The Empire State is home to some of the most diverse fishing in the US. With the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and a number of fisheries in between, the angling opportunities are endless. But before you hit up its amazing waters, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the fishing seasons in New York.
While some species will bite year-round, most fish you’ll find in New York are seasonal. They’ll bite with fervor during some parts of the year, before either migrating out of reach or becoming less active. In this article, you’ll get both a rundown of what’s biting when, along with a breakdown of the kind of fishing you can expect each month. So let’s dive in!
What is the best season to go fishing in New York?
The bulk of the angling in New York takes place between May and November, both in salt and freshwater. However, the best time to visit the state really hinges on what you want to catch. For the most overall variety, you’ll want to hit the waters during summer. But if you’re fishing for something like Bass or Salmon, spring and fall are New York’s peak seasons.
Below, you’ll find fishing calendars for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Then, we’ll follow up with more information on what kind of opportunities each month entails. This way, you can plan your trip around the time your target fish bites the best. Or, have a look at what’s biting right now.
Freshwater
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook Salmon | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Great | Great | Great | Good | Good |
| Coho Salmon | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Great | Great | Great | Good | Good |
| Rainbow Trout/Steelhead | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Great | Great | Great |
| Lake Trout | Closed | Closed | Closed | Great | Great | Great | Good | Good | Great | Great | Closed | Closed |
| Brook Trout | Closed | Closed | Closed | Great | Great | Great | Good | Good | Great | Great | Closed | Closed |
| Black Bass | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Closed |
| Walleye | Great | Great | Good | Closed | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
| Muskellunge | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Good | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Closed |
| Yellow Perch | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Good | Good | Great | Great | Great | Great |
Saltwater
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | Closed | Closed | Closed | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Good |
| Fluke | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Closed | Closed |
| Porgy | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Fair | Fair |
| Tautog (Blackfish) | Closed | Closed | Closed | Great | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Good | Good |
| Black Seabass | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Good | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
| Bluefish | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Good | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Fair | Weak |
| Mahi Mahi | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Good | Great | Great | Great | Good | Weak | Weak |
| Marlin | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Fair | Great | Great | Great | Weak | Weak | Weak |
| Bluefin Tuna | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Good | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Fair |
January
You may be thinking – it’s the depths of winter, what could there possibly be to catch? However, some fish, such as Steelhead, love the cold. During January, you’ll find these silvery torpedoes in various Lake Ontario tributaries. Among others, the lower Niagara River, the Salmon River, as well as many smaller streams are filled with Steelhead at this time of year.
Meanwhile, most lakes and ponds will be frozen, which means you can go ice fishing! Depending on where you head, you can catch a variety of fish including Yellow Perch, Trout, Pike, and Walleye. Honeoye Lake, Oneida Lake, Lake Champlain, and Sodus Bay are just some of the top ice fishing spots in New York.
On the saltwater front, it’s the offseason. Most charter boats you’d usually hop on to explore the Atlantic won’t be operating at this time. If you do find someone, though, you can expect solid bottom fishing nearshore and offshore. Your main target will be the delicious Cod.
February
In February, the weather will likely still be cold enough for ice fishing, though you might see some waters thawing towards the second half of the month. As we mentioned in the previous section, you’ll typically catch Perch, Pike, Trout, Crappie, and Walleye fishing through the ice.
In the rivers and streams, Steelhead will still be biting, though you’ll have to know where to find them. Meanwhile, in places such as the Connetquot River, Beaver Kill, and Willowemoc Creek, you’ll find excellent Trout fishing, especially if you know your way around a fly rod.
On the other hand, saltwater fishing is still in a lull. Most of the species you’d typically target are out of season, leaving you with very few choices unless you just want to catch and release. Cod remain the main attraction, provided the weather is stable enough to get to the structures where they lurk.
March
With spring just around the corner, New York’s waters start coming alive in March. The ice will begin to thin and thaw, and the fish will become more active. Of course, should you still find that the ice is thick enough to fish through, you should make the most of it.
The Niagara River offers terrific Steelhead fishing, but it’s not the only place to go to. Various creeks near Buffalo, such as Cattaraugus, Canadaway, and Chautauqua are also teeming with these fish. The Salmon River around Pulaski is a Steelhead hotspot as well.
When it comes to lake fishing, it really all depends on which one you hit. Make sure to watch out for the regulations as you pick your spots, because some lakes won’t open for fishing until April. However, one prolific fishery that you will have access to in March is Oneida Lake, where the season typically begins in the middle of the month.
April
April marks a big angling upturn in New York. Most waters finally open to fishing and the fish will be hungry after a long winter. For freshwater fishing, the Finger Lakes are among the prime spots at this time of year. Walleye, Bass, Trout, Salmon – you name it and these lakes will probably have it.
Steelhead fishing is also still productive but, besides the tributaries, you’ll sometimes find these fish in the Great Lakes’ bays. You’ll also find Trout racing along various mountain streams, with spring being the prime season to experience the wonders of New York’s fly fishing.
And to add to all that noise, it’s finally time to hit saltwater. Winter Flounder and Tautog (Blackfish) open for harvest at the beginning of April. But, more importantly, it’s also the start of New York’s Striper (Rockfish) fishing season! It first opens on the Hudson River but, by the middle of the month, you’ll also be able to target them in the marine waters.
May
The action that began in April only gets better in May. New York’s freshwaters are as productive as ever, with fish biting everywhere. The Finger Lakes remain top-tier fisheries, but the Great Lakes offer fantastic angling as well. In Lake Erie, there’ll be Walleye, Trout, and Bass to hunt for. Or hit up Lake Ontario to reel in Salmon and big Lakers.
Fly fishermen also have a lot to look forward to. May is one of the best times to explore New York’s various rivers and streams. Some of the top locations include the West Branch of the Ausable River and the East Branch of the Croton River, but there are hundreds of other places where you can catch Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout.
In the ocean, the Fluke and Porgy seasons usually open in May, offering some tasty treats for inshore anglers. Striped Bass fishing will also be very productive, with Bluefish showing up as we get deeper into the month. Soon enough, it’ll be time to head further offshore, too.
June
The summer is nearly upon us and the fishing really catches fire. Lake Ontario and Lake Erie enter their prime fishing seasons. Ontario offers stellar Salmon and Lake Trout fishing, while Erie pretty much guarantees limits of Walleye, with big Lakers and Browns in the mix as well.
Another significant event is that the Bass retention season opens up in mid-June, though most anglers release them anyway. If you’re a fly angler, look out for the various hatches taking place this month, as they coincide with the most productive fishing.
In New York’s coastal waters, the Porgy and Flounder bite will keep improving, with Striper fishing staying as solid as ever. Around Montauk, you can grab the opportunity to wrestle Thresher and Mako Sharks, as they’ll begin showing their fearsome jaws around this time of year. You’ll also see more charter captains run offshore trips, where you’ll get a shot at catching Tuna.
July
As the dog days of summer arrive, you’ll need to time your trips around the heat to make the most out of them. Trout dislike the warmth, often becoming less active, while Bass retreat to deep haunts, requiring a boat to target them during the daytime.
However, there are still plenty of fisheries that thrive in July – Lake Ontario and Lake Erie being the main ones. On Lake Ontario, it’s the peak time to go trolling for Salmon and Trout. On Erie, great Walleye fishing is all but guaranteed. And if you find yourself around Buffalo and head into the upper Niagara River, you’ll have the opportunity to catch the elusive Musky.
At the same time, saltwater fishing enters its peak season in New York. You can now head out to the offshore canyons and reel in all kinds of pelagic fish, including Mahi Mahi, Marlin, and Tuna. Fearsome Mako Sharks also roam the waters, providing some of the most action-packed, adrenaline-fueled battles one can hope to find. Closer to shore, there’ll be Kingfish, Black Seabass, Striped Bass, and Fluke to fish for.
August
By and large, August offers similar fishing conditions compared to the previous month. On New York’s portion of the Great Lakes, the angling is absolutely outstanding. In case you didn’t know, Lake Ontario holds the biggest Chinooks among the five lakes, and this month is a fantastic time to catch both them and their silvery Coho cousins.
Head to Lake Erie instead and you’ll find the Walleye fishing to be as good as ever. Buffalo and the upper part of the Niagara River still feature good Musky fishing, which will improve even more in the coming months. There’s also plenty of Smallmouth action on both forks of the Niagara River where it splits.
It’s also still the prime season to go deep sea fishing in New York. The go-to starting spot is Montauk, as it’ll offer you the quickest ride to the offshore fishing grounds. At times, you might need to go over 60 miles from land, so making the journey as short as possible does make a difference. Once you’re out there in the Atlantic, expect to fish for Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and more.
September
In September, the seasons shift once again. The Salmon and Steelhead that have been lurking in the Great Lakes during summer will begin staging for their fall runs. This means they’ll come closer to shore, congregating near the mouths of the various rivers that feed into the lakes. Targeting them at this time often yields some of the biggest specimens of the season.
With the water temperatures slowly dropping, you’ll once again see Bass on the move. They’ll begin leaving their summer haunts, making their way to more shallow waters. Trout will also start getting more active as the relentless heat finally passes. The Finger Lakes once again become a hotspot for all kinds of fish. For Muskellunge, visit the epic Thousand Islands region on the Canadian border.
In the Atlantic Ocean, it’s almost time for Marlin and Mahi Mahi to migrate elsewhere. You’ll still be able to catch them in September, with the opportunities dwindling as we get closer to fall. Tuna are also in the cards, and they’ll stay offshore for some time. Inshore, Striped Bass fishing slowly enter one of their most exciting seasons.
October
You’ll often hear East Coast anglers refer to October as “Rocktober.” And it’s due to the outstanding Striper bite you’ll experience during the month. The fish will start schooling up and feeding near the surface in a frenzied manner, offering anglers top-notch action. Fish for them around New York City or head to Montauk.
October is also a fantastic time to hunt for other kinds of Bass. Largemouth and Smallmouth will be feeding up for the winter, chasing after bait fish and striking lures with aggression. Muskellunge also pack on weight, making the fall one of the best times to reel in a big one. You’ll find both Bass and Musky in the Niagara River.
While some runs happen already in September, in most places, Salmon and Steelhead will begin migrating upriver during October. There are dozens of different tributary rivers and streams where you can get in on the action, but the Salmon River is among the best.
Finally, keep in mind that the Trout fishing season in New York ends on October 15, giving you one last opportunity to target them. The Catskill Mountain’s waters offer some of the best fly fishing in the Northeast, so make sure to add them to your bucket list.
November
As we get deep into fall, the fishing slows down somewhat. In the Atlantic, most pelagics have moved elsewhere, and charter captains have mainly part stopped offering offshore outings. However, Striped Bass fishing is still solid and Black Seabass will be biting around structure. In the NY Bight region, Tautog (Blackfish) are typically open for retention.
On the waters feeding into the Great Lakes, Steelhead fishing is an absolute blast. In the Lake Ontario tributaries, you’re also likely to see Brown Trout. The Salmon River is a prime spot to visit at this time of year, while the lower Niagara River also offers excellent Steelhead fishing. At the same time, the upper portion holds trophy Musky.
For even more variety, the Finger Lakes are as productive as ever. Walleye, Perch, and Pike are standard targets in that region, and you’ll also come across landlocked Salmon and Trout, usually in the lakes’ tributaries. Lake Champlain is another Landlocked Salmon hotspot worth visiting in November, while Saranac Lake holds big Brown Trout.
December
With the year at its end, New York’s saltwater fishery shuts down in large parts. The Winter Flounder season closes on the last day of November, while Striped Bass remains open only until the middle of the month. Tautog (Blackfish) fishing also closes around the first half of December and, by the end, most other species will have their seasons shut, too.
As for freshwater fishing, it’s highly dependent on the weather conditions. If there’s a lot of snowfall, riverbanks may be inaccessible. Some waters may start freezing as well but, most years, the ice won’t be thick enough to fish through until January.
If the weather favors you, you’ll still find late-season Trout and Steelhead along the Great Lakes’ tributary streams. And if the lakes form a stable ice sheet, you can expect to catch Walleye, Pike, Panfish, and more, depending on where you go.
New York: A Fishery Full of Diversity
New York is the only state where you can fish both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes without crossing a border. What’s more impressive is that these are far from the only destinations where you can experience world-class angling.
Here, you’ll find a heaven for Bass fishermen, a home to wild streams rushing with Trout, and a gateway to adrenaline-fueled offshore adventures. As long as you pair up with the right guide, fishing in New York will be an adventure you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
What’s your favorite season to go fishing in New York? Where do you like fishing the most? Head to the comment section and let us know!
