Opening Day for freshwater fishing in New York State is fast approaching, and there's no better place to cast your line than the rivers and lakes of our region. Home to a diverse array of fish species—including trout, shad, bass, pike, and pickerel—our area boasts a rich angling tradition and is renowned for exceptional fly fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, you'll find world-class fishing opportunities right here. For everything you need to know about fishing in the area, we encourage you to visit the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Looking for a place to cast your line? Here are some recommendations.

Photo courtesy of Cooperstown Tourism

Cooperstown Area
Otsego Lake, the region's centerpiece, holds brown trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, walleye, and more. A Cooperstown boat launch, plus public access at Glimmerglass State Park, put fish habitat within easy reach for anglers. Throughout Otsego County, ponds and lakes offer more chances to hook largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, and yellow perch including Arnold Lake, Canadarago Lake, Crumhorn Lake, Goodyear Lake, and Wilber Lake. Read more about fishing in the Cooperstown Area here.

Delaware County
The Great Western Catskills region offers some of the finest fishing in the United States. With hundreds of miles of world-class fishing streams and reservoirs open to the public, visitors can take full advantage of a wide variety of species that call these waters home. Favorite spots include the East and West Branch of the Delaware River, Beaverkill River, Pepacton Reservoir, and Cannonsville Reservoir. Read more about fishing in Delaware County here.

Photo courtesy of Great Western Catskills

Sullivan County
Sullivan County and the surrounding Catskills are a much-sought-after destination for trout fishing. Satisfied anglers report good catches of fish from the six NYC Catskill Reservoirs of Ashokan, Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton, Rondout and Schoharie. Favorite destinations for trout fishing include the Beaverkill, Willowemoc, Neversink, Callicoon and Mongaup Creeks. Sullivan County is also home to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum! Read more about fishing in Sullivan County here.

Ulster County
The Catskills of Ulster County boast some of the best fishing spots in the country, thanks to an abundance of lakes, rivers, and creeks. Year after year, folks from all over the world come to Esopus Creek, the Ashokan Reservoir, Rondout Creek, Rondout Reservoir, the Wallkill River, and the Hudson River. Read more about fishing in Ulster County here.