Guide To The Best Bass Fishing Lakes In New York

Fish for smallmouth and largemouth in NY.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for valuable information about bass and bass fishing. It's hard to find fishing water in New York without bass. Private ponds, small lakes, rivers and parks are potential bass homes.

Lakes In NY With Bass

The major lakes in NY with healthy populations of bass include Allegheny Reservoir, Ashokan Reservoir, Black Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Cannonsville Reservoir, Carry Falls Reservoir, Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Conesus Lake, Cranberry Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Keuka Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake George, Long Lake, Lows Lake, Oneida Lake, Onondaga Lake, Otsego Lake, Owasco Lake, Pepacton Reservoir, Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, Saratoga Lake, Seneca Lake, Schroon Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For New York

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

New York State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Buckhorn Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Lake Erie.

Jake Turner, age 20, from Long Island, NY is a college student at SUNY Oneonta. This is his biggest smallmouth bass to date, at 20 inches long. He was using a Heddon Super Spook Jr, at Oneota Reservoir.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Empire State.

Bass fishing basics video.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.