LivewellNew York · Orange County · Reservoir
Rio Reservoir
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Rio Reservoir, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
New York also has statewide guidance
New York publishes rules that apply to reservoirs across the state — 66 recommendations covering 21 species — in addition to anything listed for Rio Reservoir below.
Strictest statewide rule: Chain Pickerel — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat.
What's safe to eat from Rio Reservoir
Yellow Perch
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Over 10" | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
| All sizes | Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are New York's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | 05-03 – 03-15 |
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | 12-01 – 11-30 | 06-21 – 11-30 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | 06-21 – 11-30 |
| Northern Pike | 22" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 40" min | 1 | Year-round | 05-24 – 03-15 |
| Chain Pickerel | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | 50 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: New York — New York DEC
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.5 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.