What Are The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in New York?
Bass fishing in New York offers unparalleled opportunities for bass anglers looking to catch trophy-sized fish. The state’s diverse lakes provide a range of fishing environments, from deep glacial lakes to expansive rivers. This guide highlights the top bass fishing lakes in New York and offers expert tips for each location to help you make the most of your fishing adventure.
The Top 5 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In New York
Learn more below about each body of water mentioned and what makes them the best bass fishing lakes in New York.
St. Lawrence River: Bass Fishing on the Border
The St. Lawrence River, which forms the border between New York and Canada, is a premier destination for smallmouth bass fishing. This vast river spans 744 miles, with the New York portion offering some of the best fishing spots. The average depth varies greatly but can reach up to 250 feet in some areas, providing diverse habitats for bass.
Popular fishing spots include the areas around Clayton and Alexandria Bay, where the river’s clear waters and rocky structures create ideal conditions for smallmouth bass. The river’s current and abundant forage fish, such as gobies and perch, contribute to the healthy bass population.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for St. Lawrence River: Focus on drop-offs and rocky points using tube jigs and crankbaits. The swift current often concentrates bass in these areas, especially during the summer months.
Oneida Lake: Central New York’s Bass Hotspot
Oneida Lake, located just northeast of Syracuse, is a premier bass fishing destination in New York. Covering 79.8 square miles with an average depth of 22 feet and a maximum depth of 55 feet, Oneida Lake is relatively shallow, which helps maintain warmer water temperatures ideal for bass. The lake’s extensive weed beds, rocky shoals, and numerous islands provide excellent habitat for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
The lake’s western end near Brewerton and the eastern end near Sylvan Beach are particularly popular among bass anglers. These areas offer a mix of shallow flats and deeper channels where bass congregate throughout the year.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Oneida Lake: Target the edges of weed beds and rocky shoals using soft plastic worms or jigs. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish, as bass are more likely to be feeding.
Cayuga Lake: Finger Lakes Fishing Gem
Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York’s Finger Lakes, stretches over 38 miles from Ithaca to Seneca Falls. With an average depth of 182 feet and a maximum depth of 435 feet, Cayuga Lake offers a diverse range of fishing environments. The lake’s clear waters and abundant aquatic vegetation create ideal conditions for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
The northern and southern ends of the lake are particularly productive for bass fishing. Anglers often have success near the town of Union Springs and the southern tip near Ithaca, where shallow bays and underwater structures provide excellent cover for bass.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Cayuga Lake: Use drop shot rigs and finesse worms around the deeper weed edges and rocky points. Bass tend to hold near these structures during the summer months.
Upper Niagara River: Urban Bass Fishing Gem
The Upper Niagara River, flowing from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, offers excellent bass fishing opportunities, particularly near Buffalo. This river section spans 35 miles, with an average depth of 20 feet and a maximum depth of 50 feet. The river’s numerous islands, weed beds, and current breaks create ideal habitats for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
The river’s western end near Grand Island and the eastern end near the Peace Bridge are popular among anglers. These areas provide a mix of shallow and deep-water environments that support healthy bass populations.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Upper Niagara River: Use spinnerbaits and swimbaits around the weed edges and current breaks. Early morning and late afternoon are optimal times for bass fishing in the Upper Niagara River.
Chautauqua Lake: Western New York’s Bass Haven
Chautauqua Lake, located in western New York near Jamestown, is a renowned bass fishing destination. The lake spans 13,000 acres with an average depth of 25 feet and a maximum depth of 78 feet. Chautauqua Lake’s abundant weed beds, docks, and submerged structures make it a prime location for largemouth bass.
The northern basin near Bemus Point and the southern basin near the village of Mayville are hot spots for bass fishing. These areas offer a mix of shallow and deep-water habitats that support healthy bass populations.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Chautauqua Lake: Focus on fishing around the docks and weed beds using topwater lures and spinnerbaits. Early summer mornings are particularly productive times to fish.
Why You Should Consider Bass Fishing In New York
New York is a top destination for bass fishing enthusiasts due to its vast and diverse aquatic environments. The state offers countless fishing spots with over 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. The varied geography, including the Finger Lakes, Great Lakes, Adirondacks, and Catskill Mountains, provides unique habitats that support thriving populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Lake Champlain, a border lake with Vermont, is renowned for its trophy-sized bass, hosting numerous tournaments annually. Oneida Lake, known for its excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, offers easy access and numerous boat launches. The St. Lawrence River, part of the Great Lakes system, is celebrated for its world-class smallmouth bass fishing, often yielding catches exceeding five pounds.
New York’s accessibility is another significant advantage. Many top fishing locations are within a few hours’ drive from major cities like New York City, Albany, and Buffalo. The state also boasts well-developed infrastructure for anglers, including public boat ramps, fishing guides, and charter services, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable fishing experience. With its rich variety of waters and prime fishing spots, New York is an ideal destination for any bass angler.
