Where to fish in New York

B.A.S.S. is no stranger to lakes in New York for a very good reason- there’s amazing fishing and wonderful activities to do around them. Here are some of the best places in the Empire State to cast your line, and what to do when you’re done on the water.

<h4>Lake Erie</h4>
The finest smallmouth bass fishing in New York State and arguably the entire United States can be found in the waters of Lake Erie. Generally stable spawning success, coupled with rapid growth produce high angler catch rates and frequent encounters with trophy-sized fish. Bass are found along the entire New York shoreline, with hotspots along rocky structure and drop-offs in 15-35 feet of water.

Lake Erie
The finest smallmouth bass fishing in New York State and arguably the entire United States can be found in the waters of Lake Erie. Generally stable spawning success, coupled with rapid growth produce high angler catch rates and frequent encounters with trophy-sized fish. Bass are found along the entire New York shoreline, with hotspots along rocky structure and drop-offs in 15-35 feet of water.

However, smallmouth bass in Lake Erie are widely distributed and are available to anglers fishing inshore zones from shore, with waders, kayaks, and other small vessels. Most bass caught are between 2 and 4 pounds, but there is good opportunity to catch a hefty 5 or 6 pound bronzeback. New Yorkâs smallmouth bass state record is 8 lbs 4 oz and is shared by Lake Erie and the St. Lawrence River.

<h4> Chautauqua Lake</h4> Chautauqua Lake, situated in the far southwestern corner of New York State, is recognized as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the Northeast. This incredibly productive lake contains two distinctly different basins with a wide variety of habitat types and supports healthy populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Chautauqua Lake is known for high catch rates of both species in the 1 to 3-pound size class that can make for action packed fishing for both boat and shore anglers.

Chautauqua Lake Chautauqua Lake, situated in the far southwestern corner of New York State, is recognized as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the Northeast. This incredibly productive lake contains two distinctly different basins with a wide variety of habitat types and supports healthy populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Chautauqua Lake is known for high catch rates of both species in the 1 to 3-pound size class that can make for action packed fishing for both boat and shore anglers.

While recent winning tournament weights have been somewhat lower than a decade ago, trophy fish are still common. Largemouth bass are by far the most popular target here and can be found anywhere in the lake amongst the endless supply of vegetation, docks, and shoreline structure to target. However, the lake also contains several shoals, rocky points, and steep drop-offs that support an often-overlooked smallmouth bass fishery that has the potential to provide some hefty bags, with decent numbers of bronzebacks over 5 pounds if an angler can find them.

<h4>Lake Champlain</h4> Often called the sixth Great Lake, Lake Champlain stretches 110 miles from Whitehall NY to the Richelieu River in southern Quebec. Lake Champlain is one of the top fishing lakes in the country for a variety of warmwater and coldwater species, but has become particularly famous for its outstanding population of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Both species can be found throughout the lake, with largemouth bass preferring the numerous weedy bays and smallmouth the abundant rocky points, humps and drop-offs. Access is easy with 14 public boat launches on the New York side of the lake alone. The lakeâs scenery is unmatched with great vistas of the high peaks of the Adirondacks to the west and Green Mountains to the east.

Lake Champlain Often called the sixth Great Lake, Lake Champlain stretches 110 miles from Whitehall NY to the Richelieu River in southern Quebec. Lake Champlain is one of the top fishing lakes in the country for a variety of warmwater and coldwater species, but has become particularly famous for its outstanding population of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Both species can be found throughout the lake, with largemouth bass preferring the numerous weedy bays and smallmouth the abundant rocky points, humps and drop-offs. Access is easy with 14 public boat launches on the New York side of the lake alone. The lakeâs scenery is unmatched with great vistas of the high peaks of the Adirondacks to the west and Green Mountains to the east.

If you camp, consider staying at either the Cumberland Bay State Park, Ausable Point or Crown Point campgrounds operated by the State of New York. History buffs will enjoy Fort Ticonderoga or 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. Apple picking is a popular fall pursuit across the Champlain Valley and numerous brew pubs can be found throughout the area to help quench your thirst. In nearby Lake Placid you may visit the Olympic Jumping Complex and the Olympic Sports Complex.

<h4>Oneida Lake</h4> The largest inland lake in New York State and one of the best walleye fisheries in the U.S, Oneida Lake has also developed into one of the best bass fisheries in the state. Look for largemouths in 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.

Oneida Lake The largest inland lake in New York State and one of the best walleye fisheries in the U.S, Oneida Lake has also developed into one of the best bass fisheries in the state. Look for largemouths in 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. If youâre visiting at the end of August, be sure to visit the New York State Fair in Syracuse. You can also 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.