FISHING IN NEW YORK
New York State has some of the finest fishing in the country. Whether it's smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie, brook trout fishing on a crystal clear Adirondack lake, Pacific salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, fishing for stripers on the Hudson River, brown trout fishing on the Beaver Kill or fishing for bluefish in Montauk's surf, there's something special there for everyone. With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of miles of coastline, fishing opportunities are always nearby!
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN NEW YORK
GRAFTON LAKES STATE PARKS
This State Park is great for fishing and boating. Facilities includes boat launches and rentals, and anglers can fish for rainbow trout, and bass.
IRONDEQUOIT BAY
HEMPSTEAD LAKE STATE PARK
The Park offers a boat launch and many species of fish species including largemouth bass, chain pickerel, trout, and bluegill.
GET A NEW YORK FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN NEW YORK
BLUEFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
You can sniff out bluefish by their smell, which is something like fresh cucumbers.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-foot, light- to medium-action spinning |
| Reel | Matching spinning reel with quality drag |
| Line | 15-20-pound braid; and 20-pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Lure | Popper's; Bluefish aren't picky about lure type, just needs to create a surface disturbance. Smaller does well. |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
STRIPED BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
To most freshwater anglers, the striped bass is a very important game fish is relatively new.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7 or 7.5-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | 4000 Spinning reel |
| Line | 15-20 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Topwater, Shallow Running Crankbaits,Medium Running Crankbaits, Deep Running Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
BROOK TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brook trout is one of the most popular game fishes in northeastern North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 4-5 foot light weight flexible spinning or spin-cast rod |
| Reel | Spin-casting or spinning reel |
| Line | 6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Gold or Silver Spoons (not longer than 2 inches), Night Crawlers, Minnow-like-spinner, Jig |
FLOUNDER
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The flounder is a rapid swimmer and a good light-tackle game fish. It is the most important flatfish of the Atlantic states.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-foot, medium casting rod |
| Reel | Light to medium reel |
| Line | 10-12 pound test braid of fluorocarbon line, 20- pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Lure | Live Bait (Minnow, Mullet, Croakers, Shrimp), Artificial Bait (Red, Pink, White or Yellow Grub-Tailed Jigs), (use sinker as well) |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
SALTWATER BAY FISHING
Reefs, hills and shallows are some the best saltwater fishing locations.
