When considering top trout fishing spots in New York, thoughts often gravitate towards the Catskill Mountains or the venerable Adirondack Mountains. However, central and western New York also boast their own trout fishing destinations. New York State offers some of the finest trout streams in the contiguous United States, easily accessible and teeming with brook, brown, rainbow, and other trout species.
While the state’s trout season officially kicks off on April 1st, recent regulatory changes have enhanced fishing opportunities. Annually, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) stocks approximately 2.3 million catchable trout across nearly 300 lakes, ponds, and over 3,100 miles of streams. Many streams also harbor thriving wild trout populations.
Notably, not all streams are stocked, prompting the NYS DEC to implement a comprehensive trout-stream management plan aimed at improving fishing resources. This includes seasonal catch-and-release programs and lure guidelines, extending fishing seasons in certain areas.
Naples Creek, Ontario County
Naples Creek, located an hour south of Rochester, is favored by anglers for its annual spectacle of wild rainbows migrating from nearby Canandaigua Lake during spring. The creek sees significant action as the NYS DEC electrofishes it in the weeks preceding the opener, often yielding 5-to-7-pound rainbows from unexpected spots.
In autumn, Naples Creek attracts brown trout runs, offering anglers hefty fish up to 20 inches long.
West Branch Ausable River, Essex County
Renowned among Adirondack trout enthusiasts, the West Branch Ausable River, just south of Plattsburgh, supports populations of stocked brown and rainbow trout alongside thriving wild brook and brown trout. The river’s well-oxygenated, deep pools maintain optimal conditions year-round, making it a haven for trout.
While the trout season traditionally opens in early April, anglers often find better fishing conditions in May due to lingering cold weather.
Esopus Creek, Ulster County
Esopus Creek, less than an hour from Albany and Poughkeepsie, offers excellent opportunities for wading and wild trout fishing. The creek hosts a substantial population of wild trout, supplemented annually by the NYS DEC with thousands of stocked brown trout. These trout migrate upstream from the Ashokan Reservoir, particularly attracting anglers during the spring spawning runs of large rainbow trout.
The upper section of Esopus Creek, above the reservoir, is particularly productive for anglers using blue-winged olives and stonefly nymphs.
Willowemoc Creek, Sullivan County
Willowemoc Creek, flowing unimpeded along its 26-mile length in the vicinity of Livingston Manor, is notable for its lack of dams or artificial barriers. This tributary of the Beaverkill River supports a mix of stocked rainbow and brown trout, alongside native brook trout.
Fishing is permitted year-round in Willowemoc’s no-kill sections, while the standard trout season applies elsewhere from April to November.
Beaverkill River, Ulster/Sullivan/Delaware Counties
Arguably the most famous Catskill Mountain trout stream, the Beaverkill River offers exceptional habitat for wild trout in New York. Willowemoc Creek itself is a tributary of the Beaverkill, which in turn feeds into the East Branch Delaware River. Known for its classic dry-fly fishing, the Beaverkill sees major hatches between May and June, providing ample opportunities for fly anglers.
Public fishing areas are abundant along the lower Beaverkill, although newcomers may find hiring a seasoned guide beneficial for navigating this iconic trout stream.
Image: buffalonews
Source: WOS
