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Weather its New York Trout fishing, New York bass fishing, New York striper fishing, New York Salmon fishing, New York Catfish fishing, New York steelhead fishing, New York Panfish fishing, New York pike/muskie fishing, New York Walleye fishing,  New York Marlin Fishing, New York Salt Water Fishing, New York Tuna fishing, New York Tarpon fishing, New York Snook fishing, New York Red fish fishing We have the New York state fishing regulations for your trip into the wilderness or on the water covered in one easy to location.
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New York Fishing Report

If you’re planning a fishing trip to New York, you have some excellent choices for lakes and streams throughout the state including Allegheny Reservoir, Ashokan Reservoir, Black Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Cannonsville Reservoir, Carry Falls Reservoir, Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Conesus Lake, Cranberry Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Keuka Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Lake Placid, Long Lake, Lows Lake - Bog River Flow, Oneida Lake, Otsego Lake, Owasco Lake, Pepacton Reservoir, Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, Saratoga Lake, Seneca Lake, Schroon Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Pond, Upper Saranac Lake and others. Many of the lakes in New York have camping facilities as well as other accommodations nearby. New York is well known for excellent Bass, Salmon and Trout fishing. Additionally, in waters around the state you’ll find populations of Walleye, Crappie, Catfish, Musky, Tiger Musky, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Longnose Gar, Bowfin and sunfish including Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch which are plentiful in some waters.

Fishing is regulated in New York by the Fish & Game Department.

Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Fishing in New York.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in the New York area.

Bass Fishing Lakes In New York

It's hard to find fishing water in New York without bass. Private ponds, small lakes, rivers and parks are potential bass homes. The major lakes in NY with healthy populations of bass include Allegheny Reservoir, Ashokan Reservoir, Black Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Cannonsville Reservoir, Carry Falls Reservoir, Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Conesus Lake, Cranberry Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Keuka Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Lake Placid, Long Lake, Lows Lake - Bog River Flow, Oneida Lake, Otsego Lake, Owasco Lake, Pepacton Reservoir, Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, Saratoga Lake, Seneca Lake, Schroon Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

The New York state record largemouth bass came from Buckhorn Lake and the NY state record smallmouth bass came out of Lake Erie.

Trout Fishing in New York

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Trout Fishing Lakes In New York

Plenty of trout water in New York to keep any angler happy. Most streams, rivers and creeks have trout and the Adirondack area has miles of excellent waters. 

Major lakes in NY with healthy populations of trout include Ashokan Reservoir, Canandaigua Lake, Cannonsville Reservoir, Cayuga Lake, Cranberry Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Keuka Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Otsego Lake, Owasco Lake, Pepacton Reservoir, Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, Seneca Lake, Schroon Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

The New York state record brook trout came from the Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness Area. The NY state record brown trout and rainbow were caught from Lake Ontario. Lake Erie produced the state record lake trout.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are found in clear cold waters which seldom exceed 68 degrees. As the waters to warm, the brook trout population begins to diminish. Its primary food source is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes.

Fishing for brook trout is the easiest of all the trouts. Look for gravel bottom streams with a moderate current, plenty of waterfalls and ponds which include rocks and cover. Overhanging trees offer additional shade, attract insects and offer protection from preying birds. Duplicate their food source and you are in business.

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

The brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer waters than the brook trout and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. It is much more wary than other trouts which help ensure its longevity in waters where other trouts get fished out.

When brown trout fishing look for quiet water with lots of cover. Logs, under cuts in the bank, rock shelves, overhanging trees and brush are some of the brown trouts favorite hiding places. The larger they get, the more wary they become and are more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.

Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Dry fly fishing for pan-sized browns is a favorite technique as they rise well to these crafty presentations. Larger browns tend to feed more on flesh and favor nutritious crustaceans, worms or small fishes. When fly fishing for large brown trout use wet flies which mimic the local natural baitfish.

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

The lake trout is by far the largest of the trouts. It lives in deep cold lakes and is also known as Great Lakes trout, Mackinaw trout and salmon trout. It feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which abound in its home waters. Minnows, smelt, eels and any variety of small fishes are part of the lake trout's diet. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite.

In early spring these fish can be taken in the lake shallows on dry flies, wet flies and other slow moving presentations. Once the surface waters warm the lake trout retreats to deep water where trolling with heavy tackle is the preferred method. Spoons and baitfish imitating lures worked near the bottom provide the best results. As summer warms the water, cowbells and other flashing devices trolled deep often can get you to the depth where the lake trout stalk.

Salmon Fishing in New York

Salmon Fishing Lakes In New York

With border access to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, New York fishermen have opportunities for catching quality and quantities of salmon. The world record coho was caught by a NY angler.

Other major lakes in NY with healthy populations of salmon include Canandaigua Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, Otsego Lake, Seneca Lake, Schroon Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Union Falls Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

The New York state record atlantic salmon and coho salmon came from Lake Ontario. The NY state record chinook (king) salmon came form the Salmon River. Twin Lakes produced the NY state record for kokanee salmon. Lake Erie served up the NY state record pink (humpback) salmon.

 

Walleye Fishing in New York

Walleye
Stizostedion vitreum

The walleye prefers moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in some warmer water impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting white, flaky flesh.

Walleye Fishing Lakes In New York

Walleye anglers in NY have plenty of options. Major lakes wit populations of walleye include Allegheny Reservoir, Ashokan Reservoir, Black Lake, Carry Falls Reservoir, Chautauqua Lake, Conesus Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, Owasco Lake, Saratoga Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Pond and Upper Saranac Lake. Many of the rivers and streams flowing into and out of these lakes also contain walleye.

The New York state record walleye came from Kinzua Reservoir

New York walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Fish for New York walleye with live bait, crankbaits, spoons, small spinner baits as well as plastic worms and grubs.

Crappie Fishing in New York

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in all the continental states. They are known by many different names, typically based on geographic location. Paper mouth, goggleye, bridge perch and speckled perch, just to name a few.

Crappie Fishing Lakes In New York

NY crappie can be found through the state in ponds, rivers, small lakes and parks. The bigger schools reside in major lakes like Ashokan Reservoir, Black Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Keuka Lake, Kinzua Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Placid, Long Lake, Oneida Lake, Pepacton Reservoir and Saratoga Lake.

The New York state record black crappie came from Duck Lake and Sleepy Hollow Lake produced the NY state record white crappie.

Catfish Fishing in New York

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Lakes In New York

Some of the major NY lakes with catfish include Blue Mountain Lake, Conesus Lake, Cranberry Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Placid, Long Lake, Oneida Lake, Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, Schroon Lake and Tupper Lake. Smaller lakes, rivers and ponds also contain catfish.

The New York state record channel catfish came from Lake Lauderdale. New Croton Reservoir served up the NY state record for white catfish.

Sunfish Fishing in New York for Bluegills, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch and Other NY Panfish.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout New York and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, crustaceans, insects and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Sunfish Lakes In New York

Panfish are in most fishing waters in NY, particularly the warmer waters. They are a part of the food source for predator fish like bass and walleye. You can find panfish in ponds, rivers, lakes and streams.

Allegheny Reservoir, Ashokan Reservoir, Black Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Cannonsville Reservoir, Carry Falls Reservoir, Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Conesus Lake, Cranberry Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Keuka Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Lake Placid, Long Lake, Lows Lake - Bog River Flow, Oneida Lake, Otsego Lake, Owasco Lake, Pepacton Reservoir, Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, Saratoga Lake, Seneca Lake, Schroon Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Pond and Upper Saranac Lake all have populations of panfish.

The New York state record bluegill came from Kohlbach Pond. Oscaleta Lake produced the state record white perch and Indian Lake delivered the NY state record pumpkinseed sunfish. The NY state record yellow perch came from Lake Erie.

Striper Fishing in New York

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams which drain into the ocean become the spawning grounds for stripers.

Striper Fishing Lakes In New York

The Hudson River is the primary striped bass fishing waters for inland New York. Coastal waters and the tributaries flowing into them also provide striper fishing opportunities. The New York state inland-record striped bass came from the Hudson River.

Fishing for Musky, Tiger Musky, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Longnose Gar and Bowfin in New York

Musky - Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
World Record: 69.9 lbs
The largest of the pike family, they are found in about half the states, primarily the northern and northeastern states. They prefer clear water with temperatures from 60 to 70 degrees. Also known as musky, muskie and great pike, they eat any fish they can catch and prefer to ambush their prey. They also eat crayfish, frogs and birds. Use large lures (salt-water sizes) and heavy line when fishing for muskellunge. They will hit lures and fresh cut bait. They are known for their speed and are exceptionally strong for short runs.

Tiger Musky - Muskellunge
Esox lucius ~ Esox masquinongy
USA Record: 51.2 lbs.
The tiger muskellunge is a cross of the musky and northern pike. Male Tiger Muskellunge are most often sterile yet some females are fertile. Tiger muskies tend to be smaller than non-hybrid muskies but grow very fast. The body is often quite silvery with brownish fins and tail, without spots but displays broken vertical markings. Like their parent, they eat any fish they can catch and prefer to ambush their prey. They also eat crayfish, frogs and birds. Use large lures and stout line when fishing for tiger muskellunge. They will hit lures and fresh cut bait. They are known for their speed and are exceptionally strong for short runs.

Northern Pike
Esox Lucius
IFGA Record: 55.1 lbs
The northern pike is a valient fighter and prefers water temperatures from 58 to 70 degrees. Also known as jack, jackfish, great northern pike and pickerel. While they have been transplanted into most states with cold water, they are native to the northern states and are abundant in the north-eastern states. Northern pike are basically olive in color with white and/or yellow bellies. The northern pike has light-colored marking on a dark body whish is opposite that of their cousins the muskies.They are an ambushing predator that eats frogs, crayfish, birds and virtually any fish they can get into their mouth. Use spinners, fish-immitating lures, jerk-baits or cutbait and fish close to cover.

Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
World Record: 9.4 lbs.
A freshwater fish in the pike family easily identified by the "chain-like marking along its sides. It can be found in the northwest, northeast and southeast sections of the USA. Its primary food source is smaller fish and is known to lie in wait to ambush its prey. While it can be eaten it is not considered one of the better sport fishes for table fare. The chain peickere can be caught on fish-imitation lures and live or cut bait. Watch the sharp teeth when handling. Prefers water temperatures from 62 to 70 degrees. Also known as pickerel, eastern pickerel, pike, grass pike, jackfish, jack and others.

Longnose Gar
Lepisosteus osseus
World Record: 25 lbs
The Longnose Gar can be found in lakes and rivers and prefers quiet backwaters with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees. Also referred to as gar and garfish, It has a long, sword-like mouth loaded with sharp teeth. They are nocturnal feeders and eat most smaller fish. They can be taken on live bait, fish-imitating lures and nylon string "gobs designed to entangle in their teeth. Most longnose gar are taken by bowfishing or spear fishing. The meat is somewhat tasty but quite bony.

Bowfin
Amia calva
World Record: 21.5 lbs.
Found in waters around Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, the bowfin prefers water temperatures of the warmer climates. It has an exceptionally long dorsal fin which extends back to the tail, made of about 50 spines or rays. Near the upper tail is an eye spot. They have very sharp teeth and a nasty disposition when hooked. Handle with caution. They are most often caught on cut bait and crayfish. They put up quite a fight and are not considered good eating. The bowfin is also known as dogfish, mud pike, mudfish, grindle, swamp bass and others.

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