New York Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024

For world-class angling on the East Coast, look no further than New York. The only thing more diverse than the fish species here, are the places you can cast for them. A New York fishing trip could see you taking in the New York City skyline from the Hudson River, chasing Tuna off the coast of Long Island, or lake fishing for every freshwater game fish you can think of.

And those are just a few of the incredible experiences to have in the state. There are over 7,500 lakes, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, access to two of the five Great Lakes, and hundreds of miles of coastline to explore. That should make it pretty clear that fishing is a way of life here!

No matter how unusual the fish you want to catch or the technique you want to try, there’s likely to be someone in New York who’s already doing it. And in this guide, we’ll dive into all the key things you should know about fishing in the Empire State.

What are you interested in?

Top Fish Species in New York

Saltwaters, freshwaters, brackish waters – you’ll find them all in New York. And in them an incredible abundance of different species. Below, we’ll highlight some of the most notable fish you can reel in throughout the state. If you’re interested in the biggest catches, check out our breakdown of NY’s record fish.

Best Freshwater Targets in New York

To kick things off, we’ll cover a few freshwater favorites before we turn to saltwater monsters. New York is home to a whole range of world-class fishing lakes. These include Lake Erie, Ontario, Saranac, George, and Champlain, just to name a few. And when you add all the winding rivers to the equation, it becomes clear the Empire State can compete with just about every other freshwater destination out there. So what is there to catch in New York? Take a look.

• Salmon: Thanks to its access to the Great Lakes, as well as different rivers feeding into them, New York is a fantastic place to catch some Salmon. Both Chinook and Coho Salmon are stocked in the state’s waters. Some of the best places to catch them include the infamous Niagara River, Salmon River, Genesee River, and Lake Ontario. Other waters, such as Lake George, are stocked with Atlantic Salmon, so you’ll get a shot at catching those, too.
• Trout: How about some Trout? Brook Trout is the state freshwater fish and you’ll find them in abundance in the Adirondacks Region and rivers such as the Oswegatchie. Meanwhile, Rainbow and Brown Trout are often caught in the Great Lakes’ tributaries. Since Rainbows migrate to Lake Erie and Ontario, they’re able to put on muscle and turn into the supercharged versions that anglers call Steelhead. To add to these, there are Lake Trout in the Great Lakes, too.
• Walleye: With Lake Erie at your disposal, it’s no stretch to say New York features world-class Walleye action. But even though the best fishing might be on Erie, Walleye are actually widespread throughout the state. So if you’re looking for alternative spots to reel in these delicious critters, try the epic Oneida Lake, or others such as Saratoga, Ronkonkoma, and Otsego.
• Muskellunge: Joining the lineup of New York’s angling superstars is “the fish of a thousand casts” – Muskellunge. Besides being one of the largest freshwater species you can find in these parts, they’re known for being extremely elusive. But once you finally hook one, they turn into exhilarating fighters. You’ll find them along rivers such as St. Lawrence, Niagara, Allegheny, and Susquehanna. Chautauqua Lake is also renowned for its Musky action.
• Bass: Bass aficionados – fear not! Along with the species we’ve named so far, Bass are abundant throughout New York’s waters. In fact, most of the places we’ve already mentioned in this section will give you a shot at outsmarting these sought-after fish. You can target both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in New York. Lake Erie, Ontario, Cayuga, Oneida, and Champlain are just a few places where lunkers await.

If you’re eager for even more variety, New York will naturally deliver. Some of the other freshwater fish you’ll see here include Yellow Perch and Crappie. The state is also famous for its trophy Northern Pike action. So if you’ve ever wanted to get your hands on one of these toothy monsters, NY is the perfect place to do so.

Best Inshore Targets in New York

If you’re a saltwater enthusiast, New York’s waters have plenty to offer. You don’t even have to go far from the coast! There are various species inhabiting the state’s inshore fishing grounds. These make for perfect targets for anglers of all ages and skill levels, providing a fun reprieve from the everyday hustle and bustle. Here are some of the fish swimming near New York’s coast:

• Striped Bass: Striped Bass are among the most popular inshore species all along the East Coast. The same goes for New York, where they’re, in fact, the official state saltwater fish. This should tell you just how these bulky fish are beloved among local anglers. For the best action, hit the Hudson River and NYC’s bays, or head to Montauk on Long Island.
• Fluke: Summer Flounder, locally referred to as Fluke, are always a welcome sight when you’re fishing in New York. They’re present in these waters from spring to fall, giving you plenty of room to put them in the cooler. Since they’re generally not too difficult to catch, Fluke are a fantastic beginner species. Also, they’re thoroughly delicious! What more could one ask for?
• Porgy: While they’re different fish, Porgy share a lot of qualities Flounder have. Both are available close to shore, both are delicious, and are relatively easy to fish for. What sets Porgy apart is that they give an exciting fight – especially considering their size. You’ll find them in Jamaica Bay, around Coney Island, and generally along the shores of Long Island. Porgy season typically opens in May and lasts throughout the year, though regulations can vary.
• Tautog: Known in New York as Blackfish, Tautog is another species you’ll get to enjoy hunting for along this part of the East Coast. While they otherwise lurk in deeper waters, they move close to shore in spring. That’s when you can find them in harbors and under bridges, mussel beds, reefs, and wrecks. Tautog are tasty fish that put up a fun battle. The only trick you’ll have to master is setting the hook because ‘Togs are known to nibble cautiously before they fully eating your bait.
• Bluefish: Out of all the different fish you’ll encounter along New York’s coast, Bluefish will certainly be the hardest fighters. They’re capable of thrilling runs, darting back and forth to try to shake off your hook. Bluefish lurk close to shores from spring to late fall. You can catch them from piers, in the surf, and along the local reefs, jetties, and similar structures.

But is that all? Of course not! Triggerfish, Weakfish, Mackerel, and Herring can all be caught while inshore fishing in New York. So even if you don’t want to leave sight of land, there’ll be plenty of options and fish to chase.

Best Nearshore and Offshore Targets in New York

Thanks to Long Island, which juts out 118 miles into the ocean, New York boasts excellent access to the deep sea fishing grounds hidden away in the Atlantic Ocean. The species you’ll hunt out there are many, so let’s go over a few favorites.

• Black Seabass: Inhabiting the reefs and wrecks off the coast of New York, Black Seabass are among the tastiest fish around. They’re also fairly beginner-friendly, as they’re caught by bottom fishing or jigging, both of which are easy to grasp. Black Seabass season in New York typically opens in the summer, making them the perfect target when you want to take a break from chasing big game.
• Cod: Conversely, Cod is a wintertime treat in New York. Once all the pelagics have more or less left the area, Cod move to nearshore structures, lurking in waters 90–180 feet deep. Like other bottom dwellers, all you need to do is find them and drop the bait down. Cod will feast on a variety of different bait, so it’s really all about locating them. The biggest specimens are typically caught in late winter.
• Mahi Mahi: Make a run into the Atlantic Ocean, and you’ll get an opportunity to wrestle some Mahi. These impressively colored fish are a blast to fish for. They put up a fantastic fight, and if you get into a school of them you’ll get hookup after hookup. The Mahi action starts in June, and you’ll usually head 20+ miles offshore. However, if you visit in late summer, you’ll sometimes catch them even within sight of land.
• Marlin: Along the distant offshore canyons of the Atlantic, you could meet one of the biggest angling challenges on the planet – Marlin. These amazing Billfish have it all – power, speed, acrobatics, and size. The battle they put up is nothing short of epic and it’ll take all your effort to catch one. For the shortest path to the Marlin fishing grounds, launch from Montauk in the summer.
• Tuna: If there’s any ocean fish that can compete with the thrill Marlin bring, it’s Tuna. Several species of these fish visit New York, ranging from smallish False Albacore to Yellowfin, and gigantic Bluefin Tuna. Each Tuna will fight hard regardless of their size, but it’s natural that Bluefins represent the biggest test. They’re armed with seemingly endless stamina and power that’ll make you feel like you’re reeling in a runaway freight train. Like most other big game, Tuna visit New York in summer.

But there are even more fish to hunt for on a trip from New York. Numerous species of Sharks roam the state’s offshore fishing grounds. In particular, the waters off Montauk are abundant with Makos, which are monstrous fighters, capable of leaping several feet into the air, sometimes even ending up on boat decks. Besides them, there are Swordfish hiding in the canyon depths, as well as delicious Tilefish.

New York Fishing Seasons

With such a wealth and variety of fishing grounds, there are fish to catch year-round in New York. To being with freshwaters, there’s fishing even in wintertime, when many of the waters are frozen. You’ll just have to pick a lake and turn to one of the favorite pastimes among New Yorker anglers – ice fishing.

And while most lakes freeze in winter, the flowing rivers and streams remain fishable, with Steelhead torpedoing through them. Of course, once spring arrives, the freshwaters come alive with an even greater assembly of game fish. Fly fishing, while technically possible year-round, also improves starting spring as different insects begin to hatch.

If you want an in-depth breakdown of what you can catch each season in New York, check out this article. For a quicker glance, look at the month-by-month breakdown below to see what you can expect with each freshwater fishing season in New York.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic Ocean is equally bountiful with fish throughout the year. However, if you’re a shore-based angler, the fishing slows down during winter. It doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish at all, but there’s a decent chance you’ll end up both cold and skunked – a double whammy no angler wants to experience. Hop on a boat instead and there’ll be different fish, such as Cod, lurking on the reefs. That’ promises to turn your day in the chill into a wintertime delight.

As New York’s bays and the ocean warm up, you’ll see more and more fish bite the end of your line. The Striped Bass season kicks off in April and the fishing only gets hotter with the summer approaching. In June, different pelagic species start visiting this part of the East Coast, spelling the beginning of New York’s big game fishing season.

Top New York Fishing Spots

New York is the only state in the US that has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes. And between these two world-class fisheries, there are numerous other rivers and lakes to explore. So, as you can probably guess, the fishing spots in New York State are countless. Check out some of the top ones.

Fishing Trips in New York

There’s a myriad of ways to go fishing in New York. What works best for you will depend on your desired targets, how long you want to spend on the water, and your budget. If you have the gear and, more importantly, the know-how, you’ll have a blast fishing solo, whether it’s on a river, lake, or ocean pier.

This being said, pairing up with one of the numerous fishing charters in New York is always worth it. First of all, you’ll be heading out with a pro who knows the waters and the fish patterns. Secondly, you’ll get to make use of your guide’s boat. Even if the type of angling you opt for doesn’t require one, fishing from a boat is always more productive. Finally, most fishing trips in New York include the gear you’ll need to reel in your prized catch.

There are fishing guides on pretty much every major lake and river, as well as in oceanside marinas. Once you find one you like, they’ll work with you to tailor an experience to suit your individual tastes. Whether it’s taking your family out for a Lake Erie Walleye bonanza or heading 50+ miles into the Atlantic to wrestle a Tuna, it’s all possible with the right guide.

New York Fishing Regulations

The last step in planning your New York fishing trip is getting familiar with some of the regulations. The first thing you’re probably wondering is how to get a fishing license in New York.

You’ll be happy to know that if you’re fishing in saltwater, all you need to do is enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, which comes free of charge. And if you’re fishing aboard a licensed charter boat, you don’t even need to do that. However, freshwater anglers aged 16 and up will have to buy licenses, both for solo angling and when fishing with a guide. For a more in-depth look at license types, check out our comprehensive guide.

If you’re fishing aboard a charter, your captain will also make sure you’re respecting all regulations related to seasonality, including bagging and size limits. There are closed seasons for many species, in both saltwater and freshwater, so this is very helpful.

When heading out on your own, make sure to read up on recent regulations by visiting the DEC website. Also, if you plan on eating any fish that you catch, and you’re interested in reading up on the local fish consumption advisories, you can find the information on the New York State Department of Health website.

New York Fishing FAQs

Iva

Iva’s been traveling for as long as she can remember. The places that she gravitates to most are always by the water, so writing about fishing comes naturally to her. Come summertime, catch her on the shores of Lake Ontario in her hometown of Toronto.