New York is known for some outstanding Trout and Steelhead Fishing throughout the State.  The Lake Erie and Lake Ontario tributaries are two of the most popular destinations for great Steelhead fishing.  Late March through early April is considered the prime time for Lake Erie’s steelhead run. Recent surveys have revealed high angler success on Canadaway, Chautauqua, Cazenovia, Cattaraugus and Eighteenmile creeks and the Buffalo River.  Lake Ontario tributaries have also provided good steelhead catches, including Twelvemile, Keg and Eighteenmile creeks and the lower Niagara River. The Oswego River, Salmon River and Black River are also top spots.

Oswego River - Under normal flow conditions, most of the river between the Varick hydroelectric dam and Oswego Harbor can be fished with ease from the sidewalks in the West Side Linear Park or the East Side Linear Park.  The water usually flows at a moderate level following the October-November runs of chinook salmon and brown trout. Many steelhead move upstream to feed on the loose eggs that bounce and drift over the river's cobble-rock bottom.

Salmon River - December and April have been the best months for Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River.  April gives anglers a crack at actively spawning fish that have completed their propagation chores and fresh-run trout that are still en route to their egg-laying spots.  December offers up steelhead that are either bright as newly minted dimes or just starting to put on their dark winter colors after spending a couple of weeks in deep pools.  At either stage, these fish feed dependably on drifting salmon eggs and a variety of aquatic nymphs and larvae.

Black River - The Black River gets a significant infusion of stocked fish annually from the state hatchery in Altmar. On average, about 75,000 young steelhead are released in or near the river.  Though the average Black River steelhead is a 5-pounder, lake-run fish three or even four times that size swim upstream annually.

New York Steelhead Fishing Tips

1. Before heading to your target river, it’s especially important to get river-level information.  Knowing how much water is flowing through a system can dictate how you fish. By being aware of what’s happening, you’ll be prepared to use the best approach to find steelhead.

2. Tie all your leaders before you leave home. This is a huge time-saver and will help you increase your catch rates. When on the river, keep that line in the water as much as possible. By having leaders pre-tied, change-outs are quick when a leader gets snapped off or needs to be replaced.

3. Bring what gear you need, and no more. If you’ll be using various approaches, some gear or extra rods can be left in the rig, so as not to tie you down. Be ready to fish a different method, however, should the need arise. You may need to be floating jigs at one hole and drift-fishing yarn balls at another. Be willing to diversify, try various approaches and stay on the move. Equip yourself to be mobile. It can pay off in the form of more fish.

Top New York Trout Streams

Lime Lake Outlet - Lined by alders and other vegetation, the Lime Lake Outlet is also populated by larger-than-average trout.  The creek holds lots of brownies, wild rainbows, and there are native brookies in the upper reaches. Estimates have put the outlet’s population at around 150 pounds of trout per acre.  The water is usually crystal-clear and the resident trout are exceptionally wary.  Because of its brushy, narrow contours, Lime Lake Outlet is ideally suited to bait fishing.  You can find the Lime Lake Outlet by taking Route 16 north from Olean through Franklinville and on into the hamlet of Lime Lake.

Naples Creek - Naples Creek is a Finger Lakes tributary and empties into the south end of Canandaigua Lake. Naples and its several prominent tributaries consistently produce rainbows of 2 to 8 pounds, and usually hold decent numbers of spawners at least until the end of April.  Along with the abundant rainbows, Naples Creek holds a fair number of wild brown trout.

Salmon Creek - Anglers who get to know Salmon Creek can fish its last mile or so for 3- to 6-pound rainbows in spring and for lake-run browns and landlocked Atlantics in October and November.  From late April through the summer, the creek’s upper end is noted for its stream-bred browns.  In the mile-long piece of water between the Ludlowville Falls and the mouth of the creek, early-season anglers will often find themselves casting to rainbow trout that are plainly visible.  State hatchery crews stock Salmon Creek and its main tributary, Little Salmon Creek, with about 4,000 brown trout per year.

Ninemile Creek - Ninemile Creek begins at the Otisco Lake outlet dam in southern Onondaga County and ends where it flows into Onondaga Lake on the outskirts of Syracuse.  The majority of the creek supports wild trout and many thousands of stockers and holdovers.  Ninemile Creek is seeded with more than 20,000 trout annually by the Onondaga County-owned Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery.  Early-season fishing in Ninemile Creek can be productive with live bait or artificial nymphs, depending on water level and clarity.  Ninemile Creek is located about 10 minutes from downtown Syracuse.