New York Spring Fish Runs: Walleye, River Herring and More

At Oneida Lake, usually in late March and April. That timing comes from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The day each year follows the water: the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission puts the walleye spawn at 45 to 50°F.

On the Hudson River, usually in April through June. That timing comes from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The day each year follows the water: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says river herring spawn once it reaches about 57°F.

On the Hudson River, usually in April through June. That timing comes from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The day each year follows the water: the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission puts the striped bass spawn at 55 to 67°F.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission gives 45 to 50°F for walleye, the figure each New York verdict reads the water against. Water inside that range means the spawn can be on; within 5°F below it, the run is getting close.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives 57°F for river herring, the figure each New York verdict reads the water against. A single figure is a mark: water at or above it means the spawn can be on.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation names Cleveland Dock, Three Mile Bay, Toad Harbor, Verona Beach State Park and Oneida Shores County Park at Oneida Lake.

Each run card follows the usual months its source gives. The spawn itself waits on the water, so a river thermometer read against the spawning temperature on the card settles it: more than 5°F below the spawning temperature is Not yet, within 5°F is Getting close, inside the range is On, and above it late in the run is Winding down.

No. The months are the usual window, and the water sets the day: a cold spring holds a run back, and a warm one brings it forward. In New York, a reading at the river against the spawning temperature shows where the water stands.