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Rivers & Streams

St. Lawrence River Fishing Guide

New York

The Thousand Islands region with world-class smallmouth and trophy muskies.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to St. Lawrence River for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and muskellunge. The best months overall are Apr to Nov. In October, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and muskellunge are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles; the closest is Thousand Island Bait Store in Alexandria Bay, 2 mi away. Salmon River is 51 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Apr to Nov

In October

Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

St. Lawrence River Species

Smallmouth Bass

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Oct

Walleye

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

Northern Pike

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct

Muskellunge

Prime Now
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Best: Jun to Nov

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Smallmouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Walleye

Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Northern Pike

Fly 9 ft 8 or 9 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, wire or 40 lb bite tippet.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 30 to 50 lb braid, steel or titanium leader.

Muskellunge

Fly 9 ft 10 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, big articulated flies, 80 lb bite tippet.

Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft heavy casting rod, 400 size reel, 80 lb braid, 130 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for St. Lawrence River

Crankbaits

Rapala Shad Rap

A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.

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Rigs

Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness

Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.

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Rods

St. Croix Musky Casting Rod

A heavy, long casting rod for big bucktails, jerkbaits, and figure-eights.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Hard Baits

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.

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Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near St. Lawrence River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Rivers & Streams · New York · 51 mi

Salmon River

The Lake Ontario tributary at Pulaski, famous for fall king salmon and winter steelhead.

Steelhead · Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon

Lakes & Reservoirs · New York · 64 mi

Lake Ontario (Oswego)

Charter and harbor fishing for kings, lake trout, and brown trout on the eastern lake.

Chinook Salmon · Lake Trout · Brown Trout

Lakes & Reservoirs · New York · 76 mi

Oneida Lake

A big, shallow Central New York lake with strong walleye and perch fishing.

Walleye · Yellow Perch · Smallmouth Bass