Where To Catch Musky in New York

Musky | credit: USFWS

New York is one of the most popular states in the USA for musky fishing.

Musky are considered the ultimate trophy to many anglers who pursue these fish for the challenge, massive size potential, and top predator distinction.

Musky or muskellunge are New York's largest freshwater sportfish, sometimes exceeding 50 pounds.

Often referred to as the "fish of 10,000 casts," muskies are notoriously difficult to catch. Musky are known for powerful strikes, line-ripping runs, and acrobatic fights. 

Popular hotspots for trophy musky fishing include the St. Lawrence River, Upper Niagara River, and Chautauqua Lake. They are also caught at Waneta, Greenwood, Bear, and Cassadaga lakes and the Susquehanna, Chenango, and Great Chazy rivers.

In New York, 2022 fishing seasons for muskellunge began on June 1 in inland waters and June 15 in Great Lakes waters (Lake Erie, Upper Niagara River, Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River), according to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Muskies are managed as trophy fish in New York, and minimum size regulations of 40 inches for inland waters and 54 inches for Great Lakes waters reflect that. Some exceptions to inland water regulations exist, so anglers should check the current fishing regulations guide for the water planning a trip. For more information on New York musky fishing, visit the DEC website.

source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation