Fishing Charters in New York
Browse fishing charters in New York that can help you catch smallmouth bass.


Popeye Charters
LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING Browns • Steelhead • Lakers • Coho • Chinook Salmon • Smallmouth Bass • Walleye


Adirondack Champlain Guide Service
The Adirondack-Champlain Guide Service specializes in Lake Champlain fishing for smallmouth bass in the trophy category. We have been guiding clients for over 32 years working out of our Lodge on Long Pond, located in Willsboro, NY. Our extensive knowledge of Adirondack fishing is unsurpassed, combined with our intimate knowledge of Lake Champlain has made us the number one guide service in the Northeast.


Aarons Guide Service & Fishing Charters
Great Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York has giant Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass & Perch. Aaron's Guide Service Fishing Charter Great Sacandaga Lake, New York has all their trophy fish shown on this page. These are some of the big fish we catch while casting and jigging for big fish. We photograph all our big fish that are caught outside the capital region.


Schultz Sportfishing
What's New at Schultz Sportfishing the latest Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Steelhead, Salmon & Trout fishing information report & pictures


Good Times Sportfishing - Pulaski Fishing Charters
Good Times Sportfishing Charters offers the very best king salmon and brown trout guided Mexico Bay area fishing trips from the Salmon River area of Pulaski NY on Lake Ontario. We now also offer another boat for Henderson Harbor smallmouth bass charters.


A-Bay Fishing
A-Bay Fishing Charters, 1000 Islands Fishing Charters, Alexandria Bay Fishing Guide, charter fishing and fishing guides in the Thouasand Islands Region of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and the Indian River Lakes, Fishing for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, & Muskie. Complete Hunting and Fishing Guide Services located in northern New York.


Niagara River Guide Service
Niagara River Guide Service is the oldest and most respected charter fishing service in the Western New York region for salmon, steelhead, lake trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskies on the Niagara River and Lake Ontario and Lake Erie
Best Time to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass can be caught year-round in Buffalo. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Smallmouth Bass
Buffalo, NY provides a fantastic setting for smallmouth bass anglers, particularly on Lake Erie and the Niagara River. The bronzebacks here are known for their size and fight, fueled by the abundant gobies and crayfish. Focus on rocky structures, drop-offs, and weed edges. Early summer, after the spawn, sees aggressive feeding as they recover. Fall can also be productive as they bulk up before winter. A key tip is to pay attention to water clarity – stained water often calls for reaction baits like crankbaits or spinnerbaits, while clear water demands finesse presentations like drop-shot rigs or tubes. Access to Lake Erie is plentiful via numerous public boat ramps along the shoreline. Remember to check the wind forecast; Lake Erie can get rough quickly.
How to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Regulations in New York
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
5 per day
Size Limit
12-inch minimum
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
Check specific water body regulations for exceptions. Some waters may have catch and release only seasons.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the New York state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum size Smallmouth Bass I can keep in New York?
You can only keep Smallmouth Bass that are 12 inches or longer in New York.
How many Smallmouth Bass can I keep per day in New York?
The daily bag limit for Smallmouth Bass is 5 fish.
Do I need a license to fish for Smallmouth Bass in Buffalo?
Yes, you need a New York freshwater fishing license.
Is Smallmouth Bass fishing open all year in New York?
Yes, you can fish for Smallmouth Bass year-round in New York.
More Smallmouth Bass Fishing in New York
Other Species to Fish in Buffalo
Ready to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Buffalo?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.


