New York: Casting call for bass fishing

The slogan âNew York is for Loversâ is especially true of anglers who love to cast for bass. The Empire State boasts some of the nationâs best fishing for largemouth and smallmouth. Throw in New Yorkâs wide-ranging tourist destinations and activities and it adds up to a fishing vacation that has something for every member of your family. What follows is why bass anglers love New York.

By Mark Hicks

<h4>Smallmouth Bass</h4><br><b>Lake Champlain</b><br> Unquestionably one of the top fishing lakes in the country, Champlainâs abundant bass are notorious for attacking lures with abandon. Smallmouth thrive in the northern end of this 490-square-mile inland sea where they relate to submerged vegetation and the lakeâs countless rocky points, humps and drop-offs. As you cast, feast your eyes on the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York that loom on the eastern and western horizons. Largemouth are found throughout Champlain, but they are especially prominent in the southern end of the lake where there is more of the shallow, aquatic vegetation this species favors. Launch at Ticonderoga 70 miles south of Plattsburgh and youâll be within casting range of hefty largemouth.

Smallmouth BassLake Champlain Unquestionably one of the top fishing lakes in the country, Champlainâs abundant bass are notorious for attacking lures with abandon. Smallmouth thrive in the northern end of this 490-square-mile inland sea where they relate to submerged vegetation and the lakeâs countless rocky points, humps and drop-offs. As you cast, feast your eyes on the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York that loom on the eastern and western horizons. Largemouth are found throughout Champlain, but they are especially prominent in the southern end of the lake where there is more of the shallow, aquatic vegetation this species favors. Launch at Ticonderoga 70 miles south of Plattsburgh and youâll be within casting range of hefty largemouth.

Plattsburgh has plentiful motels and restaurants. If you camp, consider staying at nearby Cumberland Bay State Park. It is popular with campers and day-users due to its natural sand beach and picnic grounds with tables and grills. History buffs will enjoy the War of 1812 Museum, which is steeped with tails of smuggling, soldiering, shipyards and skirmishes. Consider taking an adventurous tube or raft ride through Ausable Chasm, known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. Some of the other options include peddling on one of the areaâs 27 mountain bike trails and taking the Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride. In nearby Lake Placid you may visit the Olympic Jumping Complex and the Olympic Sports Complex.

<b>Lake Erie</b><br> If youâve never caught a trophy smallmouth weighing 5 pounds or more, Lake Erieâs eastern basin may be the best place on planet Earth to achieve that goal. Although New Yorkâs 2017 bass season doesnât open until the third Saturday in June, you may catch and release bass in the New York portion of Lake Erie from December 1 until the day before the June opener. And, you may keep one bass per day that measures 20 inches or longer. The current 8-pound, 4-ounce, New York record smallmouth was taken from Lake Erie. Smallmouth bass frequent the entire Lake Erie shoreline in New York, as well as rocky, offshore drop-offs, humps and reefs. Hotspots include Myers Reef, Evans Bar and Van Buren Reef.

Lake Erie If youâve never caught a trophy smallmouth weighing 5 pounds or more, Lake Erieâs eastern basin may be the best place on planet Earth to achieve that goal. Although New Yorkâs 2017 bass season doesnât open until the third Saturday in June, you may catch and release bass in the New York portion of Lake Erie from December 1 until the day before the June opener. And, you may keep one bass per day that measures 20 inches or longer. The current 8-pound, 4-ounce, New York record smallmouth was taken from Lake Erie. Smallmouth bass frequent the entire Lake Erie shoreline in New York, as well as rocky, offshore drop-offs, humps and reefs. Hotspots include Myers Reef, Evans Bar and Van Buren Reef.

Ripleyâs Believe it or Not! Museum is one of the most highly recommended tourist destinations in the region. Here youâll find oddities, artifacts, interactive displays and works of art collected from Robert Ripleyâs travels to more than 200 countries. The Buffalo Museum of Science takes you back to the land of the dinosaurs and through quantum leaps in space. The museum includes over 264 acres of undisturbed natural habit in the Tifft Nature Preserve. The Childrenâs Museum in East Aurora encourages children to touch, discover and explore. Adults can take advantage of the many beer and wine tasting tours in the region, such as the Half-Day Bear-, Wine- & Cider Tasting Tour. A professional driver shuttles you to a wine shop, a cider distillery and a local brew pub. End hunger pains at Anchor Bar in Buffalo where buffalo wings were invented.

<b>Thousand Islands</b><br> Fabulous bass fishing combined with spectacular scenery is the reason the magnificent St. Lawrence River is the fourth most popular fishing destination in New York. Fat and feisty smallmouth bass get the most attention from anglers, but excellent largemouth bass fishing can also be found here in shallow, weedy bays. The most popular stretch of the St. Lawrence with bass anglers is from Cape Vincent near Lake Ontario east to Morristown. This Thousand Islands section of the river is a maze of islands, rocky edges, drop-offs and other ideal smallmouth habitat. Smallmouth tend to hang on structure close to the riverâs current. Topwater plugs and jerkbaits draw strikes in the shallows, while drop shot rigs excel for smallmouth in deep water. For largemouth, cast spinnerbaits, weedless frogs, jigs and Texas rigged plastic lures to grass beds in the bays.

Thousand Islands Fabulous bass fishing combined with spectacular scenery is the reason the magnificent St. Lawrence River is the fourth most popular fishing destination in New York. Fat and feisty smallmouth bass get the most attention from anglers, but excellent largemouth bass fishing can also be found here in shallow, weedy bays. The most popular stretch of the St. Lawrence with bass anglers is from Cape Vincent near Lake Ontario east to Morristown. This Thousand Islands section of the river is a maze of islands, rocky edges, drop-offs and other ideal smallmouth habitat. Smallmouth tend to hang on structure close to the riverâs current. Topwater plugs and jerkbaits draw strikes in the shallows, while drop shot rigs excel for smallmouth in deep water. For largemouth, cast spinnerbaits, weedless frogs, jigs and Texas rigged plastic lures to grass beds in the bays.

Choose from a wide array of motels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, cottages and campgrounds. In the early 1900s some of the worldâs most wealthy and famous people built fairytale mansions and castles on the islands. These residences are now popular attractions. Speed around a smooth mile-long asphalt track on a go-kart, play miniature golf and enjoy over 50 games in a huge amusement arcade at Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts. Enjoy âmusically matured spiritsâ at Dark Island Spirits, a craft beverage distillery. The Thousand Islands Land Trust has a new 1.9-mile hiking trail, a portion of which is ADA-accessible. Highlights include a wildlife observation tower overlooking a Golden-winged Warbler Demonstration area.

<b>Lake Ontario</b><br> Trophy smallmouth can be caught in Lake Ontarioâs bays, from its islands and along its 294 miles of shoreline from the lower Niagara River to the St. Lawrence River. Donât overlook the many largemouth that frequent weed beds in the bays. Chaumont, Guffin, Black River and Henderson bays on the eastern end of Lake Ontario draw the most anglers. Spinnerbaits and topwater plugs draw strikes from largemouth and smallmouth bass. The smallmouth are also susceptible to jerkbaits, tubes and drop shot rigs cast to rocky points, drop-offs and the several islands in this area of the lake. Ontarioâs southern shoreline receives relatively little fishing pressure. The smallmouth here see few lures.

Lake Ontario Trophy smallmouth can be caught in Lake Ontarioâs bays, from its islands and along its 294 miles of shoreline from the lower Niagara River to the St. Lawrence River. Donât overlook the many largemouth that frequent weed beds in the bays. Chaumont, Guffin, Black River and Henderson bays on the eastern end of Lake Ontario draw the most anglers. Spinnerbaits and topwater plugs draw strikes from largemouth and smallmouth bass. The smallmouth are also susceptible to jerkbaits, tubes and drop shot rigs cast to rocky points, drop-offs and the several islands in this area of the lake. Ontarioâs southern shoreline receives relatively little fishing pressure. The smallmouth here see few lures.

Watertown, a short drive from Henderson Bay, offers many vacation possibilities. The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park is small but worth your time. View river otters, owls, wolves, reptiles and more. Wash down fresh, warm, homemade donuts with the âbest cider aroundâ at Berrville Cider Mill. While you munch on a donut, walk around back and enjoy the waterfall. Gift items are also available. Adirondack River Outfitters has been providing whitewater adventures for 34 years so you can be assured of safe rafting over class 3 and 4 rapids down the Black River. The day ends with a chicken barbeque dinner. The Sci-Tech Museum provides a hands-on experience that will test your senses of smell and touch.

<h4>Largemouth Bass</h4><br><b>Oneida Lake</b><br> The fishing has gotten so much better at Oneida Lake that it is now one of the stateâs top bass fisheries. The largemouth prefer shallow water where they hang under lily pads and in the thicker grass beds. Weedless frogs, jigs and Texas rigged soft plastic baits coax bites in this cover. Oneidaâs smallmouth favor sparse grass, grass edges, rocky bottoms and drop-offs. Some of the better areas include the deeper water just outside the larger bays and adjacent to the many islands and reefs in the middle of the lake. Drop shot rigs, topwater plugs, jerkbaits, tubes and spinnerbaits appeal to the smallmouth.

Largemouth BassOneida Lake The fishing has gotten so much better at Oneida Lake that it is now one of the stateâs top bass fisheries. The largemouth prefer shallow water where they hang under lily pads and in the thicker grass beds. Weedless frogs, jigs and Texas rigged soft plastic baits coax bites in this cover. Oneidaâs smallmouth favor sparse grass, grass edges, rocky bottoms and drop-offs. Some of the better areas include the deeper water just outside the larger bays and adjacent to the many islands and reefs in the middle of the lake. Drop shot rigs, topwater plugs, jerkbaits, tubes and spinnerbaits appeal to the smallmouth.

While visiting Oneida Lake, check out the Haunted History Trail of New York State, if you dare. Stay at a haunted inn, go on a ghost hunt or on a candlelit tour of a haunted building. Take a guided tour based on the SyFy Channelâs Ghost Huntersâ investigation in Sylvan Beach. Enjoy a comfy coach ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad through upstate New York and view beautiful forests, hills, rivers, ponds and streams. Try your luck at over 750 cash-friendly games at Vernon Downsâ smoke-free casino. Thrill to harness racing on New Yorkâs largest and fastest track, known as the Home of the Miracle Mile. Utica Zoo features 200 animals ranging from African Lions to Red Pandas, plus daily camel feedings and sea lion shows. Fort Rickey has a petting zoo, maternity ward, animal shows, pony rides and more.

<b>Chautauqua Lake</b><br> In the very southwest corner of New York lies lonely 13,000-acre Chautauqua Lake, which teams with sizeable largemouth and smallmouth bass. Both species have been taken here that weigh over 7 pounds. Relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 78 feet, Chautauqua is separated into two basins. Most of the lower basin is less than 20 feet deep. The abundant aquatic vegetation in both basins gives the largemouth plenty of cover to call home. Smallmouth frequent the sparser weed beds, the deep edges of submerged weeds beds and sand and rocky flats and drop-offs.

Chautauqua Lake In the very southwest corner of New York lies lonely 13,000-acre Chautauqua Lake, which teams with sizeable largemouth and smallmouth bass. Both species have been taken here that weigh over 7 pounds. Relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 78 feet, Chautauqua is separated into two basins. Most of the lower basin is less than 20 feet deep. The abundant aquatic vegetation in both basins gives the largemouth plenty of cover to call home. Smallmouth frequent the sparser weed beds, the deep edges of submerged weeds beds and sand and rocky flats and drop-offs.

Jamestown near the southern tip of Chautauqua is the hometown of Lucille Ball. The Lucy-Desi Museum and Desilu Playhouse, built in her honor, is open seven days a week. Walk 5 miles of easy trails through fields, woods and wetlands at the 600-acre Jamestown Audubon Center & Sanctuary. The trails feature observation towers and a handicap accessible overlook. Choose from 65 wing flavors at Mileyâs Old Inn, a local eatery that also specializes in unique burgers. Treat your taste buds to some of the more than 30 varieties of locally brewed handcrafted beers at the Empty Pint just outside the village of Lakewood. Seneca Nation of Indians celebrates the tribeâs Native American culture and has three casinos for your enjoyment.

<b>Cayuga Lake</b><br> One of the famous Finger Lakes, Cayugaâs fantastic bass fishing was overlooked for many years. That changed when Louisiana bass pro Greg Hackney won a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament here in August of 2014 with a four-day, 20-bass limit of largemouth that totaled a whopping 85 pounds. Michigan Angler Kevin VanDam won another Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Cayuga in June of 2016 with a four-day, 20-bass limit of smallmouth that totaled just shy of 72 pounds. With roughly a 4-pound average per each species in these events, thereâs no question that Cayuga is one of the nationâs premier bass lakes. Hackney caught most of his fish from deep submerged weeds on a heavy jig. Drop shot rigs and Texas rigged plastic baits also work well here for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Cayuga Lake One of the famous Finger Lakes, Cayugaâs fantastic bass fishing was overlooked for many years. That changed when Louisiana bass pro Greg Hackney won a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament here in August of 2014 with a four-day, 20-bass limit of largemouth that totaled a whopping 85 pounds. Michigan Angler Kevin VanDam won another Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Cayuga in June of 2016 with a four-day, 20-bass limit of smallmouth that totaled just shy of 72 pounds. With roughly a 4-pound average per each species in these events, thereâs no question that Cayuga is one of the nationâs premier bass lakes. Hackney caught most of his fish from deep submerged weeds on a heavy jig. Drop shot rigs and Texas rigged plastic baits also work well here for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

View gorges, vineyards and marshes while you drive around the 87-mile Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway. Along the way, visit historic villages, scenic waterfalls, wineries and more. Ten wineries in the area offer tours and tastings where you can sample award-winning Rieslings and other wines. Pick up fresh local vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked goods and handmade jewelry at the Farmers Co-op Market in Auburn. Car nuts shouldnât miss the DIRT Motorsport Hall of Fame in Weedsport, which showcases historic racecars, classic autos, unique racing memorabilia and rarely seen photos. The 2.5-mile Cayuga Village Recreational Trail takes you through the village of Cayuga and along nearly one half mile of publicly owned lakefront, as well as fitness and nature loops.

<b>Mohawk River</b><br> The Mohawk is the second longest river in New York. It empties into the Hudson River a few miles north of Troy and is one of the stateâs most fished rivers for bass. The Mohawk is part of the New York State Barge Canal system. Smallmouth may be caught throughout the Mohawkâs length, while Largemouth frequent mainly the lower river. Fishing on the Mohawk is especially good in late summer and fall when schools of young-of-year herring migrate down the river and stir the bass into a feeding frenzy. There is ample boat access throughout the lower Mohawk, and a lock system allows travel up and down the river. Shore anglers may access the river almost anywhere.

Mohawk River The Mohawk is the second longest river in New York. It empties into the Hudson River a few miles north of Troy and is one of the stateâs most fished rivers for bass. The Mohawk is part of the New York State Barge Canal system. Smallmouth may be caught throughout the Mohawkâs length, while Largemouth frequent mainly the lower river. Fishing on the Mohawk is especially good in late summer and fall when schools of young-of-year herring migrate down the river and stir the bass into a feeding frenzy. There is ample boat access throughout the lower Mohawk, and a lock system allows travel up and down the river. Shore anglers may access the river almost anywhere.

Take in spectacular views of rivers and rapids as you walk through the gently rolling and wooded landscape on Peebles Island State Park at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers. The Erie Canalway National Visitorsâ Center in Troy is a historical site that features a beautiful canal with a fully operational lock that transports everything from kayaks to barges. Enjoy live music at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market where you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheeses, meats, bakery and crafts. Albany lies south of Troy and has something to please any visitor, such as the New York State Capitol, Museum & Empire State Plaza, New York Stateâs Museum, Library and Archives, a distinctive performing arts center, a convention center and much more.