FishNY Editorial Team

The FishNY Editorial Team maintains and updates content across FishNY.com, including legacy magazine articles and modern fishing guides created specifically for New York anglers. Editorial work includes updating archived content for clarity, organizing fishing information by waterbody and species, and reviewing pages periodically to keep them accurate and useful.

Articles written by FishNY Editorial Team

“Wacky Style” for Bass Fishing in the Adirondacks

Get That “Sinking Feeling” Using a Wacky Rig for Bass “Wouldn’t it be nice if you caught a bass every time you went fishing?” This question, asked by a bass fishing tournament buddy 17 years ago, set the stage for what would become one of my most successful bass fishing techniques. We were standing at […]

Exploring the Whitney Wilderness Area and Round Lake

Welcome to what I hope will be a long-standing feature here, where we’ll explore the wonders of specific wilderness areas throughout the Adirondack region, starting with one of its most beloved and pristine landscapes: the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area. This area, located in the west-central Adirondacks, offers a unique and varied outdoor experience, perfect […]

Cranberry Lake: The Gateway to an Outdoors Paradise.

Located in St. Lawrence County, the Cranberry Lake area (NY 12927) is notable for being the last section of New York State to be settled. Today, it remains one of the state’s largest remote areas, offering an Eden-like escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Outdoor Opportunities in the Cranberry Lake Region The Cranberry Lake region encompasses Cranberry […]

Understanding the Adirondack Park Terminology

Understanding the Adirondack Park Terminology and Classification The Adirondacks are a large and diverse region with specific terminology and classifications that may seem challenging to newcomers and even experienced visitors. Understanding this language is essential for anyone participating in recreational activities, conservation efforts, or community discussions within the park. These terms not only assist in […]

NY DEC Trout and Salmon Stocking: Adirondack Lakes & Ponds

DEC Trout and Salmon Stocking The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plays an essential role in preserving and enhancing the state’s fish populations, particularly in the Adirondacks, a region known for its rugged wilderness and exceptional fishing opportunities. Through the DEC’s well-organized fish stocking program, the state ensures that its water bodies […]

Women Who Fish: Beyond the Job—A Passion for the Catch

The Love of Fishing: From Childhood Passion to Profession For Captain Laura Burnett of Barre, Orleans County, fishing isn’t just a job—it’s a lifelong passion. As a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed charter boat captain, Burnett has found a way to turn her love of fishing into a career, offering guided trips from Point Breeze on Lake […]

Spring Brown Trout Lake Ontario: Tips & Techniques

Spring Brown Trout Lake Ontario: The Southern Shores of in Early Spring Imagine the southern shores of Lake Ontario in early spring: cold northeast winds, lingering lake-effect snow, and water temperatures hovering around 37°F. Mini icebergs drift by, adding to the rugged landscape that, while unwelcoming to most, is prime territory for anglers seeking brown […]

St. Lawrence River Fishing – Seasons, Fish Species and Tips

The St. Lawrence River in NY offers world-class fishing for muskie, bass, and walleye. Learn expert tips, prime locations, and seasonal strategies for success.

A small brown trout showcased beside a fly rod and fishing net.

18 mile creek fishing, in Niagara county NY

18 Mile Creek in NY offers seasonal fishing opportunities, including fall runs of brown trout and salmon, as well as fall and spring steelhead migrations.

Dog retrieving a duck with duck hunting decoys in the backgound

Cast and Blast – Black River Valley Fishing and Hunting

Canoe and Kayak “Cast and Blast” Adventures There’s nothing like the combination of fishing and hunting in the fall, and when you’re in a canoe or kayak, it’s the perfect setup for both. If you’re serious about maximizing your day, a “cast and blast” trip is the way to go. It’s all about efficiency—getting in […]

Adirondack Guideboat: By Mwanner at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17876357

Adirondack Guides: Then and Now – History, Role, and Evolution

The Role of the Adirondack Guide in the Early 1800s: Then and Now In the early 1800s, as the Adirondack Mountains began to draw its first wave of tourists, the Adirondack guide emerged as a pivotal figure, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving guiding industry. At that time, the role of the […]

A football brown caught on the tributaries of Lake Ontario while brown trout fishing.

Spring Brown Trout In New York – Swimbait, Stickbait, and Spoons

Spring Brown Trout Fishing in New York: A Comprehensive Guide Spring has arrived, and after a long, cold winter, anglers are gearing up to chase one of the most sought-after game species—spring brown trout in new york. As the inshore waters of Lake Ontario warm up with the longer days and spring rains, hungry brown […]

The Moose River Plains Excellent Trout Fishing Locations

Fishing in the Footsteps of French Louie In 1963, New York State made a landmark acquisition when it purchased the Moose River Plains tract from the Gould Paper Company, opening up a vast and pristine stretch of the Adirondacks to sportsmen and other outdoor enthusiasts. The land, which extended from Seventh Lake in the north […]

Tupper Lake Fishing: Tips and Techniques

Abundant Game Fish in Tupper Lake: A Hidden Angler’s Paradise The waters of Tupper Lake, though teeming with game fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye, are overshadowed by the lake’s remarkable reputation for trophy-sized northern pike, landlocked salmon, lake trout, and walleye. While bass and perch fishing is plentiful, it’s […]

Adirondack Camping and Fishing

Fishing in the Adirondacks is one of my greatest passions, and combining it with camping takes the experience to another level. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed everything from trolling for trout and salmon on Lake George and Lake Champlain to fly fishing for brook trout in remote ponds and streams—but nothing beats camping and fishing […]

Kayak Fishing Basics New York

Getting Started with Kayak Fishing: Tips, Gear, and Setup If you fish in New York and want to reach more water without breaking the bank, kayak fishing is one of the best ways to do it. It’s quiet, affordable, and lets you get into places boats can’t—like skinny rivers, shallow bays, and tucked-away ponds that […]

The Best Of Seneca Lake Fishing

Seneca Lake Fishing: The Yellow Gold of the Finger Lakes Seneca Lake, often referred to as the Lake Trout Capital of the World, is also a hotspot for perch anglers, particularly those targeting the large yellow perch that call it home. Known for its exceptionally large perch, some of which can weigh two to three […]

Fishing the Finger Lakes: Tips for Waterwolves and Walleye

Characteristics and Behavior of “Waterwolves” (Northern Pike and Related Species) While fishing the finger lakes you will come across “Waterwolves” this is a term commonly used to describe predatory freshwater fish, particularly species like Northern Pike, Muskellunge (Muskie), and Pickerel, known for their aggressive behavior and large, sharp teeth. These fish are highly skilled hunters, […]

Best Tips for Finding The Fish Species of Lake Ontario

Spring Time Means Variety Spring fishing on Lake Ontario offers a wide range of possibilities for anglers. Most fishermen begin their day by targeting a specific species—whether it’s brown trout, walleye, lake trout, northern pike, pickerel, or catfish. The excitement of a day on the water lies in the unpredictability, as you never quite know […]

Spectacular Sodus Bay Fishing: Panfish to Pike

Twenty-five years ago, mentioning Sodus Bay at the winter sports show circuit was met with blank stares. Most people didn’t know where it was, and even the pronunciation was often confused, with “Sodus” mistakenly being called “Sod-us Bay.” Back then, I’d explain, “Sodus Bay lies on the south shore of Lake Ontario, halfway between Rochester […]

Soft Hackle Fly for Spring Steelhead

One of the things that first drew me to fly fishing for salmon and steelhead was the simple elegance of soft hackle flies. No fly patterns are as visually captivating as the classic Atlantic salmon flies, with their intricate featherwork and graceful proportions. In a similar vein, the traditional steelhead flies from the Pacific Northwest […]

Lake Ontario Steelhead – When Lightning Strikes Twice

Lake Ontario Steelhead, have a legendary reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences, even to the most seasoned anglers. Over my 33 years of fishing professionally on the Lake Ontario waters, I’ve witnessed countless magical moments that speak to the lake’s endless potential. Yet, each trip holds the promise of new surprises, particularly in the dynamic and […]

Yakima Bait Sets The Record In Henderson Harbor

If You Could Only Have One Lure: The Ultimate Fishing Dilemma It’s one of the most enduring questions in the world of fishing: If you could only use one lure, which would it be? Much like the classic debate of “Ginger or Mary Ann” that defined a generation of male baby boomers, anglers have long […]

Keg Creek – An Awesome Angling Alternative

Each year, anglers flock to the eighteen-mile stretch of Keg Creek in the town of Burt, New York, seeking the thrill of landing game fish. The creek plays host to a large run of Lake Ontario steelhead, making it a prime fishing destination during both the fall and spring seasons. The fall features a dramatic […]

Niagara River fishing - Streeter lake trout Niagara Bar

Niagara River Fishing Tips and Tales

Lower Niagara River Fishing and the Niagara River Bar After three decades of covering New York State’s fishing hotspots, one experience remains unforgettable: fishing the Lower Niagara River and the Niagara River Bar. This area offers a remarkable range of species, and every trip proves just how diverse the fishing can be. What is the […]

A Beginner’s Guide to The Black Stone Nymph

Fly Tying Materials for Black Stone Nymphs Creating a Black Stonefly Nymph requires specific materials to imitate the look and movement of this aquatic insect. Here’s a complete list of materials, with English instructions to guide you in tying your own: Hook: Use a size 16 to 8 Mustad 3906, B, wet nymph, or sproat […]

angler showing off his catch while float fishing for steelhead

Float Fishing For Steelhead 101

Introduction to Steelhead Fishing Each season, a new group of anglers ventures into the world of steelhead fishing, quickly discovering that it’s a far cry from chasing bass in a local pond. Steelhead fishing is a pursuit that demands patience, persistence, and a good deal of skill. For beginners, it can feel like an uphill […]

two men on a boat barely visible behind a gigantic salmon caught using fire brine.

Fire Brine for Trolling Salmon, Steelhead and Browns

Out With The Old, In With The New Fire Brine For over 20 years, I’ve been fishing the waters of Lake Ontario for kings, steelhead, and brown trout, and during that time, I’ve always relied on the classic brine mix of salt and water for preparing my trolling bait. It was a method that worked, […]

How To Tie And Fish A Whistler Fly

The Whistler fly, originally designed by Dan Blanton, is a versatile streamer pattern used for both freshwater and saltwater gamefish. Known for its flash, vibration, and movement in the water, it’s especially effective for aggressive species like northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass. This article covers how to tie the fly, when to […]