Based on Black Lake...June 15 through October 15
 
Bass fishing in New York? You better believe it! Arguably the best overall bass fishing state in the nation. Best overall in referring to the consistent catches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass in the 3-5 pound range day in and day out. Will you catch a ten pounder here? No. That is why GuidedBassTrips is also located in Florida. New York's bass fishing is all about consistent action. The resource has remained strong due to the combination of long winters, a closed bass season, natural lakes with natural habitat, water levels that remain consistent, and protected spawning grounds that recruit new bass every year.
 
Plan on your trip between June 15 and October 15 and be prepared for a possible rainy day (great topwater fishing)! The weather can be inconsistent even in the summer but this is another reason for the great fishing. The lake we fish will depend on where you are staying and the weather of that day. Black Lake and the Lake Ontario bays are your best bet for consistent smallmouth action with both artificials and live bait. And...if you have always wanted to experience Florida style wild shiner fishing, join me for a special day of wild shiner fishing in the North Country. You will be surprised!
Black Lake

Famous bass lake, especially for producing big largemouth in the 5 to 7 lb range. Only lake in New York with a specially imposed 15" size limit on bass because of its popularity. This is the lake I grew up on. Heavy vegetation combined with rock shoals and points. Lake has changed in recent years with introduction of zebra mussels. The lake also now has a bigger population of smallmouth bass although they are not as large as Lake Ontario. Big largemouth are still the primary focus but the smallmouth are there if the largemouth are not biting. Highly recommended to use live crayfish and golden shiners for best results. Artificials still produce for experienced anglers.
1000 Islands

1,800 plus islands of scenic bass fishing in crystal clear water. Focus will be on U.S. side only. Best fishing is after water level is dropped in mid-August. Great topwater and senko fishing around select shoals and islands for beautiful largemouth ranging 3-5 lbs with some smallmouth showing up. The smallmouth tend to go very deep on this fishery and can be difficult to locate. They are also not typically as large as the Lake Ontario smallmouths. Largemouth fishing can also be difficult if not in the correct location. Area is vast and the bass are plentiful, but they are also in limited areas. You really have to know where to go on this fishery to be successful.
Lake Ontario Bays

Referred to as the golden crescent, Henderson, Black River, and Chaumont Bays make up this legendary area for freshwater sport fishing. Primary focus here is on big smallmouth, big smallmouth, big smallmouth!! This area is where I personally spent many of my fishing days in the past 20 years stalking this incredible sport fish. But so often, the day is dependent on the weather. Wind is the enemy here. If the forecast calls for calm to moderate winds from a favorable direction, let's go right now!! Both artificial and live bait are effective. It will depend on the skill of the angler or how much casting vesus waiting you want to do. Water is very clear and the bass are very aggressive when in the right area at the right time. Some of the best areas are very remote, so again the weather will be the deciding factor in determining if we fish in this region that day.