Can I Keep?American lobster Regulations in New York (2026)
Recreational american lobster rules in New York saltwater, as published by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Marine Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational American lobster rules in New York
- Where
- LMA 4
- Size limit
- 3 3/8" minimum carapace length 5 1/4" maximum carapace length
- Bag limit
- 6
- Season
- LMA 4: closed April 30 - May 31
- Recreational permit required
- Lobsters and crabs with eggs may not be taken or possessed.
- State law limits recreational take to no more than 50 crabs of any single species or combination of species may be harvested per person per day. At no time may a person be in possession of more than the daily recreational limit of five horseshoe crabs.
- Regulations were last changed on May 11, 2022 and are subject to change at any time.
- LMA 4: closed April 30 - May 31 LMA 6: closed Sept 8 - Nov 28 All other LMAs: open all year Descriptions & locations of lobster management areas (LMAs) are available in Part 44: Lobster and Crab Regulations
- Where
- LMA 6
- Size limit
- 3 3/8" minimum carapace length 5 1/4" maximum carapace length
- Bag limit
- 6
- Season
- LMA 6: closed Sept 8 - Nov 28
- Recreational permit required
- Lobsters and crabs with eggs may not be taken or possessed.
- State law limits recreational take to no more than 50 crabs of any single species or combination of species may be harvested per person per day. At no time may a person be in possession of more than the daily recreational limit of five horseshoe crabs.
- Regulations were last changed on May 11, 2022 and are subject to change at any time.
- LMA 4: closed April 30 - May 31 LMA 6: closed Sept 8 - Nov 28 All other LMAs: open all year Descriptions & locations of lobster management areas (LMAs) are available in Part 44: Lobster and Crab Regulations
- Where
- All other LMAs
- Size limit
- 3 3/8" minimum carapace length 5 1/4" maximum carapace length
- Bag limit
- 6
- Season
- All other LMAs: open all year
- Recreational permit required
- Lobsters and crabs with eggs may not be taken or possessed.
- State law limits recreational take to no more than 50 crabs of any single species or combination of species may be harvested per person per day. At no time may a person be in possession of more than the daily recreational limit of five horseshoe crabs.
- Regulations were last changed on May 11, 2022 and are subject to change at any time.
- LMA 4: closed April 30 - May 31 LMA 6: closed Sept 8 - Nov 28 All other LMAs: open all year Descriptions & locations of lobster management areas (LMAs) are available in Part 44: Lobster and Crab Regulations
Quick answers
What is the american lobster size limit in New York?
3 3/8" minimum carapace length 5 1/4" maximum carapace length (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many american lobster can I keep in New York?
6 (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is american lobster season in New York?
LMA 4: closed April 30 - May 31. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare American lobster limits in other states →
More crabs, lobster & shrimp in New York
All New York saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Marine Resources. Most anglers need a New York saltwater license or registry: get one here.