
Tips for New York State Fishing in Fall
Before I knew better, I used to imagine a collective sigh of relief coming from New York State’s fish populations once Labor Day weekend wrapped up. For many anglers, that holiday signals the unofficial end of their fishing season. They begin hauling out and winterizing boats, shifting their focus to hunting season preparations instead. But here’s the catch: some of the best fishing of the year is just around the corner.
Fall fishing in New York offers unique and exciting opportunities, especially in the Adirondacks, where the crowds thin out and the fish become more active. As the water cools, many species ramp up their feeding, making this season one of the most productive times to be out on the water.
Less (water) is More (habitat)
In certain lakes, particularly those that undergo seasonal drawdowns, hauling out the boat can become more necessity than choice, especially for anglers with larger boats. However, if you’ve got a smaller vessel, there’s still a great chance to access the water. Many state-operated and private launches remain open, providing a gateway to some of the most rewarding fall fishing.
As lake levels drop below full-pool, new structures appear that you might have missed earlier in the year. More “islands” and shoals emerge, offering prime fishing spots, and, in places like Great Sacandaga Lake, remnants of old stone walls from its past life as farmland peek through the surface. These structures are like hidden treasure, offering the perfect areas to fish around as bass, pike, and other species congregate around the fresh cover.
Various Freshwater Fish Species
In fall, fish like bass, walleye, and northern pike tend to concentrate around the newly exposed structures, making for exciting and fast-paced fishing as they respond to the shorter days and cooling waters of autumn. If you’re open to using bait, crayfish or small minnows drifted through deeper holes often attract strikes from even the wariest fish. For anglers who prefer artificial lures, small Mepps spinners with dressed hooks are reliable choices, as well as jigs and minnow-imitating lures in the 2-4 inch range, which mimic the baitfish these predators are actively hunting.
Smallmouth Bass
For those targeting trophy-sized smallmouth bass in the fall, focusing on feeder stream mouths and lake shoals is key. Main-lake fishing works well with jigs and deep-running crankbaits for those aiming to stay in deeper water. As temperatures drop further, shore fishing becomes increasingly productive, with bass moving into shallower areas and gathering around structure.
Natural baits like hellgrammites and crayfish are top picks, while 1/4 to 1/2-ounce twister-type lures, spinners, and small crankbaits make for effective artificial options. Throughout September and October, night fishing around bridge abutments or similar structures can yield excellent results, both for walleye and bass anglers seeking the thrill of fall fishing.
Best Fishing Hours
As the days shorten and temperatures cool, northern pike become more active in the shallows, particularly around dusk, dawn, and on cloudy days. This seasonal shift makes fall an ideal time to target these aggressive predators. Lures that mimic minnows, such as Rapalas, Rebels, and Jr. Thundersticks, are especially effective. Go for darker or natural color patterns to blend with the cooler, subdued tones of autumn waters. Whether casting or trolling, these lures can entice strikes from sizable pike, offering thrilling encounters with one of fall’s most exciting fish.
Bass and Walleye Fishing

One of the perks of fall fishing is the chance to hook into a bonus walleye or bass while targeting northern pike. However, for steady walleye action, focus on depths between 15 and 25 feet. Drift fishing with a Lake Clear Wabbler/night crawler rig or downrigging with minnow-imitation lures works well—just keep the bait or lure close to the bottom. Watch your depth sounder for fish concentrations, and fine-tune your speed, lure color, and direction to match what the fish respond to.
When you hit the right spot, you might find a mixed bag, from tasty walleye to occasional yellow perch and possibly even northerns, all patrolling the structure-rich areas for forage fish. Lower water levels also expose more shoreline, making it an ideal time for productive shore fishing.
Pickerel Fishing
Pickerel fishing in the fall offers dependable action, making it a fantastic option when other species are less cooperative. These aggressive fish strike with remarkable force, often more explosively than bass, and are receptive to a variety of techniques. Small buzzbaits are especially effective for working around weedbeds, where pickerel love to ambush prey. These fish don’t shy away from topwater lures like chuggers and smaller buzzbaits, which can provide thrilling strikes.
If you’re bait fishing, minnows are excellent choices. Opt for suckers or shiners in the 2- to 4-inch range to match the size of pickerel in the water you’re fishing. Downsizing lures for pickerel works well, allowing you to fish with techniques similar to northern pike fishing, but scaled down.
Big Fish need Big Bait

For waters with larger pickerel, slightly bigger baits can be effective, but I tend to keep it under five inches for best results in fall. With buzzbaits or spinnerbaits, opt for the smallest versions available, as these tend to attract pickerel without spooking them. If you prefer chugger or popper lures, size is less critical—just avoid the largest options to keep things proportional.
Color choice is usually personal, but flashy, reflective patterns often yield strong results. When fishing in less weedy areas, I’ve found that small, red-and-white Daredevles with weedless hooks are highly effective. Think of pickerel as “pike lite” and fish with similar techniques but on a smaller scale. Give it a try—pickerel are a blast to catch!
Colder Water Temperatures

In fall, cooling water temperatures bring trout, especially brook trout, into their prime feeding range, encouraging them to stay active for longer periods. Throughout the warmer months, trout tend to concentrate their feeding during early morning and evening to avoid high temperatures. But with the onset of autumn, they become more opportunistic, extending their feeding times as they take advantage of the last waves of insect activity before winter sets in.
This seasonal shift opens up excellent daytime fishing opportunities for anglers. Brookies, in particular, thrive in these cooler waters, often moving into shallower areas and feeding more aggressively, which makes for rewarding fishing. Adjusting your tactics to include mid-day outings can yield great results, especially as trout start packing on weight in preparation for the leaner winter months.
Different Waters have Different Regulations
In New York State, most trout waters close on October 15, but several streams and lakes remain open year-round, providing a nearly continuous opportunity for trout fishing. As cold-water species, trout are well-suited to cooler temperatures, allowing them to stay active and accessible to anglers, even as other fish slow down. However, it’s essential to check current fishing regulations before heading out after the season’s closure on October 15 to ensure you’re fishing legally.
Fishing streams in the final days of the season often means fewer anglers on the water, offering a peaceful environment to refine your fall fishing techniques. With less pressure, trout may be more responsive to a variety of presentations, making late-season fishing a rewarding experience before winter sets in.
Autumn Fishing in New York State is Great
In summary, autumn presents a fantastic opportunity for anglers to explore the beautiful waters of the Adirondacks. With less hustle and bustle, you’ll enjoy a quieter experience on the water, benefiting from less competition from other boaters and visitors. Access points are less crowded, allowing for quick launches and an unhurried fishing experience.
Most New York State waters keep the bass season open until November 30, while walleye, pike, and pickerel can be fished right through to ice fishing season. Embrace this magical time of year by soaking in the stunning fall scenery and utilizing effective fall fishing techniques. And if you find it hard to choose between fishing and squirrel hunting, why not do both? Adventure awaits, so make the most of this vibrant season!
Original Article By Ron Kolodziej
About The Author
Ron Kolodziej guided and chartered on Great Sacandaga Lake for many years. He wrote a regular column for several newspapers, including Hamilton County News. He was an active member and past president of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and was an inductee of the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame. Rob passed away in 2018.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.