Fishing season for walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskellunge opens on May 2 in St. Lawrence County.

Bass anglers should check the New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html to ensure that the water they desire to fish is open to catch and release angling.

The regular harvest season for black bass opens June 20.

Muskellunge anglers are reminded that the opening day for muskellunge has been moved up to the last Saturday in May. The minimum size limit has also been increased to 54 inches on the St. Lawrence River where it was increased to 54 inches.

A number of other regulations changes were enacted April 1.

These can be found in the 2015-16 Freshwater Fishing Regulations guide now available at all sporting license sales outlets.

“Although New York has become a destination for bass anglers from around the country, great fishing does not stop with bass,” said Commissioner Joseph Martens. “Fishing for muskellunge, northern pike, walleye and channel catfish is expected to be outstanding across the state this year.”

Other popular springtime targets include yellow perch, sunfish and crappie. These species are common throughout the state and provide easy fishing for even novice anglers. A complete listing of 2015 warmwater fishing hotspots recommended by DEC biologists can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/64710.html on the DEC website.