Guide To Exploring The Best Fishing Lakes In New York

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in NY.

Chautauqua Lake, Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Lake Champlain, Oneida Lake, Saratoga Lake and Seneca Lake are the most popular places for fishing in New York, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species.

New York is home to a diverse array of fishing lakes, offering both warm water and cold water fisheries that cater to a wide range of angling preferences. Warm water lakes in the state provide excellent opportunities for targeting species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and panfish. Lakes like Lake Champlain, Oneida Lake, and the Finger Lakes are renowned for their warm water fisheries, attracting anglers from near and far. These lakes offer a combination of deep water, shallow flats, and submerged structures that create ideal habitats for various game fish. Whether casting for bass, trolling for walleye, or jigging for panfish, warm water lakes in New York provide thrilling fishing adventures throughout the year.

On the other hand, New York's cold water lakes are famous for their populations of trout, salmon, and other cold water species. Lakes such as Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Adirondack lakes offer exceptional opportunities for anglers seeking these prized fish. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of these lakes create an ideal environment for trout and salmon to thrive. Anglers can target species like lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon using techniques such as trolling with downriggers, casting spoons, or fly fishing. These lakes are known for their trophy-sized fish and provide an incredible angling experience for those seeking the thrill of catching big game in New York's cold water fisheries.

In addition to the primary species mentioned above, New York's fishing lakes are home to a wide variety of other fish species. These include but are not limited to muskellunge, pickerel, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Each lake offers its unique mix of fish species, allowing anglers to target their preferred catches based on personal preference and the time of year. Whether you are a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge or a novice angler seeking a rewarding fishing experience, the lakes of New York offer something for everyone. From warm water lakes brimming with bass and walleye to cold water lakes teeming with trout and salmon, the state's fishing lakes are a haven for anglers seeking unforgettable adventures on the water.

Bass Lakes

Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, Saratoga Lake and Seneca Lake are considered the best options for largemouth and smallmouth bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Cayuga Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Great Sacandaga Lake and Oneida Lake are favorite options for channel and white catfish. More...

Crappie Lakes

Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Honeoye Lake, Oneida Lake, Saratoga Lake and Whitney Point Reservoir are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Champlain, Oneida Lake, Saratoga Lake and Seneca Lake are some of the more popular spots to fish for bluegill, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye Lakes

Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake and Saratoga Lake and are considered the top locations for walleye fishing. More...

Trout Lakes

Cayuga Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake and Seneca Lake are the favorite options for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. More...

Salmon Lakes

Cayuga Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake George, Lake Ontario and Seneca Lake are the most popular for atlantic, chinook, chum, coho, kokanee, pink and sockeye salmon fishing. More...

Visit the New York fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the New York map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in NY at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

Best Destinations By State.