5 Best Salmon Fishing Spots in New York State

A Guide to New York's World-Class Fishing Rivers

While New York is often associated with the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, the Empire State is also home to a vast and beautiful landscape teeming with world-class fishing opportunities. The state's powerful rivers, particularly the tributaries that feed into Lake Ontario, are legendary among anglers for their incredible salmon and trout runs. From the mighty Salmon River to the scenic Niagara, here is a guide to some of the best and most iconic fishing rivers in New York State.

1. The Salmon River (Oswego County)

• The Experience: The Salmon River is, without a doubt, the most famous fishing river in New York and one of the premier destinations for salmon and steelhead in the entire country. This incredible wilderness river offers a dynamic environment with deep green pools, fast-moving rapids, and abundant fish.
• What to Catch: It is a world-class fishery for massive Chinook (King) and Coho salmon, which run up the river from Lake Ontario to spawn in the fall. Following the salmon run, the river becomes a top destination for acrobatic steelhead trout throughout the winter and spring.
• Vibe: An exhilarating and often crowded fishing experience that attracts anglers from all over the world. The area also supports a rich ecosystem, including river otters and Bald Eagles.

2. The Oswego River (Oswego County)

• The Experience: Another major Lake Ontario tributary, the Oswego River offers a fantastic and often more accessible alternative for targeting migrating salmon and trout.
• What to Catch: Beginning in early autumn, the river sees large schools of Chinook and Coho salmon, followed by steelhead and brown trout. Trolling with flashers and cut bait or casting with egg imitations are popular and effective techniques here.
• Vibe: An exciting urban and suburban fishery that runs right through the city of Oswego.

3. The Lower Niagara River (Niagara County)

• The Experience: Serving as a natural boundary between the United States and Canada, the powerful Lower Niagara River is considered ground zero for incredible fall salmon runs, as more water enters Lake Ontario from this river than any other.
• What to Catch: The river offers phenomenal opportunities for Chinook and Coho salmon, as well as lake trout, brown trout, and walleye, depending on the season. Prime fishing season runs from November through April.
• Access Points: Excellent and scenic access can be found at Whirlpool State Park, Devil's Hole State Park, and the New York Power Authority fishing dock in Lewiston.

4. The Black River (Jefferson County)

• The Experience: This long and winding river is known as one of the state's great walleye factories. Both its upper and lower reaches can produce large specimens of this prized gamefish. The river's scenic beauty also makes it an excellent destination for kayakers and canoeists.
• What to Catch: While walleye are the main draw, the river also supports populations of bass and other species.
• Vibe: A mix of remote, forested stretches and more accessible sections.

5. South Sandy Creek (Jefferson County)

• The Experience: For anglers seeking a slightly less crowded fishery, South Sandy Creek is an excellent choice. This annually stocked freestone tributary of Lake Ontario flows from the Tug Hill Plateau through the town of Ellisburg.
• What to Catch: The fall provides exceptional angling opportunities when water temperatures cool and steelhead migrate upstream to spawn. Techniques like drift fishing and bottom-bouncing can produce excellent results in this beautiful creek.
• Vibe: A more intimate and classic tributary fishing experience.

From the legendary salmon runs of the Salmon and Oswego Rivers to the powerful, year-round fishery of the Lower Niagara, New York State offers an unparalleled fishing adventure. These iconic rivers provide anglers with the chance to catch trophy-sized salmon and trout while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Empire State.

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