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Fishing in New York State: A Guide to the Best Catch

Fishing is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, and New Yorkers are fortunate to have such a large variety of popular sportfish to choose from in the state’s abundant waterways. As stated by Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton, “Fishing is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, and New Yorkers are fortunate to have such a large variety of popular sportfish to choose from in the state’s abundant waterways.”

  1. Walleye
  2. Northern Pike
  3. Picklerel
  4. Tiger Muskellunge

These four species are among the most popular sportfish in New York State, and offer excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all ability levels. Walleye occur in more than 140 waters and in every major watershed in New York State. Information on fishing locations for walleye can be found on DEC’s website. Early to mid-spring can be particularly good for walleye fishing. Walleye are aggressive post-spawn feeders and can often be found in relatively shallow water near spawning locations this time of year. Typical gear used for walleye fishing includes spinning or baitcasting reels, medium weight rods, and monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Reliable baits include artificial lures, live baits, or both. Jigs, crankbaits, stickbaits, and live bait harnesses can all be effective.

Walleye Fishing Tips • Look for shallow water near spawning locations • Use a medium weight rod and reel • Choose reliable baits such as artificial lures, live baits, or both

Spring is also one of the best times to fish for northern pike. Northerns move into shallow tributaries, bays, and wetlands in early spring to spawn, typically just after ice-out. After spawning, these fish tend to stay near these shallow water areas and feed aggressively before returning to deeper water areas for the summer. Pike fishing gear typically includes a medium heavy rod and a spinning or baitcasting reel with monofilament or braided line used with a steel or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Casting swimbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and spoons along and around structures works well in the spring.

“Fishing is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, and New Yorkers are fortunate to have such a large variety of popular sportfish to choose from in the state’s abundant waterways.” – Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton

Although smaller than pike, pickerel can be relatively easy to catch and provide anglers with some great action when they are on the bite. Lures used for pickerel are similar to those used for pike, but usually smaller in size. Tiger Muskellunge, which is a cross between a Northern pike and muskellunge, can grow appreciably large. These fish are stocked by DEC at select waterbodies to provide anglers the opportunity to enjoy targeting big, hard-fighting fish.

Tiger Muskellunge Facts • Stocked by DEC at select waterbodies • Can grow appreciably large

For information on fishing destinations for northern pike and other esocids such as chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge, visit the Musky, Pike, Tiger Musky, and Pickerel Fishing Opportunities page on DEC’s website. DEC offers a host of resources for those interested in getting started in fishing. Anglers are encouraged to check out DEC’s ‘Tackle Box’ feature in the HuntFishNY App, which provides anglers one-stop shopping for waterbody-specific information on fishing regulations and fishing/boating access sites. A digital version of the new guide is available to download on DEC’s website. Hard copies of the guide are available wherever sporting licenses are sold. For locations, visit DEC’s website. To help make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers, DEC partners with libraries across the state to provide a free fishing rod lending program. In addition to borrowing a book, patrons at participating libraries can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable opportunity for people to try fishing before purchasing their own gear supports Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

Fishing Rod Lending Program • Free fishing rod lending program •

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