6 Best Fishing Lakes in New York
Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Whether you’re looking to go on a solo fishing trip or looking for a local angler who can teach you a new fishing technique or show you new fishing spots, look to the Empire State’s lakes, rivers, and coastal area as the destination of your next fishing trip. Let’s explore some of the best places to go fishing in New York, where memorable catches and scenic beauty await.
Lake Ontario
As one of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario offers world-class fishing opportunities. Renowned for its salmon and trout fishing, anglers can target Chinook and coho salmon, as well as brown and lake trout. Spring and summer months are prime for salmon fishing, while fall brings excellent opportunities for brown trout. The lake’s vastness allows for various fishing techniques, from trolling to deep-water jigging. Numerous ports along the lake provide easy access for boat anglers, with hotspots near Oswego and the Niagara River mouth.
Explore fishing boat rentals around Lake Ontario
Oyster Bay
Located on the north shore of Long Island, Oyster Bay lives up to its name as a prime location for oyster harvesting. This historic area, once home to Theodore Roosevelt, boasts rich oyster beds in its sheltered harbor. The cool, clean waters of Long Island Sound create ideal conditions for oyster growth, resulting in the prized Oyster Bay oysters known for their briny flavor and plump meat. Recreational shellfishing is permitted here, but anglers must obtain a shellfish permit from the Town of Oyster Bay. The season typically runs from May to September, with specific regulations on catch limits and size restrictions.
Explore fishing boat rentals around Oyster Bay
Oneida Lake
After Lake Erie, many anglers say Oneida Lake is next best place to go fishing for walleye.
Oneida Lake is a 51,072-acre freshwater lake known for its excellent walleye and yellow perch fishing. Spring and fall offer prime walleye action, while summer months are great for targeting smallmouth bass. The lake’s relatively shallow depth and numerous shoals create ideal habitats for a variety of fish species. Ice fishing is popular during winter months. Find a guided fishing experience and allow an angler to show you a few techniques while here.
Explore fishing boat rentals around Oneida Lake
Hudson River
The Hudson River offers diverse fishing opportunities along its 315-mile course. The lower Hudson is famous for its striped bass runs in spring and fall, attracting anglers from across the region. Further upriver, anglers can target largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and various panfish species. The river’s tidal nature in its lower reaches creates unique fishing conditions, with productive spots near structure and tributary mouths. Boat anglers can explore numerous access points along the river, from Albany to New York City.
Explore fishing boat rentals around Hudson River
Lake Champlain
Straddling the New York-Vermont border, Lake Champlain is a 271,000-acre freshwater lake offering exceptional fishing opportunities. Known for its lake trout and landlocked salmon, the lake also supports healthy populations of bass, pike, and panfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons for salmon and trout, while summer offers excellent bass fishing. The lake’s varied structure, from deep basins to shallow bays, provides diverse habitats for different species. Boat anglers can explore countless fishing spots across this vast waterway.
Explore fishing boat rentals around Lake Champlain
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region comprises eleven long, narrow lakes, each offering unique fishing experiences. Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the largest of the group, are known for their lake trout and landlocked salmon fishing. Keuka Lake is famous for its smallmouth bass, while Canandaigua Lake offers excellent rainbow trout fishing. You can find a local angler to go ice fishing, a popular activity during winter.
Explore fishing boat rentals around Finger Lakes
New York’s diverse fishing locations offer something for every angler, from the vast waters of Lake Ontario to the scenic Finger Lakes. Whether you’re targeting trophy salmon, battling striped bass, or seeking peaceful lake fishing, the Empire State delivers unforgettable angling experiences. These fishing spots not only provide excellent opportunities to land a prized catch but also offer stunning natural beauty and recreational activities for the whole family. As you plan your fishing adventure in New York, remember to check local regulations and consider hiring a guide to maximize your success on unfamiliar waters. With the right preparation and a bit of luck, you might just experience the catch of a lifetime in one of New York’s premier fishing locations.
Explore fishing boat rentals in New York
Learn more about lakes in New York
About us
Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app (App Store | Google Play) and follow us on Instagram.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
