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New York Fishing Guides

New York's fishing reputation lives in the shadow of its city, but upstate is home to some of the most historic fly fishing water in America. The Catskill streams — the Beaverkill, Willowemoc, Esopus, and Delaware — are where American dry-fly fishing was invented. Add the Adirondack brook trout ponds, Lake Ontario's salmon runs, and the world-class Great Lakes steelhead tributaries, and New York is far more than most anglers realize.

Where to fish

Top waters in New York

Delaware River (upper branches)

Wild brown trout, rainbow trout

The West Branch (Cannonsville tailwater) is one of the best wild trout rivers in the eastern US. Large fish, selective feeders, minimal stocking. March brown and Hendrickson hatches in spring.

Beaverkill / Willowemoc

Brown trout, brook trout

The birthplace of American fly fishing. Cairns Pool and Junction Pool are hallowed water. Smaller fish than the Delaware but the history is unmatched.

Salmon River (Pulaski)

Chinook salmon, steelhead, brown trout

Lake Ontario tributary with massive fall chinook runs (September-October) and winter steelhead (November-April). Can be crowded but the fish are enormous.

Ausable River (Adirondacks)

Brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout

Two branches — West Branch is stocked and accessible; East Branch is wilder. Classic Adirondack freestone in mountain scenery.

When to go

New York fishing by season

April–May

Spring

Hendrickson hatch on the Catskill streams. Delaware opens in April. Water is cold and high early; conditions stabilize by mid-May. The best dry-fly fishing of the year.

June–August

Summer

Evening hatches on the Delaware (sulfurs, green drakes). Adirondack brook trout in small streams. Warm water bass on the Hudson, Mohawk, and Finger Lakes.

September–November

Fall

Chinook salmon run the Salmon River. Steelhead begin entering Lake Ontario tribs. Brown trout spawn in Catskill streams. Best variety of any season.

December–March

Winter

Steelhead on the Salmon River and Cattaraugus Creek. Hardcore cold-weather nymphing. Ice fishing on Adirondack lakes and Finger Lakes for lake trout and perch.

Why New York

The Catskills are where American fly fishing was born — Theodore Gordon, the Darbees, the Dettes, Lee Wulff all lived and fished here. The Delaware system holds wild brown trout that rival any Western river. And the Salmon River steelhead fishery is among the best in the Great Lakes — chrome fish over 20 pounds in a river you can wade.

Insider tip

The West Branch of the Delaware from Hale Eddy to Hancock fishes best in June and September when the reservoir releases keep water cold. Avoid opening week (April 1) — the crowds are intense and the fish haven't settled into feeding patterns yet.

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