New York fishing reports
191 reports for New York — what's biting, water temps, and where to focus.
Moderate Catskills flows set up prime wade fishing for May hatches
USGS gauge 01413500 is pulling 290 cfs this morning — a strong but fishable mainstem flow — while gauge 01415000 reads a tighter 59.4 cfs, putting smaller tributaries in comfortable wading range. Neither gauge returned a water temperature today, but early May in the Catskills typically means low-to-mid 50s°F in mainstreams, right in the brown and brook trout feeding zone. Field & Stream recently highlighted the four aquatic insects that anchor a trout's May diet — mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and midges — and the overlap of those hatches makes this week historically productive on Catskills freestone water. Tonight's full moon will likely compress the surface bite to low-light edges; plan morning and evening outings accordingly. No NY-specific tackle shop, charter, or agency intel appeared in today's feed, so conditions here reflect gauge data and seasonal norms.
Salmon River at 278 CFS: Spring Steelhead Run Entering Final Weeks
The USGS gauge at site 04250750 recorded 278 CFS on the morning of May 3 — a moderate, wading-friendly flow as the spring steelhead run on the Salmon River enters its final weeks. Most migratory rainbows have pushed back toward Lake Ontario by now, but a trailing edge of fish typically holds in deeper pools and green-water pockets through mid-May, particularly with the full moon phase we're currently in spurring low-light feeding windows at dawn and dusk. No local charter, shop, or state-agency intel appeared in this cycle's data feeds, so conditions here reflect gauge readings and regional seasonal patterns rather than fresh on-the-water reports — plan your trip accordingly and confirm with a Pulaski-area shop before launching. Resident brown trout become increasingly reliable targets as May progresses. Near Oswego, walleye activity at the river mouth and Lake Ontario nearshore typically picks up meaningfully as the lake transitions into its spring warm-up.
Bunker Schools Fuel Long Island Striper Surge as Water Temps Hit 50°F
Water temps at NOAA buoy 44065 are holding at 50°F this Sunday morning — classic trigger territory for active spring stripers on Long Island. Per On The Water — New York / Long Island's April 30 report, bunker schools have spread through both Long Island Sound and the South Shore surf, and the striper bite has taken off over the past week with shore and boat anglers both finding steady action heading into this full moon. The Fisherman (Northeast) echoes that fish are now ranging from East End back bays to the South Shore surf and into the western bays, with consistent slots and fish reaching into the 30-inch-plus class. Plugs, soft plastics, bucktails, and fresh bunker chunks are all working, with the best windows tied to tide changes and bait concentrations. Tautog season is open, and NY DEC Saltwater Fishing and Boating confirms both scup and summer flounder seasons have kicked off for 2026.
56°F water temps greet walleye opener and striper push on the Hudson
Water temperature at USGS gauge 01357500 logged 56°F on the morning of May 3, placing the Hudson system in the sweet spot for spring trout and coolwater species. NY DEC The Fishing Line (April 24th issue) confirmed that hatchery staff have been actively stocking brook, brown, and rainbow trout throughout the region — those fish are available now and likely staging in deeper pools along stocked streams. The coolwater sportfish season — covering walleye and related species — opened statewide on May 1, per NY DEC, making this the first weekend walleye anglers can legally target the Finger Lakes. On the Hudson, striped bass are in play: On The Water's May 1 migration map reports that the post-spawn push is building momentum as large females clear the Chesapeake. River flows are running elevated at 5,610 cfs (gauge 01357500) and 14,800 cfs (gauge 01358000), so targeting current seams and eddies will be key. Tonight's full moon extends feeding windows after dark.
Striper Push Lights Up Long Island; Western Sound Delivers 30-Pounders
Water temperatures reached 48–50°F this evening (NOAA buoys 44025, 44065), ideal for an accelerating striper bite. Per On The Water — New York / Long Island's April 23 report, stripers are chasing bunker east along the South Shore beaches and bays, with Western Sound receiving a strong influx of slot-size fish. The Fisherman (Northeast) confirms the spring striper push is "well underway" with fresh migratory waves lighting up both South Shore marshes and East End oceanfront. Western Long Island Sound is delivering fish to 30 pounds on topwater and bunker-pattern presentations. Scup (porgy) and summer flounder seasons have also opened per NY DEC Saltwater Fishing and Boating, broadening target opportunities. Waves are running 4.3 feet with moderate 8-knot winds—typical late-April conditions for this region.
Late-April trout conditions favor spring feeders; water temps at 58°F
Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes water temps are holding steady at 58°F (per USGS gauge readings as of April 28), creating favorable conditions for early-season freshwater trout. NY DEC's spring stocking campaign continues, with the statewide inland trout opener on April 1 now in full swing. Current USGS flow data shows moderate mainstem conditions (2,820 cfs) supporting stable habitat. While region-specific angler reports are limited in this week's intel, late April typically favors midday dry-fly and nymph presentations as water temps allow consistent small insect hatches. Expect more aggressive feeding as air temps climb into the 60s over the coming days. Waxing Gibbous moon phase suggests steady feeding windows throughout daylight hours.
Montauk Gearing Up for Spring Run
Early scouts report scattered stripers around Montauk Point. Charter fleet starting spring trips for bass and tog.
Herring Run Drawing Stripers into the Hudson
River herring pushing upstream, bringing striped bass with them. Bank anglers catching quality fish near tributary mouths.
Urban Anglers Finding Schoolies in Jamaica Bay
Striped bass showing in Jamaica Bay. Kayak anglers and bank fishermen catching fish around the bridges and marsh edges.
Lake Trout and Salmon Active in the Finger Lakes
Spring turnover creating excellent opportunities for coldwater species. Trolling patterns producing lake trout and landlocked salmon.
Surfcasting Season Kicks Off at Fire Island
Dedicated surf anglers making the trek to Fire Island. Scattered striper catches from the beach with better action expected soon.