Best Times & Seasons to Fish in New York State (Full Guide)

New York offers some of the best fishing in the Northeast. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in NY can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in New York are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in NY.

Month	New York Fishing Location
January	Salmon River, Altmar – Winter steelhead fishing in the Tailwater area.
February	Battenkill River, Greenwich – Trout fishing for brown and rainbow trout in the “No Kill” section.
March	Beaverkill River, Roscoe – Trout fishing for brown and rainbow trout in the lower section.
April	Esopus Creek, Mount Tremper – Trout fishing for brown and rainbow trout in the upper section.
May	Delaware River, Hancock – Trout fishing for brown and rainbow trout in the upper section.
June	Lake Ontario, Oswego – Trophy smallmouth bass fishing around the harbor.
July	Lake George, Hague – Bass fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
August	St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay – Musky fishing in the Heart Island area.
September	Salmon River, Pulaski – Salmon and steelhead fishing in the upper and lower sections.
October	Niagara River, Lewiston – Steelhead and brown trout fishing in the Devil’s Hole area.
November	Black River, Dexter – Walleye fishing in the deep pools.
December	Lake Erie, Buffalo – Ice fishing for perch and walleye in the Buffalo Small Boat Harbor.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in New York. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in New York

Beaver Kill, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Ausable River, Adirondacks – May to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

West Branch of the Delaware River, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Esopus Creek, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Battenkill River, Hudson Valley – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Neversink River, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Salmon River, Lake Ontario – September to May, Steelhead and Salmon.

Canandaigua Lake Outlet, Finger Lakes – April to October, Brown Trout.

Willowemoc Creek, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Genesee River, Western New York – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Canadice Lake Outlet, Finger Lakes – April to October, Brown Trout.

Tioughnioga River, Central New York – April to October, Brown Trout.

Saranac River, Adirondacks – May to October, Brown Trout.

Delaware River, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Cattaraugus Creek, Western New York – October to April, Steelhead.

Schoharie Creek, Catskills – April to October, Brown Trout.

Oswegatchie River, Adirondacks – May to October, Brook Trout.

Chateaugay River, Adirondacks – May to October, Brook Trout.

Oak Orchard Creek, Lake Ontario – September to May, Steelhead and Salmon.

Chenango River, Central New York – April to October, Brown Trout.

Best Sections of Lakes to Fish in NY

Oak Orchard Creek, Lake Ontario – September to May, Chinook and Coho Salmon, Steelhead.

Lake Erie, Sturgeon Point – May to September, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye.

Chaumont Bay, Lake Ontario – May to September, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye.

Lake Erie, Cattaraugus Creek – September to May, Steelhead.

Irondequoit Bay, Lake Ontario – May to September, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye.

Genesee River, Lake Ontario – April to September, Chinook and Coho Salmon, Brown Trout.

Lake Erie, Van Buren Bay – May to September, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye.

Oswegatchie River, St. Lawrence River – May to September, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye.

Lake Ontario, Sodus Bay – April to September, Chinook and Coho Salmon, Brown Trout.

Lake Erie, Sturgeon Point to Buffalo – May to September, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye.

St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay – May to September, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye.

Delaware River, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Salmon River, Lake Ontario – September to May, Steelhead and Salmon.

Ausable River, Adirondacks – May to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Lake Champlain, Northeastern New York – May to October, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Lake Trout.

Esopus Creek, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Hudson River, Catskills – April to November, Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike.

West Branch of the Delaware River, Catskills – April to October, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Niagara River, Niagara Falls – March to November, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Brown Trout.

Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes – April to October, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Landlocked Salmon.

Canandaigua Lake, Finger Lakes – April to October, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass.

Recommended Fishing Guides in NY

These NY-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Crunch Time Sport Fishing	Montauk, NY
Niagara River Guide Service	Buffalo, NY
Boston Angler	Wolcott, NY
LATER ON Charters	Oswego, NY
Nv Fishing Charters	Saranac Lake, NY
Mark Lorenc Charters	Dunkirk, NY
Stalker Charters – Lake Ontario	Burt, NY
Montauk Charterboat CUJO	Montauk, NY
Battle Fish Charters	Saranac Lake, NY
Locked With Lorensen Charters	Pulaski, NY
Captain Chris Fishing Charters	Montauk, NY

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Bluefish

Bluefish are migratory fish found in New York’s coastal waters, making the best time to fish for them during their migration from May through October. Fishing during the early morning or late afternoon is recommended for best results. Good locations to fish for bluefish in New York include Montauk Point, Fire Island, and the Long Island Sound.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna can be found in the waters off the coast of New York in the late summer and early fall, from August to November. The best time to fish for them is usually in the morning or evening when the water is cooler. Some of the best locations for bluefin tuna fishing in New York include Montauk Point, the Hudson Canyon, and the Continental Shelf.

Flounder

Flounder fishing in New York is best in the late spring and early summer, typically from May to July. The best time of day for flounder fishing is during incoming and outgoing tides. Some of the best locations for flounder fishing in New York include the South Shore of Long Island, Jamaica Bay, and the Lower Hudson River.

Chinook Salmon

The best time to go fly fishing is usually from September to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. Some of the best locations to go fishing for Chinook salmon in New York are the Salmon River, the Oswego River, the Genesee River, and the Niagara River.

Coho Salmon

If you want to catch Coho salmon in New York, the best time for fly fishing is usually from late September to early November. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. Some of the best locations for fishing for Coho salmon in New York are the Salmon River, the Oswego River, the Genesee River, and the Niagara River.

American Shad

The best time to go is usually from mid-April to late May. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish, and you’ll want to focus on areas where the shad are migrating upstream to spawn. Some of the best locations to try your luck are the Hudson River, the Delaware River, and the Housatonic River.

Brook Trout

The best time to go fly fishing is usually from June to August. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. Some of the best locations for fly fishing for brook trout in New York are the Neversink River, the West Branch of the Delaware River, the Beaverkill River, and the Ausable River.

Brown Trout

The best months to go fly fishing are April to October. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times to fish. Some of the best locations for fly fishing for brown trout in New York are the Beaverkill River, the Ausable River, the West Branch of the Delaware River, and the Esopus Creek.

Steelhead (Lake Run Rainbow Trout)

The best time to go fly fishing is usually from October to May. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. Some of the best locations to go fly fishing for steelhead in New York are the Salmon River, the Oswego River, the Genesee River, and the Cattaraugus Creek.

Rainbow Trout

The best time to go fly fishing is usually from April to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. Some of the best locations for fly fishing for rainbow trout in New York are the Salmon River, the Beaverkill River, the West Branch of the Delaware River, and the Esopus Creek.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for northern pike in New York is during the cooler months from October to April. Early morning and late evening are the best times of day to fish for pike, especially during overcast or low-light conditions. Some of the best locations to fish for pike in New York include the St. Lawrence River, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack region.

Musky

For musky fishing in New York, the best time to go is usually from October to early December. The best time of day to fish for musky is during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations to try your luck for musky in New York are the St. Lawrence River, the Niagara River, and Chautauqua Lake.

Crappie

The best time to fish for crappie in New York is during spring, specifically from April to June, when the water temperature is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for crappie. Some of the best locations to fish for crappie in New York include Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, and Cayuga Lake.

Striped Bass

The best time to fish for striped bass in New York is from May to June and September to November, with the peak season in June and early July. Fishing is best during the early morning and late afternoon. The best locations to fish for stripers include the Hudson River, Montauk Point, and Long Island Sound.

American Eels

American eels are best fished during their migration season from August to October when they travel upriver to spawn. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch them. Some of the best locations for eel fishing in New York include the Hudson River, the Mohawk River, and the St. Lawrence River.

Walleye

The best time to fish for walleye in New York is spring and fall, particularly during low-light conditions like early morning and late afternoon. Some top locations to fish for walleye include Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. Other good spots include Chautauqua Lake, Oneida Lake, and the Niagara River.

Catfish

Catfish can be caught throughout the year in New York, but the best times to fish for them are in late spring and early summer. The best time of day to fish for catfish is usually during the evening and night. Some of the best locations for catfishing in New York include the Hudson River, the Oswego River, and Lake Champlain.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing in New York is best during the summer months. The best time of day to fish for largemouth bass is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Some of the best locations in New York for largemouth bass fishing are Chautauqua Lake, Lake George, and the Hudson River.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass can be caught in New York from May through September. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for them. Some of the best locations for smallmouth bass fishing in New York include the St. Lawrence River, the Thousand Islands, Lake Erie, and the Adirondack Park region.

Carp

Carp fishing in New York is best during the warmer months from May through October. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish for carp. Some of the best locations for carp fishing in New York include the Hudson River, Seneca Lake, and the Erie Canal.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch can be caught in New York throughout the year, but spring and fall are the best times to fish for them. Early morning or late afternoon tend to be the best times of day to fish for perch. Some of the best locations to fish for perch in New York include Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Finger Lakes.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Michigan. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Pennsylvania. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ohio. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Rhode Island. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Connecticut.

Best Fishing in New York on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lake Champlain – Ice fishing for yellow perch, walleye, and northern pike is popular.
Cayuga Lake – You can catch lake trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon through the ice on this lake.
Seneca Lake – This lake is also great for ice fishing, with opportunities to catch lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon.
Lake George – You can ice fish for lake trout, landlocked salmon, and rainbow trout on this lake.
Oneida Lake – This lake is known for its ice fishing for walleye, yellow perch, and bluegill.

Spring

Cayuga Lake is a popular spot for trout and salmon fishing in the spring. You can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout here.
Hudson River – The Hudson River is a great place to fish for striped bass in the spring. You can also catch shad and herring during this time of year.
Oneida Lake – This lake is known for its excellent walleye fishing in the spring. You can also catch yellow perch and smallmouth bass here.
Lake Champlain – This lake is a popular spot for springtime fishing for northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake trout.
Salmon River – This river is known for its excellent steelhead fishing in the spring. You can also catch brown trout and rainbow trout here.

Summer

Lake Champlain – Smallmouth bass: Lake Champlain, located in northern New York, is a popular spot for smallmouth bass fishing in the summer. Try fishing around rocky structures or weed beds for the best results.
Seneca Lake – Trout and salmon: Seneca Lake, located in the Finger Lakes region, is known for its excellent trout and salmon fishing during the summer. Try trolling with downriggers or fishing with live bait.
Delaware River – Smallmouth bass and walleye: The Delaware River, which runs through eastern New York, is a great spot for catching smallmouth bass and walleye in the summer. Look for deep pools or eddies where these fish like to hang out.
Lake George – Largemouth bass: Lake George, located in the Adirondack Mountains, is a popular summer destination for largemouth bass fishing. Try fishing near weed beds or drop-offs for the best results.
Hudson River – Striped bass: The Hudson River runs through eastern New York and is known for its excellent striped bass fishing in the summer. Try fishing around bridge pilings or other structures where these fish like to congregate.

Fall

Lake Ontario – Chinook Salmon: In the fall, Chinook Salmon migrate from Lake Ontario to spawn in rivers, making it a great time to fish for them in the lake.
Finger Lakes – Lake Trout: As the water temperature cools, lake trout begin to feed more aggressively in the Finger Lakes. Try fishing with jigs, spoons, or live bait in deep water near drop-offs.
Delaware River – Brown Trout: The Delaware River is known for its brown trout population and fall is the best time to catch them as they are getting ready to spawn.
Lake Champlain – Northern Pike: In the fall, northern pike move to the shallow weed beds to feed and prepare for winter. Use big baits or lures and fish during the early morning or late afternoon for best results.
Salmon River – Steelhead Trout: Fall is the best time to fish for steelhead trout in the Salmon River as they migrate from Lake Ontario to spawn. Use brightly colored flies or egg patterns to catch them.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish on the Niagara River, check out this helpful guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Toronto.