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
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
Bass and Walleye Fishing
Pickerel Fishing
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
Autumn Fishing in New York State is Great
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.
