Although lots of New Yorkers live and work in large urban areas, much of the state has lakes, rivers, and coastlines that offer incredible fishing. From the Finger Lakes to Lake Champlain, all along the Hudson and its tributaries, and even in New York City Harbor, fishing is a favorite pastime for those seeking relief from the stress and bustle of city life. For many, fishing in New York rejuvenates their spirits and gives them a taste of nature. Any person 16 or older must purchase have a fishing license to fish anywhere in the state.
Fishing Spots in New York
Here are some of the best fishing spots in New York. You’ll find plenty of bass fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Bowman Lake
One of the best places for kids to learn how to fish in New York is Bowman Lake, located about 60 miles south of Syracuse. The lake is small, about 34 acres, and is at Bowman Lake State Park. The park offers 164 primitive campsites, and RVs of any size can camp here. A boat ramp is available for easy access to the water, and the lake is stocked each year with brook and rainbow trout of legal size. Other fish species in the lake include largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, black crappie, and brown bullhead.
Wellesley Island
Wellesley Island is located about 100 miles north of Syracuse in the Saint Lawrence River. Almost the entire island is taken up by Wellesley Island State Park. The park has 414 campsites and amenities such as flush toilets, bathhouses with hot showers, a boat ramp, a marina, and much more. Native fish species caught along the banks of Wellesley Island include smallmouth bass, perch, pike, and muskie.
Selkirk Shore on Lake Ontario
Selkirk Shore on Lake Ontario combines lake and river fishing, giving you an opportunity to try new fishing techniques. Selkirk Shores State Park encompasses the shores of Lake Ontario and the Salmon River, Little Salmon River, and Grindstone Creek. Located 42 miles north of Syracuse, the park provides 200 RV campsites with amenities like flush toilets and bathhouses with hot showers. Two boat ramps provide easy access to the water. During various times of the year, anglers can expect to land brook trout, brown trout, steelhead, or Chinook salmon.
Delta Lake
Delta Lake is a reservoir located near Rome, NY, about 45 miles east of Syracuse, and is part of Delta Lake State Park. The park provides 101 RV campsites with great views of the lake and the mountains beyond. With the park on a peninsula, there are plenty of bank fishing opportunities, but a boat ramp is available for those who want to get onto the water. Species available in this lake include brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, and perch.
Owasco Lake
Filmore Glen State Park is on the shores of Owasco Lake, about 55 miles south of Syracuse in the Finger Lakes region. There are 60 primitive campsites where you can set up for your trip. Hike to one of five waterfalls, with pools beneath. You can try fishing the pools – they don’t usually bring much success, but you’ll enjoy the serene beauty of the falls. On the northern edge of the park is an inlet of Owasco Lake. The fishing in the lake is superior, with large populations of lake trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch.
Jones Beach
Jones Beach is one of many areas where you can fish the Atlantic while on Long Island. The state park has a boardwalk, concession stands, restaurants, an adventure park, mini golf, and a nature center. When you’re fishing, you might catch striped bass, bluefish, fluke (summer flounder), weakfish, or black sea bass. You can camp at the Nickerson Beach Park Campgrounds, which has full hookups, several pools, playgrounds, and more. You can also browse our list of Long Island campgrounds for more ideas.
Central Park
You can fish right in the middle of New York City in Central Park. The Harlem Meer is an 11-acre lake at the northeast corner of the park. There’s a designated fishing area near the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, and you might catch largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, or carp at the lake. This lake is catch-and-release only.
The Lake is Central Park’s largest body of water. It’s also more scenic and popular with tourists, so you’ll see rowboats, photographers, and people just out to enjoy some time by the lake. Fishing access is mostly along the shoreline near the Ramble, or on the east side near Bethesda Terrace. You might catch largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, and carp here as well.
If you traveled to New York City with your RV, check out the nearby campgrounds in New York City where you can stay. Because of the crowded city streets and limited parking, your best bet is to park your RV at a campground and take public transportation into the city.
Where to Fish in New York
There are so many different areas to fish in New York. You can cast a line along the shores of Lake Ontario, surf fish in the Atlantic, or fish in the many lakes, creeks, ponds, and streams all across the state. From mountain or lakeside retreats to beach trips, there’s a vacation and a fishing environment for pretty much anyone.
Camping and Fishing in New York
Wherever you go fishing in New York, make sure to check out the weather forecast. RV camping provides a comfortable spot to rest between fishing outings.
Look up information on the state’s website for each campground and fishing location. There is a vast difference in amenities available between campgrounds.
Always include warm clothing along with swimwear, as the weather in New York can change quickly. Pack up your pots and pans, organize your tackle box, and make sure your bait is fresh. Before you head out on your trip, always check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
