While the migratory runs of salmon and steelhead (rainbow trout) on New York's Great Lakes tributaries are a draw for many anglers in the fall, this time of year also presents a variety of other options statewide as many fish begin to feed heavily in preparation for winter. Fish species like walleye and bass move into shallower water providing opportunities closer to shore where they may not have been during the warmer months. Additionally, lake trout become more accessible to shore anglers as they move into shallower water on the Great Lakes in preparation to spawn, and on some inland waters like Lake Champlain. Fall is also a great time to fish for panfish such as yellow perch, crappie and sunfish. Last but certainly not least, some of the best muskie fishing occurs in areas statewide during October and November.
Paired with the great fishing is the colorful fall foliage this time of year, creating a beautiful setting while casting a line. Below are some fall fishing highlights, including top locations, tips, and fish to catch according to our staff across the State.
Western NY/Lake Erie
- Chautauqua Lake and Upper Niagara River: Best muskie catch rates occur in these waters throughout the fall. Creel results indicate that the highest angler catch rates occurred in October as the water cooled and fish moved nearshore, putting on the feed bag before winter. Similar to the Upper Niagara River and Buffalo Harbor muskie fishery, which peaks in November.
- Lake Erie: Walleye fishing remains great through November, with bonus lake trout and steelhead in the nearshore areas. For walleye, trolling with worm harnesses or stick baits will still be the go-to option on Erie in the fall. For steelhead, casting with spoons (1/2 oz – 1 oz) near the creek mouths can be a popular method. For lake trout, casting tube jigs (3-4 inch) or spoons (½ oz – 1 oz) around nearshore rock shoals in late October and November can be productive.
Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River
- St. Lawrence River: Smallmouth bass fishing heats up in late fall as fish are moving back to shallow water to chase baitfish and pack on some last-minute calories prior to the long winter. Anglers often have to deal with cold and rough conditions in the fall, but can be rewarded with impressive catches as these fish are aggressive and hungry.
- Lake Ontario Bays: Yellow perch fishing also improves in the late fall as fish school up in the nearshore bays. Chaumont Bay and Henderson Harbor are reporting good perch catches this month. Fathead minnows fished in a drop-shot method is a very productive tactic.
- Lake Ontario Tributaries: fishing is in full swing in October as Chinook and coho salmon make their spawning runs into the rivers and streams connecting to Lake Ontario. Steelhead (rainbow trout) will move into the rivers in late October/early November. Popular baits include egg sacks, beads, stoneflies, spinners (with single hooks), and streamer flies.
West Central NY/Finger Lakes
- Finger Lakes: Lake trout action picks up as fish are in pre-spawn mode and still feeding heavily. Try depths of at least 80 feet for best success.
- Waneta Lake: Falling water temperatures trigger some of the best muskie action of the year. Try fishing weeds or trolling open water for best success.
- Conesus and Seneca Lakes: Pike fishing will begin to pick up as fish feed heavily prior to winter. Target weed beds in 5-12 feet of water with spinners or swimbaits for best success.
Central NY
- Salmon River and Oswego River: Excellent fisheries in the fall for a chance to catch Chinook and coho salmon. Floating eggs or beads work well.
- Oneida Lake: Fishing from the shore in the fall is a great opportunity to catch walleye. A slow, stready retrieve using stickbaits, jerkbaits or crankbaits is a popular technique.
- Cayuga Lake: Perch are highly productive in the lake during the fall. Try jigging for a bite.
Adirondacks
- Ponds throughout the Park: Anglers have a short while left through October 15th to experience Adirondack brook trout pond fishing. Fishing in the fall provides great opportunities to catch this beautiful New York State fish.
East Central NY/Capital District
- Canadarago Lake and Otsego Lake: As water temperatures dip into the 50s, walleye feed more frequently in shallower waters. Try using stickbaits along weedlines in low light conditions.
- Delaware River Tailwaters: Fishing pressure decreases in the fall allowing anglers to enjoy a more serene experience on the water, while trout continue to be catchable.
- Mohawk River/Erie Canal: Shoreline access along the Mohawk River is plentiful with diverse opportunities to fish for pike, walleye and bass. They move into shallower water this time of year to feed, so try throwing spinnerbaits, crankbaits or stickbaits.
Southeastern NY
- Tidal Hudson River: bass fishing in the fall really starts to pick up!
- Big smallmouth bass show up on shallow points and flats. Popular baits include spinnerbaits, shallow diving crankbaits and drop shot rig using a minnow imitation. Don't be surprised if you catch striped bass at these locations too.
- Largemouth bass make their annual move to the larger tributaries. Anglers who can methodically pick apart the structure have a chance at catching some nice largemouth. Popular baits include senkos and weedless jigs.
New York City
- Prospect Park Lake in Brooklyn or the Harlem Meer in Manhattan (North side of Central Park): Try fishing zones where shallow waters transition into deeper holes, depressions, or drop offs for:
- Bluegill, pumpkinseed, crappie and other panfish: use a traditional bobber rig paired with worms or small-soft plastic bait imitations.
- Largemouth bass: slow down the retrieve speed and opt for lures that stay suspended in the water column such as jerkbaits.
- The Lake in Central Park in Manhattan and Kissena Lake in Queens: Fishing a simple bottom rig baited with corn kernels or dough balls is great for catching carp year-round, especially in the fall when they're feeding heavily. Boilies and pack baits can be highly effective and are simple to make using common household staples. Learn more about Carp Fishing in New York.
Fish from top left to bottom right: Northern pike, brown trout, largemouth bass, Chinook salmon, yellow perch, and carp