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Fishing

With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of miles of coastline, New York State has some of the finest fishing in the country. There is world class fishing for a wide variety of coldwater, warmwater and saltwater fish species. Whether it's smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie, brook trout fishing on a crystal clear Adirondack lake, Pacific salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, fishing for stripers on the Hudson River, brown trout fishing on the Beaver Kill or fishing for bluefish in Montauk's surf, there's something special here for everyone. Some of the country's largest fish have been caught here in New York! To see some of these, take a look at our state fishing records, both freshwater and saltwater.

More about Fishing:

  • Saltwater Fishing - The marine waters of New York host varied and exciting fishing opportunities.
  • Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide - New York State's Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide: 2008 - 2009
  • Fishing Hotlines/News - Fishing hotlines are among the most popular pages on our website. The hotlines provide information such as fishing locations, fishing conditions, and types of fish found in the waters of New York State. With updates every week, these pages are a great way to get the scoop on where the fish are biting as you plan your next fishing trip. Good luck!
  • Places to Fish - Fishing information, including lake contour maps, on numerous great fishing spots located around the state.
  • I FISH NY - I FISH NY is a program that teaches people about fishing and the fishing opportunities in New York.
  • Fish Stocking - DEC stocks over one million pounds of fish into more than 1,200 public streams, rivers, lakes and ponds across the state. Links to stocking lists; organized by county.
  • Fish Hatcheries - DEC operates 12 fish hatcheries where numerous fish species are reared for stocking into more than 1,200 public waters across the State.
  • Freshwater Fisheries Research - Information on evaluating the status of fish populations to enhance some fisheries and to restore others in New York state waters.
  • Angler Awards - Information about New York's Angler Achievement Awards program.
  • Fish Health Advisories - A summary of information regarding fish consumption advisories issued by the Department of Health.
  • Contact DEC Fisheries/ Regional Information - Information for contacting the Bureau of Fisheries.