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Best Fishing Spots in New York

From the Great Lakes to the Adirondacks to Long Island Sound, New York has far more fishing than most people expect — including some of the best smallmouth and steelhead water in the East.

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Hot spots, seasonal bites and practical tips. One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Top fishing spots

  1. 1. Lake Erie (Buffalo / Dunkirk)

    The eastern basin is famous for heavyweight smallmouth bass and strong summer walleye trolling.

    Main species: Smallmouth bass, walleye

  2. 2. Lake Ontario

    Deep, cold water with big king salmon in late summer and great brown trout trolling.

    Main species: Chinook salmon, brown trout, lake trout

  3. 3. Salmon River (Pulaski)

    One of the most famous tributaries in the country for fall salmon and winter steelhead.

    Main species: Salmon, steelhead

  4. 4. St. Lawrence River / Thousand Islands

    Rocky shoals and islands with trophy smallmouth and historic musky fishing.

    Main species: Smallmouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike

  5. 5. Lake Champlain

    A long, scenic lake on the Vermont border with excellent bass and pike.

    Main species: Largemouth & smallmouth bass, northern pike

  6. 6. Finger Lakes

    Deep glacial lakes with lake trout, landlocked salmon and good bass fishing along the shallows.

    Main species: Lake trout, bass, yellow perch

  7. 7. Montauk / Long Island

    A saltwater hub for fall striper blitzes and summer fluke.

    Main species: Striped bass, fluke, bluefish

Popular species

Smallmouth bassLargemouth bassWalleyeSalmonSteelheadLake troutStriped bassFluke

Regulations snapshot

  • Freshwater anglers 16 and older generally need a license.
  • Marine fishing requires free registration with the state.
  • Some tributaries have special seasons and gear rules.
  • Licenses are sold online through NYSDEC.
Licenses & full rules

Seasonal tips

  • Salmon River runs peak in September–October.
  • Steelhead fishing is strong through winter into spring.
  • Montauk's fall run is usually best in October and November.
  • Bass season opening dates vary — check before you go.

Get free weekly fishing updates for New York

Hot spots, seasonal bites and practical tips. One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Always check current regulations with the official state fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Official agency: New York State DEC