Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Fishing In New York

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

New York offers fantastic opportunities for striped bass fishing, with its diverse waterways providing ample habitat for these prized game fish. Striped bass, also known as stripers, are known for their powerful fights and impressive sizes. One unique aspect of New York's striped bass fishery is the presence of hybrid stripers, a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass. These hybrids combine the best characteristics of both species, offering a thrilling angling experience. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about striped bass and hybrid stripers fishing and identify popular striper waters in the state.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

Major lakes in New York, such as Lake Champlain, Oneida Lake, and Cayuga Lake, are renowned for their striped bass populations. These lakes provide ideal conditions for stripers, with ample forage and suitable habitat. Anglers can target striped bass using a variety of techniques, including trolling with large crankbaits or spoons, casting swimbaits or topwater lures, or drifting live bait such as herring or shad.

The state of New York boasts some impressive striped bass records. The current state record for striped bass stands at 60 pounds, caught in the Hudson River. The Hudson River, in particular, is known for its trophy-sized stripers, attracting anglers in pursuit of a personal best catch. Striped bass fishing in the Hudson River typically peaks during the spring and fall runs when these fish migrate to spawn or feed on the abundant baitfish.

The combination of the diverse striped bass fishery and the presence of hybrid stripers makes New York an enticing destination for anglers seeking thrilling battles with these hard-fighting fish. Whether casting in the expansive waters of Lake Champlain, trolling along the depths of Oneida Lake, or targeting stripers in the iconic Hudson River, New York's striped bass fishery provides an exhilarating angling experience and the chance to land a trophy-sized fish.

Striped Bass Lakes

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes. The Hudson River is the primary striped bass fishing waters for inland New York. Coastal waters and the tributaries flowing into them also provide striper fishing opportunities.

Click the images and links above for species details.

New York State Record Striped Bass

The state record striped bass was caught from the Hudson River.

The state record hybrid striped bass came from Lake Waccabuc.

Fishing for Stripers in New York

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check New York fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.