Trout Fishing In New York

Guide to fishing for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout in area lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

New York is a paradise for trout fishing enthusiasts, offering a wide range of trout species and exceptional fishing opportunities in its lakes and rivers. The state boasts various trout species, including brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and lake trout. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state. Each species presents its own angling challenges and rewards.

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Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous lakes and rivers throughout the state. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the area. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. Lakes such as Lake Ontario, Finger Lakes, and the Catskill reservoirs offer excellent rainbow trout fishing. Anglers can target rainbows using a variety of techniques, including fly fishing, trolling, and casting with spinners or spoons. More...

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Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. They can be found in remote mountain streams and pristine lakes, particularly in the Adirondack and Catskill regions. These colorful and feisty fish provide a thrilling angling experience, with fly fishing being a popular technique for targeting brook trout in New York's wilderness. More...

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Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select area lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. The Ausable River, Beaverkill River, and Salmon River are renowned for their brown trout populations. Anglers often employ a variety of techniques, including fly fishing, bait fishing, and lure fishing, to tempt these wary and elusive fish. More...

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Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. Lake Champlain, Lake George, and the Finger Lakes are known for their lake trout populations. These fish require specialized techniques such as deep trolling with downriggers or vertical jigging to reach their preferred depths. More...

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Whether exploring remote mountain streams, casting in renowned rivers, or trolling in expansive lakes, New York's trout fishing offers a diverse range of experiences and the chance to reel in remarkable fish. From the pristine beauty of the Adirondacks to the iconic waters of the Catskills and the vastness of the Finger Lakes, New York provides an angling paradise for trout enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures on the water.

Trout Fishing Waters

There is plenty of trout water in New York to keep any angler happy. Most streams, rivers and creeks have trout and the Adirondack area has miles of excellent waters. Major lakes in NY with healthy populations of trout include Allegheny Reservoir, Ashokan Reservoir, Canandaigua Lake, Cannonsville Reservoir, Cayuga Lake, Cranberry Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Keuka Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake George, Lows Lake, Otsego Lake, Owasco Lake, Pepacton Reservoir, Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, Seneca Lake, Schroon Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Tupper Lake and Upper Saranac Lake. Click here to find information about trout stocking in New York.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

New York State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was caught from Lake Ontario.

The state record brook trout came from Silver Lake Wilderness Area.

The state record brown trout came from Lake Ontario.

The state record lake trout was caught in Lake Erie.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Additional trout information

Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.

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