New York Fly Fishing Reports
River Reports - Click a river below
Battenkill River – Below the Mill at Battenville
Beaverkill – Cook’s Falls
Callicoon Creek – Callicoon
Cattaraugus River – Gowanda
Chautauqua Creek – Westfield
Delaware River – Callicoon
Delaware River – Lordville
East Branch Delaware River – Downsville
East Branch Delaware River – Fishes Eddy
East Branch Delaware River – Harvard
East Branch Delaware River – Margretville
Esopus Creek – Allaben
Esopus Portal – Schoharie Reservoir
Hudson River – Newcomb
Neversink River – Bridgeville
Salmon River – Pineville
Saranac River – Plattsburgh
Schohaire Creek – Lexington
West Branch Delaware River – Hale Eddy
West Branch Delaware River – Stilesville
West Branch Delaware River – Walton
Willowemoc Creek – Livingston Manor
State overview
New York is a fly fishing paradise with its diverse range of waters, from the famous Catskills rivers to the Great Lakes tributaries. The Catskills, often called the birthplace of American fly fishing, are home to legendary rivers like the Beaverkill and Esopus Creek, which attract anglers from around the world. New York also boasts prime steelhead and salmon fishing along Lake Ontario and Lake Erie’s tributaries. With trout, bass, and salmon all within reach, New York offers year-round fly fishing opportunities across scenic landscapes that range from mountain streams to large river systems.
Fishing Regulations
In New York, anglers aged 16 and older must have a valid fishing license. Special regulations vary by waterbody, but here are some general statewide rules:
- Trout (in lakes and ponds): Open season is April 1 to October 15. The daily limit is 5 fish, with no more than 2 fish longer than 12 inches.
- Trout (in inland streams): April 1 to October 15 for regular fishing, with catch-and-release only from October 16 to March 31 using artificial lures.
- Salmon: Fishing for Coho and Chinook salmon is open year-round in the Great Lakes and their tributaries, with a minimum size of 15 inches.
- Black Bass: The season runs from the third Saturday in June to November 30. Catch and release only is allowed from December 1 to June 14.
- Steelhead: Year-round fishing in Great Lakes tributaries, with specific size and catch limits depending on the region.
Always check local and regional regulations before heading out, as certain waters may have different rules. For the latest information, visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
Conservation Efforts
New York is home to a number of conservation initiatives that focus on preserving its diverse waters and fish populations. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is a key institution, dedicated to educating the public and preserving the rich history of fly fishing in the Catskills. It promotes sustainable fishing practices and habitat protection efforts in the region. Additionally, organizations like the Capital District Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited’s Canandaigua Lake Chapter are actively involved in habitat restoration, stream improvement projects, and youth education programs to ensure the health of coldwater fisheries for future generations.