New York Fishing Reports

Water temperature on USGS gauge 04232050 came in at 51°F this morning (May 7), a reading that reflects early-May conditions across the Finger Lakes basin. At this temperature, walleye have typically just wrapped their spawn — completion usually occurs in the 44–50°F band — and post-spawn fish are expected to be actively chasing bait on adjacent flats and depth breaks. Smallmouth bass are staging pre-spawn on rocky structure; Field & Stream's spring fishing roundup notes that early-season fish in cold, clear water consistently reward slow presentations over fast-moving gear. No direct on-the-water reports from Cayuga, Seneca, or Skaneateles appeared in this week's feeds, so we're drawing on the temperature signal and established seasonal patterns rather than captain or shop testimony. Lake trout and brown trout remain comfortable in the still-cool water column. The gauge also shows flow at 102 cfs — moderate and fishable for anglers targeting tributary mouths.

1d ago

USGS gauge 04231600 recorded 52°F water and 10,400 cfs on the morning of May 7, placing the Lake Erie and Niagara corridor squarely in the prime smallmouth bass spawn window. Smallmouth are staging on rocky shoals and nearshore structure, with fish spread across every phase from active bedders to early post-spawn migrants. Walleye, which complete their tributary-shallows spawn earlier in spring, are now shifting toward deeper open-water holding zones. Tactical Bassin's early-May coverage notes that multiple patterns coexist simultaneously right now — topwater, swimbaits, and finesse rigs each produce depending on where individual fish sit in their cycle. Fishing the Midwest highlights that jig-and-slip-sinker rigs remain dependable walleye producers during post-spawn transitions. Yellow perch should remain active in nearshore zones at these temperatures, typical for the region in early May. The waning gibbous moon supports productive low-light windows at dawn and dusk. Always verify current NY regulations before harvesting.

1d ago

Two USGS gauges checked at dawn May 7 put the Beaverkill at Cooks Falls at 104 cfs and the East Branch Delaware at Margaretville at 387 cfs — flows that keep both Catskill drainages in fishable territory, though the East Branch is running on the fuller side. No water temperature readings came through from either site, so thermal conditions will need to be verified on the water. The timing matters: this week sits squarely on the doorstep of the Mother's Day Grannom caddis hatch, arguably the most anticipated emergence on classic Catskill water, and Hatch Magazine's current coverage of caddis emergences underscores how much hinges on this window for northeastern trout streams. MidCurrent's latest fly-tying roundup — addressing surface, film, and subsurface presentations — is a timely signal that hatches are beginning to fire across the region. On the Adirondacks side, Flylords Mag recently highlighted the Raquette River as a multi-species draw, with northern pike a post-spawn target alongside native brook trout.

1d ago

USGS gauge 04250750 logged the Oswego basin at 512 cfs in the early hours of May 7 — a moderate, wading-friendly flow as spring runoff begins to ease. Water temperature data was not returned by the gauge. At this point in early May, the Lake Ontario tributary spring steelhead run is typically past its peak; fish that entered the Salmon River and Oswego systems through March and April are increasingly returning to the lake as water warms. Smallmouth bass are the emerging target. Tactical Bassin (blog) notes that early May places bass in a clear post-spawn transition, split between shallow staging cover and open-water edges — a pattern that maps well onto the rocky runs and pool tailouts of the Salmon River corridor. No regional charter, tackle-shop, or state agency reports for this specific area were available in this data pull; verify current local bite conditions with Pulaski or Oswego-area sources directly before making the trip.

1d ago

Water temps at 52°F (NOAA buoy 44025) are driving one of the more productive early-May striper runs in recent memory. The Fisherman — Long Island South Shore reports the bass bite "blew up" last week, with schoolies through oversized fish showing across the bays and beaches. Dick's B&T in Mastic Beach confirms school fish, slot fish, and oversized bass in both bay and ocean, with bunker schools holding fish in place. On the North Shore, Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle reports very good action in Huntington Bay and Cold Spring Harbor — fish running 30 to 44 inches on trolling Mojo's and bunker chunks. At Montauk, Star Island Yacht Club notes slot-size bass in front of the lighthouse on diamond jigs and bucktails worked close to bottom. Fluke season opened May 4 — per The Fisherman — Long Island East End, a three-fish daily bag limit with a 19-inch minimum applies through August. Sea Rogue Charters out of Freeport found keepers to 5 pounds on early exploratory runs.

2d ago

Water temp at USGS gauge 01357500 on the Hudson clocked 56°F at 1,400 cfs early Thursday morning — firmly in the prime spring feeding range for trout, bass, and stripers alike. NY DEC's April 24th Fishing Line reports hatchery crews have been actively transporting and stocking brook, brown, and rainbow trout across the state, making freshly stocked streams and tributaries top targets right now. The coolwater sportfish season opened statewide on May 1, per NY DEC, unlocking walleye on the Finger Lakes and larger Hudson tributaries. On The Water's May 1 striper migration map notes the push "really snowballs once the large post-spawn females leave the Chesapeake," suggesting Hudson River striper action is intensifying this week. On the bass front, Tactical Bassin reports early-May fish are deep in the post-spawn transition, with topwater and swimbait patterns both producing. This is one of the most active multi-species windows of the year.

2d ago

Early scouts report scattered stripers around Montauk Point. Charter fleet starting spring trips for bass and tog.

Apr 9

River herring pushing upstream, bringing striped bass with them. Bank anglers catching quality fish near tributary mouths.

Apr 8

Striped bass showing in Jamaica Bay. Kayak anglers and bank fishermen catching fish around the bridges and marsh edges.

Apr 7

Spring turnover creating excellent opportunities for coldwater species. Trolling patterns producing lake trout and landlocked salmon.

Apr 6

Dedicated surf anglers making the trek to Fire Island. Scattered striper catches from the beach with better action expected soon.

Apr 4