St. Lawrence River Fishing – Seasons, Fish Species and Tips
The St. Lawrence River stands as one of North America’s largest rivers and plays a crucial role as the outflow for the entire Great Lakes system. Covering an impressive 744 miles from its origin at Lake Ontario to its convergence with the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it holds the distinction of being the world’s largest estuary.
Remarkably, 114 of these 744 miles traverse through the picturesque landscapes of New York State, contributing to the state’s natural beauty and providing a significant water resource.
Flowing through both Canadian and U.S. territories, the St. Lawrence River is a bi-national waterway, fostering collaboration between the two nations.
With a maximum depth of 250 feet, the St. Lawrence River offers a dynamic aquatic landscape. Its protected bays and diverse topography provide excellent fishing opportunities for both small-boat anglers and those casting from shore.
Common fish species found in the St. Lawrence River include smallmouth and largemouth bass, musky, northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, bullheads, and various types of panfish. The river’s ecosystem supports a thriving fish population, making it an ideal destination for anglers seeking diverse catches.
More prime fishing spots in NY
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring (March to May)
In the spring, smallmouth bass fishing on the St. Lawrence River takes center stage as the primary catch. Anglers should concentrate their efforts around islands such as Carleton Island, Round Island, and Linda Island, as well as off points like Bartlett Point and Chippewa Point.
These areas, along with bays such as Goose Bay and Chippewa Bay, become fishing hotspots for smallmouth bass. Successful lures during late spring include small spinners, jigs, and rubber worms, while live bait such as minnows, worms, and crayfish prove effective early in the season.
Situated in the middle of Wellesley Island in New York’s Thousand Islands archipelago, is the Lake of the Isles. This unique body of water, accessible only by boat, offers a fishing hotspot brimming with diverse fish species.
Its warm waters, thanks to its shallow depth and protection from the St. Lawrence River currents create a refuge for a variety of fish. Early spring brings feisty smallmouth bass lurking around rocky structures and weed beds, using crankbaits, jerkbaits, or soft plastics that mimic their prey. For the thrill of the fight, northern pike fishing with large spinnerbaits or live bait fished near weed edges produces outstanding results.
If you prefer lighter tackle, perch fishing is for you. Tiny jigs tipped with live minnows near weed lines or rocky outcrops are their kryptonite. Panfish like bluegill and crappie are plentiful, making for a delightful family outing with simple bobber and worm setups.
For spring largemouth bass fishing in the St. Lawrence River, focusing on shallow weedy bays and the edges of shoals is key. Baits like rubber worms, spinnerbaits, surface lures, plugs, and traditional worms are effective in enticing largemouth bass during the spring season.
Fishermen northern pike fishing find success in shallow weedy bays and shoals during spring. Bays that were productive for ice fishermen in winter remain favorable for open water fishing. Trolling or casting with live bait, large spoons, and plugs, as well as jigging with black or yellow jigs, are proven techniques.
Walleye fishermen should target major tributaries entering the St. Lawrence in May, using worms on spinners or jigs as popular lures. As spring progresses into summer, focus shifts to points and shoals along the river, particularly below the Moses Saunders Power Dam and around Carleton Island.
Summer (June to July)
Northern pike fishing remains a year-round endeavor, with fishing hotspots including areas below the Moses Saunders Power Dam and around Carleton Island. Trolling or casting with live bait, such as minnows and shiners, along with large spoons and plugs, continues to yield good catches. Walleye fishing is also strong in this part of the river.
Bullhead fishing extends into bays during late spring and early summer. Traditional baits like nightcrawlers and leeches remain effective. Summer is also a favorable time for yellow perch fishing, with good catches possible using minnows and worms off docks at Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Ogdensburg.
Musky fishing picks up in late summer and fall. Trolling along shoals from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg with large spoons and plugs is recommended. Engaging a guide service is advisable for those inexperienced at fishing for muskellunge.
Fall (August to November)
During the fall on the St. Lawrence River, fishermen can capitalize on a diverse range of fishing opportunities. Largemouth bass fishing is best in shallow weedy bays and shoal edges, with Lake of the Isles on Wellesley Island being a hotspot. Effective baits include rubber worms, spinnerbaits, surface lures, plugs, and traditional worms.
As northern pike fishing activity starts to dwindle, you might consider using dead bait. Walleye behavior also shifts in the fall, with limited action at points and shoals. Successful approaches involve fishing with minnows or jigs, particularly in black, along with a worm.
Winter (December to February)
During the winter months on the St. Lawrence River, successful ice fishing can be found in bays near Cape Vincent, Clayton, Wellesley Island, Alexandria Bay, Wheathouse Bay (downstream from Ogdensburg), and Coles Creek.
Anglers typically use tip-ups with large minnows, which have proven to be effective for catching various fish species in these cold waters. The winter fishing experience in these locations may be chilly, but it offers a rewarding opportunity for anglers to pursue their favorite catch.
What the St. Lawrence River is Known For
The St. Lawrence River, an iconic waterway with global significance, continues to solidify its reputation as an unparalleled smallmouth bass fishing destination. During the Douglas Bass Open on July 1, 2023, the angling duo of Dan Miguel and Matt Dobson achieved a remarkable feat, setting what is widely believed to be the record for the heaviest 5-bass limit of smallmouth bass on the St. Lawrence River.
The catch, weighing an astounding 32 pounds, 4.3 ounces, showcased the exceptional angling opportunities that the river provides. The duo’s success was attributed to their strategic use of Great Lakes Finesse baits, particularly the Sneaky Underspin and various drop-shot baits.
Despite the outstanding achievement, the question of whether this record still stands adds an intriguing element, enticing fishermen to explore the St. Lawrence River in hopes of surpassing this remarkable smallmouth bass catch.
The St. Lawrence River, intertwined with the Great Lakes system, holds a rich history of both economic importance and environmental significance. Serving as a vital connection between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean, the river facilitates navigation for deep-draft ocean vessels.
Its geographical layout, divided into upstream Great Lakes sections, a more typical watercourse from Lake Ontario to the Île d’Orléans (an island located in the Saint Lawrence River about 5 kilometers east of downtown Quebec City, Quebec, Canada), and a broad marine region known as the Gulf of St. Lawrence, reflects the river’s diverse character. This waterway has played a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of the Great Lakes region and beyond, providing access to the Atlantic Ocean for trade and transportation.
The region offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, swimming, picnicking, camping, hiking, biking, and of course fishing, ensuring there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. St. Lawrence River fosters a sense of community and unity among those who appreciate the river’s diverse offerings.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
In the region along the St. Lawrence River, there are various public access points, boat ramps, marinas, and fishing locations offering a diverse range of experiences for enthusiasts. Starting upriver, Burnham Point stands as a notable access point off Route 12E, east of Cape Vincent.
This location provides a launch ramp, campsites, and shore fishing opportunities. Heading downriver, Cedar Point, off Route 12E west of Clayton, offers a comprehensive facility with a launch ramp, campsites, cabins, swimming, shore fishing, and a marina.
Grindstone Island features the Canoe-Picnic Point, accessible by boat only. It provides a unique experience with campsites and shore fishing. Further downriver, Wellesley Island becomes a hub for access, featuring the Wellesley Island State Park with amenities such as a launch ramp, campsites, cabins, swimming, shore fishing, and a marina.
Waterson Point, on the northeastern end of Wellesley Island, offers boating and shore fishing experiences. Grass Point, DeWolf Point, Keewaydin, Mary Island, Kring Point, Cedar Island, Jacques Cartier, and Coles Creek all contribute to the wealth of access points along the river.
Public boat launch sites provide additional entry points. Cape Vincent Municipal offers facilities near Route 12E in the village, while Clayton Municipal, located off Route 12 in the village, provides accessible launching and docking. Alexandria Bay Municipal, Goose Bay Municipal, Chippewa Bay Municipal, Oak Point Municipal, Morristown Municipal, Ogdensburg Municipal, Lisbon Town Beach Municipal, and Waddington Municipal all contribute to the accessibility of the river.
State-operated launch sites like Brandy Brook and Wilson Hill, situated off Route 37, offer convenient access with maintenance, parking, and shore fishing amenities. For those seeking more detailed information and directions, resources like the Boat Launch Sites for St. Lawrence County and Boat Launch Sites for Jefferson County pages provide valuable insights, including Google Maps driving directions.
With private marinas scattered along the river, the St. Lawrence region becomes a haven for boaters and fishing enthusiasts, offering a great selection of experiences along its picturesque waterways.
