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Best Places to go Fishing near Rochester, NY


If you're an experienced angler in Rochester, NY, or even just an amateur fishing enthusiast, you're in luck. The area is home to some great public fishing spots. From scenic lakes, rivers, and streams, there are plenty of opportunities to cast your line and reel in a big catch.



Irondequoit Bay

Irondequoit Bay is a popular fishing spot in Rochester, NY. The bay is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario and is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. You can fish from the shore or launch your boat at the public boat launch.




Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes and the easternmost of the Great Lakes. The lake is known for its trophy-sized salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. You can fish from shore or launch your boat at one of the many public boat launches along the lake.





Genesee River

The Genesee River runs through Rochester, NY, and is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, and trout. The river is easily accessible, and there are several public fishing areas along the riverbank.




Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a 3,300-acre lake located in Perry, NY, about an hour south of Rochester. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. There are several public boat launches and fishing areas along the shore.





Braddock Bay

Braddock Bay is a shallow bay located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, just west of Rochester. The bay is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, pike, and panfish. There are several public fishing areas along the shore, as well as a public boat launch.




Irondequoit Creek

Irondequoit Creek is a 16-mile-long stream that runs through the suburbs of Rochester. The creek is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for fly fishing enthusiasts. There are several public fishing areas along the creek, as well as a public boat launch.





Canandaigua Lake

Canandaigua Lake is a 10-mile-long lake located about 30 minutes south of Rochester. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, panfish, and trout. There are several public boat launches and fishing areas along the shore.




Oatka Creek

Oatka Creek is a 23-mile-long stream that runs through the western suburbs of Rochester. The creek is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for fly fishing enthusiasts. There are several public fishing areas along the creek, as well as a public boat launch.





Honeoye Lake

Honeoye Lake is a 1,700-acre lake located about 45 minutes south of Rochester. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, panfish, and trout. There are several public boat launches and fishing areas along the shore.




A few things to remember before you go fishing:

  1. Never trespass on private property to get to a fishing spot, only use public access or property you’ve received permission to access.
  2. Research your fishing spot(s) ahead of time so you know what to expect, and where the public access starts and ends.
  3. Be prepared – dress for the weather, bring a spare change of dry clothes/towels just in case, and bring everything you’ll need to fish and enjoy the day (bait, lures, rod, ice, snacks, etc.).
  4. Be aware of all NYS fishing regulations like catch limits, seasons, size & species restrictions. Net fishing is almost always illegal in NYS unless using it to secure your catch.
  5. In NYS you need to purchase a fishing license BEFORE you go fishing or you can get a $250 fine! Beware of scams and only purchase through a verified seller! You can purchase a 1-day, 7-day, or Annual ($5, $12, & $25 for NYS residents, $10, $28, & $50 for non-residents, some qualify for a free or reduced rate) fishing license on the NYS DECAL website here.
  6. Be safe and have fun! No one wants to spoil the fun with hypothermia or a hook in the leg, so remember to have fun responsibly.

Posted on March 8, 2023

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