York requires a valid fishing license to fish for striped bass, with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a New York license — compare resident and non-resident New York fees on the state regulations page below.
Are there gear restrictions for striped bass in New York?: Yes. In New York, striped bass fishing carries these gear rules: Non-offset (inline) circle hooks required when fishing with natural bait (Hudson River and marine district); No gaffing of slot-size fish; Marine Registry required for saltwater participation.
Do specific New York waters have different striped bass rules?: Yes. 4 named New York waters carry rules that override the statewide striped bass regulation, including Hudson River (north of the George Washington Bridge), Long Island Sound, Montauk Point, and 1 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.

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