Freshwater sportfishing season for walleye, northern pike, pickerel, and tiger muskellunge opens May 2 in New York State. There is also a black bass catch and release season now underway in many waters throughout the state. 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. The opening day for muskellunge has been moved up to May 30. To get a current fishing license visit http://licensecenter.ny.gov/. An interactive map of public fishing locations can also be found on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/42978.html.