UTERLake trout fishing in New York freshwater
In New York freshwater, lake trout peak January–March and May–June and October and are around year-round, spawning in October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Seneca and Lake George lakers in the shallows after ice-out.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Lake trout in New York freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilAround
- MayPeakSeneca and Lake George lakers in the shallows after ice-out.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish lake 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 lake trout
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–60°F water, best at 44–54°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch lake trout in New York freshwater?
Peak season is January–March and May–June and October, with fish spawning in October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Lake trout are here year-round. May: Seneca and Lake George lakers in the shallows after ice-out.
Where do lake trout hold in New York freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir — around Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake, Lake Champlain, St. Lawrence River, Lake George, Catskill rivers.
What is the best bait for lake trout in New York freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. 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 lake 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.
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