I FISH NY Guide To Freshwater Fishing In New York State
This guide/map provides in-depth fishing, boating, and local information for 158 streams and rivers and 320 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs from Montauk to Buffalo. The waters included were selected by DEC staff as the best fishing locations in New York State. Request your free copy by email -- be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Additional Brochures and Publications on Places to Fish or Boat in New York State
I FISH NY Guide to Capital District Fishing (PDF)
I FISH NY Guide to Great Lakes Fishing (PDF)
I FISH NY Guide to Freshwater Fishing on Long Island and New York City (PDF)
New York State Boat Launching Sites (PDF)
To receive a copy of a brochure or publication by mail, send an email to [email protected] -- include your name, mailing address, and the title of the publication(s) you wish to receive.
Boating Access Sites
Visit the Boat Launch Sites by County page to find directions and details on both DEC and municipally managed boat ramps statewide.
Statewide Fishing Opportunities
New York is a big state with a lot of waters to fish. The statewide fishing opportunities pages give a good overview of some of the places to consider fishing.
Great Lakes Fishing Opportunities
Great Lakes! Great Fish! New York's Great Lakes waters include Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River. Fourteen of New York's state record fish come from these waters or their tributaries, including a 41 lb. 8 oz. lake trout from Lake Erie, a 33 lb. 7 oz. Coho Salmon from Lake Ontario, a 47 lb. 13 oz. Chinook Salmon from the Salmon River and a monster 69 lb. 15 oz. musky from the St. Lawrence River.
Finger Lakes Fishing Opportunities
The 11 glacially formed Finger Lakes of central and western New York are some of the most beautiful and unique lakes found in the state. Most of the Finger Lakes are considered two-story fisheries, containing both coldwater (trout and Atlantic salmon) and warmwater (bass, pike, walleye, and perch) fisheries.
Streams with Public Fishing Rights
DEC has purchased fishing rights on more than 1,300 miles of streams to open up additional fishing opportunities for anglers. For more details on these streams and how to access them, visit the Public Fishing Rights page.
Lake Contour Maps
There are approximately 400 lake contour maps available in PDF format. Maps are to be used as a fishing aid only and are not intended for navigation.
