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Weekend forecast

Rainbow Trout fishing in New York

The best public waters, seasonal timing, access points and state rules for Rainbow Trout in New York.

35
public waters
29
survey-verified
27
stocked (10 yrs)
7
waters with boat ramps

Best Rainbow Trout waters in New York

Waters ordered by agency verification and size. Stocked status reflects plants within the past 10 years.
WaterCountySizeStatusPublic access
Lake ErieErie6,360,020 acresVerified1 ramp
Lake OntarioCayuga4,656,932 acresVerified5 ramps
Hudson RiverAlbany303.5 miVerified3 ramps
Genesee RiverLivingston154.1 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Black RiverLewis126 miVerified6 ramps
Saint Regis RiverFranklin91.8 miVerified2 ramps
West Branch Delaware RiverDelaware85.5 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Saranac RiverClinton77.6 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
East Branch Delaware RiverDelaware75.5 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Cattaraugus CreekErie72.2 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Schroon RiverEssex67.6 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Esopus CreekUlster66.3 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Neversink RiverSullivan54.4 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Beaver KillSullivan41.1 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Salmon RiverOswego39.7 miVerified1 ramp
Fall CreekTompkins39.2 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Hoosic RiverRensselaer37.7 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
East Branch Ausable RiverEssex34.8 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Eighteenmile CreekErie32 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Willowemoc CreekSullivan27.8 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Owasco InletCayuga23.5 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Catharine CreekChemung21.1 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Mettawee RiverWashington20.4 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Chautauqua CreekChautauqua19.8 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Cayuga InletTompkins16.7 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Ramapo RiverOrange15.2 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Carmans RiverSuffolk13.4 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
West KillGreene12.8 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Seventh LakeHamilton951 acresVerified1 ramp
Tonawanda CreekGenesee114.3 miStockedShore / carry-in
Rondout CreekUlster63.3 miStockedShore / carry-in
Oatka CreekGenesee61.6 miStockedShore / carry-in
Cohocton RiverSteuben59.4 miStockedShore / carry-in
Kinderhook CreekColumbia43.1 miStockedShore / carry-in
Ischua CreekCattaraugus31 miStockedShore / carry-in

Seasonal timing & activity

Bite patterns for Rainbow Trout shift with seasonal water temperatures across New York.

January

Winter

Winter patterns: slow presentations in deep pools or ice fishing where conditions permit.

February

Winter

Winter patterns: slow presentations in deep pools or ice fishing where conditions permit.

March

Pre-spawn

Early spring pre-spawn movement toward shallow structure and tributary mouths.

April

Pre-spawn

Early spring pre-spawn movement toward shallow structure and tributary mouths.

May

Peak

Peak spring activity and post-spawn feeding. Excellent shallow water action.

June

Peak

Peak spring activity and post-spawn feeding. Excellent shallow water action.

July

Summer

Summer patterns: early morning, dusk and night fishing along drop-offs and thermoclines.

August

Summer

Summer patterns: early morning, dusk and night fishing along drop-offs and thermoclines.

September

Fall peak

Fall feeding frenzy before winter turnover. High daytime feeding intensity.

October

Fall peak

Fall feeding frenzy before winter turnover. High daytime feeding intensity.

November

Late fall

Late fall staging in wintering holes. Slow bottom presentations.

December

Late fall

Late fall staging in wintering holes. Slow bottom presentations.

Rules & licensing

Fishing in New York requires a valid state fishing licence unless exempt. Always check the official New York regulations for special slot limits, creel limits and season openers on specific waters.

Official New York fishing regulations

Sources: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · USGS GNIS. Checked: Oct 6, 2026. Official links open the agency page. How we use data