If you love fishing, New York is basically one big playground packed with lakes full of trophy-sized fish just waiting to be reeled in.
Whether you’re after monster muskies, non-stop walleye action, or a bass fishing trip that’ll have you bragging for weeks, this state has a lake for you.
Some spots are famous for their record-breaking catches, while others are hidden gems where you can fish all day without another boat in sight.
From deep, clear waters perfect for trolling to weedy shallows where the big ones love to hide, we’re breaking down the absolute best fishing lakes in New York!
1. Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake, in western New York, is a 17-mile-long fishing hotspot known for its monster muskies, fat smallmouth bass, and some of the best walleye action in the state.
Anglers come here dreaming of landing a 50-inch musky, and with the lake’s thriving population, you might actually succeed.
You’ll have the most luck in the fall when these beasts are most active.
Every June, the lake hosts musky tournaments, including events organized by NY Muskies Inc. Chapter 69, where hardcore fishermen battle it out for bragging rights and some seriously big catches.
2. Lake Erie
If you’re after non-stop fishing action, Lake Erie is another great spot as it’s absolutely loaded with walleye, making it the Walleye Capital of the World.
This massive Great Lake forms part of New York’s western border, and whether you’re casting from shore or heading out on a charter, you’ve got a solid shot at reeling in a trophy-sized fish.
Spring and fall are prime time for walleye, but don’t sleep on the epic smallmouth bass fishing because this lake cranks out five-pounders like it’s nothing.
3. Conesus Lake
Conesus Lake may be the smallest of New York’s Finger Lakes, but when it comes to fishing, it punches way above its weight.
Known for its killer northern pike bite, this lake is a favorite for people looking to hook into something big.
Winter is a particularly good time if you want to try ice fishing for pike.
Largemouth bass, walleye, and tiger muskies are also in the mix here.
If you’re fishing here around the Fourth of July, you’ll get a front-row seat to the lake’s legendary ‘Ring of Fire’ on July 3rd.
4. Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes, which means one thing for anglers, some seriously massive lake trout.
This 38-mile-long lake is famous for its year-round trout and salmon fishing, with the annual National Lake Trout Derby every May drawing in fishermen hoping to land a 10-plus pound monster.
If you’re into trolling you’ll, definitely love it here.
And with rainbow trout, brown trout, and even landlocked Atlantic salmon in the mix, there’s always something biting in these deep, cold waters.
5. Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake serves up some of the best fishing in the Finger Lakes, especially if you’re after lake trout because this place cranks them out like a factory.
With miles of deep, clear water, trolling for trout and salmon is the go-to move, but if you’re looking for bass or pike then the north end of the lake is a solid place for that too.
The lake is packed with cool fishing spots, from the scenic shores near Ithaca to the well-known Mud Lock.
6. Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is the ultimate big-water fishing adventure, especially if you’re chasing trophy-sized salmon and trout.
Every summer and fall, this massive Great Lake turns into a salmon-fishing paradise, with giant Chinook and coho salmon making their way upstream.
Just ask anyone who’s fished the epic fall run at the Salmon River.
Whether you’re trolling offshore for king salmon or casting from shore for brown trout near Oswego, this lake delivers nonstop action and some of the biggest fish you’ll find in New York.
7. Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake is the spot for walleye in central New York, and with over 50,000 acres of shallow, fish-filled water, it’s basically a walleye angler’s dream.
Spring and fall bring epic fishing for fat, hungry walleye, but the lake also serves up monster smallmouth bass and jumbo perch.
It also offers some of the best ice fishing in the state once winter rolls in.
With easy access, tons of fish, and year-round action, Oneida Lake is the kind of place where you can drop a line anytime and have a solid shot at hooking something worth bragging about.
8. Canadarago Lake
Canadarago Lake might not be the biggest name in New York fishing, but if you’re after walleye, perch, or panfish, this hidden gem definitely delivers.
The lake’s weedy shallows are prime territory for bass and chain pickerel, while deeper waters hold solid numbers of walleye, especially in the spring and fall.
Winter brings a dedicated crew of ice fishermen chasing perch and walleye, and with less fishing pressure than some of the bigger lakes, you’ve got a good shot at finding your own little honey hole.
9. Saratoga Lake
Saratoga Lake is a top spot for bass fishing, with healthy populations of both largemouth and smallmouth that keep the action going all season long.
The lake’s weedy coves and rocky points make perfect hiding spots for big bass, while walleye, perch, and pike add even more variety to your catch list.
And if you’re fishing in the summer, you’re in for a treat.
Saratoga’s lively waterfront scene means you can celebrate a great day on the water with lakeside eats and a killer sunset.
10. Lake George
Lake George isn’t just one of the prettiest lakes in New York, it’s also packed with lake trout and landlocked salmon that keep you coming back for more.
This deep, crystal-clear lake is perfect for trolling, and if you’re after a real challenge, try hooking into one of its legendary lakers, which can exceed 20 pounds!
With endless coves, rocky drop-offs, and epic mountain views, this is a great place to go fishing whether you’re casting from shore or cruising the open water.
11. Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a great place for fishing that stretches over 100 miles, serving up everything from trophy bass to monster pike.
This massive lake is a smallmouth bass hotspot, with rocky shorelines and deep drop-offs that produce solid catches.
You’ll even find the occasional five-pounders, while the weedy bays are loaded with big northern pike just waiting to smash your lure.
Throw in some killer lake trout, landlocked salmon, and even the occasional bowfin, and you’ve got one of the most diverse fisheries in all of New York.
12. Black Lake
Black Lake is a panfish paradise, packed with jumbo perch, crappie, and bluegill that make for nonstop action, whether you’re fishing from a boat or right off the dock.
If you’re after something bigger, the lake’s weedy backwaters are loaded with largemouth bass, northern pike, and even the occasional giant bowfin ready to put up a fight.
With its quiet, remote setting and steady bite year-round, Black Lake is the kind of place where you can kick back, reel in fish all day, and feel like you’ve got the whole lake to yourself.
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