Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) and Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) Fishing in New York.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Continue below for more information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in the New York.

Bass Fishing Lakes In New York

It's hard to find fishing water in New York without bass. Private ponds, small lakes, rivers and parks are potential bass homes. The major lakes in NY with healthy populations of bass include Allegheny Reservoir, Ashokan Reservoir, Black Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Cannonsville Reservoir, Carry Falls Reservoir, Cayuga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Conesus Lake, Cranberry Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Indian Lake, Keuka Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Ontario, Lake Placid, Long Lake, Lows Lake - Bog River Flow, Oneida Lake, Otsego Lake, Owasco Lake, Pepacton Reservoir, Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, The St. Lawrence River, Saratoga Lake, Seneca Lake, Schroon Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

The New York state record largemouth bass came from Buckhorn Lake

The NY state record smallmouth bass came out of Lake Erie.

Bass are aggressive feeders and agile enough to chase down and catch most of their favorite foods. They are most easily caught during a feeding spree but can be enticed into striking an anglers bait for reasons other than hunger. They are predatory by nature and at times will strike at anything that enters their world. They are also territorial and at times strike anything that ventures into their domain. If it moves and they can get it into their large mouth, bass will attempt to eat it.

Fishing for Largemouth Bass

SPRING

Top baits: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastics.  Fish shallow to moderate depths as the bass move into the shallows for warmer water, spawning and food.

Summer

Top baits: Crankbaits jigs and plastics.  Fish shallow in the morning and evening.  As the sun rises fishing should move deeper.  How deep depends on you lake or river. 

Fall

Top baits: Jigs pork baits and plastics.  Try shallow to moderate depths.  During mid-day move to outside structures and use a spoon or jig. 

Winter

Top Baits: Jigs pork baits and plastics.  Try shallow to moderate depths.  Bass are not very active in cold water, so move your bait in a slow manner and fish deep cover and structure. 

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