The St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario are famous for bass, northern pike and muskellunge as well as brown trout and salmon. Guided fishing trips are a tradition in these waters. Novice anglers, or those just wishing to boost their chance of success, hire these experts to take them out onto the water for a successful day. Spring guided fishing trips in New York are paused as part of the state’s Covid-19 precautions but summer trips are unaffected. Contact guides and charter captains directly for rescheduling.

In 2019, Bassmaster Magazine named the St. Lawrence River the top bass fishing destination in the nation.

The 1000 Islands includes the eastern edge of Lake Ontario and is known for trophy-sized catches of salmon, trout, walleye and bass.

And don’t forget about muskies! These monsters top out at more than 60 inches long and are to be pursued only by the most experienced of anglers or with a guide.

Inland waters, including the Black River and Indian River Lakes on the New York side of the 1000 Islands as well as the Rideau Canal in Ontario, are popular spots and hold many of the same species as the bigger bodies of water. They are popular during spring and fall for tributary-style action.

Some bait stores are open this spring and able to equip you with the tackle – and knowledge – for a successful personal outing this season. Look for bait stores that sell gasoline and propane to be open despite limitations on various business types. Fishing from the shoreline or your own boat can provide some much-needed relief and relaxation from what’s going on in the world today.

Fishing in the 1000 Islands requires a license from New York state or the province of Ontario.

Search for guides and charter captains below based on their home port.