UTERBrook trout fishing in New York freshwater
In New York freshwater, brook trout peak April–June and September–November and are around year-round, spawning in October–November, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Adirondack ponds.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Brook trout in New York freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilPeak
- MayPeak
- JunePeakAdirondack ponds.
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberSpawning
- DecemberAround
Where to fish brook trout near Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake, Lake Champlain
Oneida's walleye and perch, the Finger Lakes' lakers, Champlain and the St. Lawrence for bass and muskie, Catskill trout rivers, Adirondack ponds, and the Great Lakes runs (see the lake guides).
What to use for brook trout
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–66°F water, best at 46–60°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch brook trout in New York freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and September–November, with fish spawning in October–November (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Brook trout are here year-round. June: Adirondack ponds.
Where do brook trout hold in New York freshwater?
Look on creek / stream, river, pond / pit, lake — around Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake, Lake Champlain, St. Lawrence River, Lake George, Catskill rivers.
What is the best bait for brook trout in New York freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, wax worms. Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for brook trout in New York freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and change — read the current rule at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/fishing-license.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores brook trout for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about brook trout · New York fresh water, the whole year