A Guide to Fly Fishing in New York

Is Fly Fishing popular in New York?

Yes, fly fishing is a popular sport in New York State. The state has a rich history of fly fishing, with many famous anglers and writers, such as Theodore Gordon, Roderick Haig-Brown, and Lee Wulff, having contributed to the sport in the state. New York State is home to a wide variety of rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs that offer great fly fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including trout, bass, pike, muskellunge, and steelhead. Some of the most popular fly fishing destinations in New York State include the Ausable River, the Beaverkill River, the Delaware River, the Salmon River, and the Battenkill River. There are also many fly fishing clubs, organizations, and shops throughout the state, and the state's Department of Environmental Conservation provides helpful information on fishing regulations, access points, and stocking schedules.

What are the top targeted species for anglers in New York?

Here are some of the top fly fishing species that anglers target in the state of New York:

Trout - New York is renowned for its trout fishing, with numerous streams, rivers, and lakes that provide excellent trout fishing opportunities. The most commonly targeted trout species are brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.
Bass - Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are also popular game fish in New York, with many lakes and rivers providing good fishing opportunities.
Pike - Northern pike are another popular game fish in New York. They are found in many of the state's larger bodies of water, including Lake Champlain, the St. Lawrence River, and the Finger Lakes.
Musky - Muskellunge, or musky, are a highly prized game fish among fly anglers. They can be found in many of the same waters as pike, and are known for their size and fighting ability.
Steelhead - Steelhead are migratory rainbow trout that enter New York's tributaries of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie in the fall and winter months. They provide excellent sport for fly anglers.
Atlantic Salmon - Atlantic salmon can also be found in New York's Lake Ontario tributaries, as well as some of the state's larger rivers. They are a challenging and highly prized game fish.
Panfish - Panfish, such as bluegill, crappie, and perch, provide excellent fly fishing opportunities in New York's smaller bodies of water, including ponds and streams.

Overall, New York offers a wide range of fly fishing opportunities, with something for every angler, from trout and bass to larger game fish like pike, musky, and salmon.

5 popular spots to fly fish in New York

Here are five popular fly fishing rivers or streams in Arizona:

San Juan River: Located in the northeastern part of the state, the San Juan River is known for its clear, cold water and diverse insect populations, which provide a natural food source for the fish. The river is home to a number of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
Little Colorado River: Located in the northeastern part of the state, the Little Colorado River is known for its clear, cold water and diverse insect populations, which provide a natural food source for the fish. The river is home to a number of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
Upper Salt River: Located in central Arizona, the Upper Salt River is known for its clear, cold water and diverse insect populations, which provide a natural food source for the fish. The river is home to a number of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
Gila River: Located in southeastern Arizona, the Gila River is known for its clear, cold water and diverse insect populations, which provide a natural food source for the fish. The river is home to a number of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
Verde River: Located in central Arizona, the Verde River is known for its clear, cold water and diverse insect populations, which provide a natural food source for the fish. The river is home to a number of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Please keep in mind that fishing regulations, including season dates and catch limits, vary by location and may change from year to year. It is important to consult local fishing regulations before embarking on a fishing trip.

What are Fly Fishing regulations for New York?

Fly fishing regulations in New York are set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and are designed to protect the state's fish populations and their habitats while ensuring a sustainable recreational fishery for anglers. Here are some of the most important fly fishing regulations in New York:

Fishing License - All anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license to fish in New York. Licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at authorized license issuing agents.
Fishing Seasons - Fishing seasons and regulations vary depending on the species and the water body. Anglers should check the DEC website or the official fishing regulations guide to see the most up-to-date information for the specific water they are planning to fish.
Catch and Release - Many streams, rivers, and lakes in New York have catch-and-release regulations for certain species of fish. Anglers should check the DEC website or the official fishing regulations guide to see if catch-and-release rules apply to the water they are fishing.
Bag Limits - Bag limits specify the maximum number of fish an angler can keep in a single day or over a longer period. Bag limits vary depending on the species and the water body. Anglers should check the DEC website or the official fishing regulations guide to see the most up-to-date bag limits.
Artificial Lures Only - Some streams and rivers in New York have artificial lures-only regulations, meaning that only artificial lures or flies may be used. This is designed to protect the fish populations and their habitats.
Barbless Hooks - Barbless hooks are required for fly fishing in many streams and rivers in New York. This helps reduce the mortality of released fish and is designed to protect the fish populations and their habitats.

These are just a few of the many fly fishing regulations in New York State. Anglers should always check the DEC website or the official fishing regulations guide for the most up-to-date information before fishing in any water body in the state.

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Popular Fly Shops in New York

Urban Angler - Urban Angler is located in Manhattan and is one of the most well-known fly fishing shops in New York City. They offer a wide variety of gear, including fly rods, reels, lines, and waders, as well as a large selection of flies. They also offer guided trips to some of the best fly fishing destinations in the region.
Baxter House Fly Fishing Outfitters - Located in Roscoe, New York, Baxter House Fly Fishing Outfitters is a full-service fly shop that specializes in fly fishing for trout in the Catskill Mountains. They offer guided trips, equipment rentals, and a wide selection of flies, rods, reels, and other gear.
Malinda's Fly, Spey & Tackle Shop - Located in Altmar, New York, Malinda's is a family-owned fly shop that has been in business for over 30 years. They specialize in fly fishing for steelhead and salmon on the Salmon River, and they offer a wide selection of flies, rods, reels, and other gear. They also offer guided trips and casting lessons.
Anglers Den Fly Shop - Located in Pawling, New York, Anglers Den Fly Shop is a full-service fly shop that offers a wide selection of gear and guided trips. They specialize in fly fishing for trout and smallmouth bass in the local streams and rivers.
Dette Flies - Dette Flies is located in Roscoe, New York, and is known for their high-quality, hand-tied flies. They offer a wide selection of dry flies, nymphs, streamers, and saltwater flies, and their flies are used by anglers around the world. They also offer a selection of rods, reels, and other gear, as well as guided trips and casting lessons.

These are just a few of the many excellent fly fishing shops in New York State, and there are many other great options for anglers to explore depending on their location and specific needs.

What is the History of Fly Fishing in New York?

Fly fishing has a long and storied history in New York State, dating back to the early 19th century. The Catskill Mountains in particular are widely regarded as the birthplace of modern fly fishing, and the region is often referred to as the "cradle of American fly fishing."

The history of fly fishing in New York can be traced back to the early 1800s, when American anglers began to develop their own distinct styles of fishing that drew on European traditions. These early American fly fishermen, who were often wealthy and well-educated, were drawn to the sport for the challenge of catching trout on artificial flies and for the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the rivers and streams.

In the mid-19th century, fly fishing in New York received a major boost from the publication of Theodore Gordon's landmark book "The Game Fish of the Northern States." Gordon, who lived in the Catskill Mountains, was one of the first American anglers to develop his own unique style of dry-fly fishing, and his book helped to popularize the sport across the country.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fly fishing in New York continued to grow in popularity, and the state's rivers and streams became increasingly popular destinations for anglers from around the country. The Catskill Mountains, in particular, became a hub of fly fishing activity, and many of the sport's most famous practitioners, including Lee Wulff and Ernest Schwiebert, spent time in the region.

Today, fly fishing remains an important part of New York's cultural heritage, and the state's rivers and streams continue to attract anglers from around the world. The state's trout populations remain strong, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like Trout Unlimited, which have worked to protect and restore the state's aquatic habitats.