If you are waiting for the most exciting catch of your life, a New York fishing charter might be one of the best options for you. New York boasts of 7,500 lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and a coastline that stretches across thousands of miles. Together, the waterways are home to 165 different species of fish. Salmon river fishing in New York is one of the most important fishing tourism attractions of the state, and it draws in thousands of visitors annually.

Although that is enough to entice any avid angler, the state has more in store in the form of improved state policies and funding. In the recent past, the state has dedicated more than $10 million for the betterment of hatcheries and public access to fishing locations. The state has also reduced lifetime, annual, and weekly fishing license fees that will let fishing enthusiasts enjoy the activity at a much lower cost.

If you are a New York resident with a lifetime license you may also be able to secure an Adventure License. Even more, four of the Bassmaster’s top 50 bass lakes can be found in New York. If all these are making you reach out for your fishing rod and bait, just wait until you read about the best spots for a good catch.

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Fishing Charters in New York’s Great Lakes

Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers offer a sea of opportunity for anglers. Do not be surprised if you manage to catch a steelhead that is more than 20 pounds or a northern pike that is longer than your arm. After all, the Great Lakes have given New York their 14 state-record fish. Plus, you also get every kind of facility you need right from fishing guide services, information hotlines, public boat launches, and marinas, to fishing piers, fish cleaning stations, campsites, and bait and tackle shops.

Fish to catch on the Great Lakes include:

  • Coho salmon
  • Chinook salmon
  • Atlantic salmon
  • Brown trout
  • Steelhead
  • Northern pike
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Largemouth bass
  • Walleye
  • Muskellunge
  • Bullhead
  • And more...

Both shore and boat fishing are equally popular in the region. The latter is especially popular while fishing for trout and salmon during the spring and fall. Bankside fishing is the more common choice if you are targeting to get hold of a world-famous St. Lawrence River carp.

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New York’s Finger Lakes Fishing

The 11 lakes of this region present an amazing fishing opportunity. The lakes let you enjoy both warm water and cold water fishing. Brown trout, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, and lake trout are the most common species to be found here. Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Canadice and Hemlock Lakes are some of the favorite spots for catching lake trout.

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Fishing on the Hudson River

The Hudson is a popular place to fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Look for the fish around the tributary mouths and in-river structures such as immersed logs. The best time to fish in these waters is during summer and fall. Fishing during the springs yields striped bass. You can find the catch from below the Troy Dam to the New York City area. Your best choice is to use minnow imitating plugs or cast bait of cut or live herring.

Places to Fish in New York City

Just like countless other activities that the city offers, it is also a paradise for recreational anglers. NYC fishing charters are a popular choice for outdoorsy tourists visiting the big apple. With more than 500 miles of shoreline surrounding this place, New York City can open up a treasure trove of urban fishing adventures. All you need to know are a few spots.

Top Fishing spots in NYC include:

  • Indian Lake at the Crotona Park in the Bronx. This spot is great for kids to fish.
  • Prospect Park Lake in Brooklyn is great for bass fishing in New York City.
  • Wolfe’s Pond in Staten Island. This is a quiet fishing spot where you'll enjoy the wooded shoreline and lily pads

The city, like the state, hides many more gems as far as fishing is concerned. All you need to do is grab your fishing equipment and start exploring!

Fishing in New York State

If you love fishing, the state of New York will never disappoint you. It does not matter whether you are an expert or a novice; the state has something for all. Freshwater fishing finds some of the best spots in the state. It is also a great place for fly fishing, saltwater fishing, deep-sea fishing, and even ice fishing. From huge lakes to small ponds, the beautiful waterways of the state wait for you with the promise of your next big catch.