Casting a Line in New York: A Guide to the Best Fishing Spots in the Empire State

Here are some of the top rivers and lakes for fishing in New York:

Lake Ontario

With a surface area of more than 7,300 square miles, Lake Ontario is the biggest freshwater lake in the world and the easternmost of the Great Lakes. Numerous fish species, such as Chinook and Coho salmon, lake trout, steelhead, brown trout, and smallmouth bass, can be found in Lake Ontario.
Although ice fishing is popular in the winter, the typical fishing season for Lake Ontario is from April through September.

There are several popular fishing locations on Lake Ontario, including the Salmon River, the Oswego River, and the Genesee River. Lake Ontario is also known for its world-class salmon fishing, with many anglers traveling from around the world to try their luck at catching one of the lake’s massive Chinook salmon.

Anglers can still enjoy a productive day on the water by using the correct techniques and equipment, despite the hard fishing circumstances that Lake Ontario’s distinctive geography and prevailing wind patterns can produce. Lake Ontario is a well-liked location for outdoor enthusiasts due to its abundance of recreational opportunities, which include boating, swimming, and camping in addition to fishing.

Hudson River

From the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York to the Atlantic Ocean, the Hudson River travels 315 miles.
Numerous fish species, including striped bass, bluefish, shad, herring, sturgeon, and various varieties of trout, can be found in the Hudson River.
The Hudson River’s fishing season normally lasts from April through November, with the summer months being the busiest.

Depending on the location and season, the Hudson River provides chances for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
The Catskill Mountains, the Tappan Zee Bridge, and the Hudson Highlands are a few of the well-known fishing spots along the Hudson River.

The Hudson River is known for its annual shad run, where thousands of American shad swim upstream from the ocean to spawn in the river.
Anglers on the Hudson River are encouraged to practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve the river’s fish populations for future generations.
In addition to fishing, the Hudson River offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, and hiking along the scenic riverfront.

Adirondack Lakes

The Adirondack Park is home to over 3,000 lakes and ponds, offering a vast array of fishing opportunities.
The most common fish species found in Adirondack lakes include lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch.

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Adirondack lakes are popular for ice fishing during the winter months, with many anglers taking advantage of the cold weather to catch fish such as panfish, pike, and trout.
Many Adirondack lakes have restrictions on the use of motorboats to protect the environment and maintain a peaceful atmosphere for fishing.
There are many fishing tournaments held on Adirondack lakes throughout the year, with prizes awarded for the largest fish caught in different categories.
Adirondack lakes are also popular for fly fishing, with anglers using a variety of techniques to catch fish including dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.

Fishing in Adirondack Park is a popular pastime for both locals and tourists, with many guides and outfitters available to provide equipment and expertise to help anglers make the most of their fishing experience.

Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region of New York is named for its eleven long, narrow lakes that resemble fingers on a hand.
The Finger Lakes are home to a variety of fish species, including trout, salmon, bass, perch, and walleye.
Many of the Finger Lakes have a deep, clear water, which provides ideal conditions for fishing.

The Finger Lakes offer a variety of marinas and launch locations for boaters, allowing anglers to fish from the water as well as from the beach.
Fly fishing is especially well-liked in the Finger Lakes area, where there are numerous streams and rivers that offer great chances to catch trout.
State parks and wildlife management areas, as well as other public access locations, provide fishing opportunities at many of the Finger Lakes.
Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Keuka Lake are a few of the most well-known Finger Lakes for fishing and are known for producing fish with trophies.

Fishing tournaments are held regularly on the Finger Lakes, with prizes awarded for the largest fish caught in different categories.
The Finger Lakes are also home to many fishing guides and outfitters who offer equipment rentals, instruction, and guided fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels.
Fishing in the Finger Lakes is a popular recreational activity for both locals and tourists, with many hotels and resorts offering fishing packages and amenities.

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is a large, freshwater lake located in the northeastern United States, with a portion of it extending into New York State.
The lake is home to a wide variety of fish species, including lake trout, salmon, bass, walleye, and northern pike.
Lake Champlain is particularly known for its trophy-sized fish, with many anglers coming to the lake in search of record-breaking catches.

A variety of fishing options are available on Lake Champlain, including shore fishing, boat fishing, and ice fishing in the winter.
On Lake Champlain, there are numerous public access places for fishing, such as state parks, wildlife management areas, and fishing piers.
On Lake Champlain, fishing competitions are periodically organized, and prizes are given for the biggest fish caught in various categories.

Lake Champlain is also home to many fishing guides and outfitters who offer equipment rentals, instruction, and guided fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels.
The lake is known for its scenic beauty, with many anglers enjoying the opportunity to fish while surrounded by stunning mountain vistas and historic sites.
Fishing on Lake Champlain is a popular recreational activity for both locals and tourists, with many hotels and resorts offering fishing packages and amenities.

Salmon River

The Salmon River is a major river in upstate New York that flows into Lake Ontario.
The river is named for its abundance of salmon, including chinook, coho, and Atlantic salmon, which are popular with anglers.
The Salmon River is also home to other fish species, including steelhead, brown trout, and smallmouth bass.

The Salmon River is considered one of the best spots in the Northeast for salmon and steelhead fishing, with many anglers coming from around the country to fish the river.
The river offers a range of fishing opportunities, including fly fishing, bait fishing, and spin fishing.
The Salmon River is known for its annual salmon run, which typically takes place in the fall and attracts thousands of anglers hoping to catch a trophy-sized fish.

There are many public access points for fishing on the Salmon River, including state parks, wildlife management areas, and fishing piers.
Fishing guides and outfitters are available to provide equipment, instruction, and guided fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels.
The Salmon River is also home to many outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Delaware River

The Delaware River is a major river that flows through several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
The New York section of the Delaware River is home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, and trout.
The river is known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities, with many anglers coming to the area in search of wild trout.
The Delaware River is also home to other popular game fish, including striped bass, shad, and catfish.

The river offers a range of fishing opportunities, including shore fishing, wading, and boat fishing.
The Delaware River is known for its scenic beauty, with many anglers enjoying the opportunity to fish while surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

On the Delaware River, there are numerous public access places for fishing, including state parks, wildlife management areas, and fishing piers.
Anglers of all skill levels can take advantage of the equipment, education, and guided fishing trips offered by fishing guides and outfitters.
Numerous outdoor leisure pursuits are also available along the Delaware River, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Oneida Lake

Oneida Lake is a large, shallow lake located in central New York State.
The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike.
Oneida Lake is considered one of the top walleye fishing destinations in the northeastern United States, with many anglers coming to the lake in search of trophy-sized fish.

Oneida Lake offers a range of fishing opportunities, including shore fishing, boat fishing, and ice fishing in the winter months.
The lake is known for its excellent panfishing, with many anglers catching large numbers of yellow perch, bluegill, and crappie.
There are many public access points for fishing on Oneida Lake, including state parks, wildlife management areas, and fishing piers.

Fishing tournaments are held regularly on Oneida Lake, with prizes awarded for the largest fish caught in different categories.
Oneida Lake is also home to many fishing guides and outfitters who offer equipment rentals, instruction, and guided fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels.
The lake is a popular recreational destination for both locals and tourists, with many hotels and resorts offering fishing packages and amenities.

Lake Erie

Lake Erie is one of the Great Lakes and is located in the westernmost part of New York State, forming part of the border with Canada.
The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and steelhead trout.
Lake Erie is considered one of the top fishing destinations in the northeastern United States, with many anglers coming to the lake in search of trophy-sized fish.

A variety of fishing options are available on Lake Erie, including shore fishing, boat fishing, and ice fishing in the winter.
The lake is well recognized for its exceptional walleye fishing, and during the spring and summer, many fisherman catch significant quantities of fish.
Other well-known game fish, such as steelhead trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch, can be found in Lake Erie.

There are many public access points for fishing on Lake Erie, including state parks, wildlife management areas, and fishing piers.
Fishing tournaments are held regularly on Lake Erie, with prizes awarded for the largest fish caught in different categories.
Lake Erie is also a popular recreational destination for boating, swimming, and other water activities, with many marinas and resorts offering fishing packages and amenities.

Schroon Lake

Schroon Lake is a large, deep lake located in the Adirondack Mountains in eastern New York State.
The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including lake trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike.
Schroon Lake is known for its excellent lake trout fishing, with many anglers coming to the lake in search of trophy-sized fish.

A variety of fishing options are available at Schroon Lake, including shore, boat, and ice fishing in the winter.
The lake is also a well-liked spot for fly fishing, with many fishermen catching trout with dry flies and nymphs.
On Schroon Lake, there are numerous public access places for fishing, such as state parks, boat launches, and fishing piers.

Fishing guides and outfitters are available to provide equipment, instruction, and guided fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels.
The lake is surrounded by scenic forests and mountains, making it a popular destination for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Schroon Lake is also home to many resorts and vacation rentals that cater to anglers and offer fishing packages and amenities.

In New York State, a fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older who wishes to fish in freshwater bodies.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regularly stocks lakes and rivers with various species of fish to help maintain healthy populations and improve the fishing experience for anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions