What's Biting This Month

Your monthly guide to the hottest fishing action in New York waters. Discover the top species to target with expert tips and techniques.

Demographics

Select Month

April Fishing

Spring • Water Temp: 45-55°F

Spring

April brings spring fishing into full swing! Bass fishing heats up as fish prepare to spawn. Striped bass begin their spring migration into NY waters. Trout fishing is excellent with heavy stocking and cool water temperatures.

Best Times: All day productive; afternoon best as water warms

Top Species to Target

Largemouth Bass

Freshwater

Pre-Spawn Feeding

Fishing Tips

Bass move shallow to feed before spawning. Use jerkbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in 5-15 feet of water.

Flora & Fauna

Where to Fish

Hudson River, Long Island ponds, Finger Lakes

Techniques

Jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, Texas-rigged worms

Striped Bass

Saltwater

Spring Run Begins

Fishing Tips

Schoolie stripers arrive in April. Fish with soft plastics, bucktails, and live eels near structure.

Where to Fish

Hudson River, Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay

Techniques

Jigging soft plastics, live lining eels, trolling

Trout (Stocked)

Freshwater

Peak Season

Fishing Tips

Heavy stocking continues. Trout are active and feeding aggressively in cool spring water.

Where to Fish

Streams and lakes statewide

Techniques

Spinners, spoons, flies, PowerBait

General April Fishing Tips

Weather Considerations

Spring weather can be unpredictable. Bring rain gear and layers. Water levels may be high from runoff. Overcast days often produce the best fishing.

Regulations Reminder

Always check current regulations for size limits, bag limits, and season dates before fishing. Some species have specific seasonal restrictions. Keep your fishing license current and practice catch and release for undersized fish.