Fishing in New York

World-class fishing draws fishing enthusiasts from around the globe to cast a line into the Empire State's impressive waterways, home to over 165 species of fish. 

Freshwater fishing opportunities offer bass, trout, salmon, northern pike, muskies, and walleye. In fact, New York is home to six of Bassmaster's top 100 bass lakes (with the St. Lawrence River topping the list in 2022). Lake Ontario and its tributaries, including the Salmon River, offer world-class sportfishing, and you may even reel in a steelhead, Chinook, or walleye. The crystal clear lakes and streams of the Adirondack and Catskill parks make for the best fly-fishing east of the Rockies. For those who enjoy saltwater angling, the famous shorelines of Long Island boast prized species like striped bass, bluefish, and fluke. 

From deep sea to ice fishing, from the Great Lakes to small ponds, fishing in New York is the reel deal. Download the HuntFishNY app and check out the Tackle Box feature to find fishing regulations, waterbodies, fish species and stocking information, and more all in one spot! New York State also provides anglers with six Free Fishing Days each year.

Get hooked on the best places to fish in New York State!