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 Watkins Glen. Right now in May, activity is Excellent.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass fishing around Watkins Glen centers around Seneca Lake. This Finger Lake offers rocky shorelines, submerged ledges, and points that smallmouth love. The best time to target them is late spring through fall (May-October), with the pre-spawn and post-spawn periods being particularly productive. Look for smallmouth near rocky structures in 10-20 feet of water. Tube baits, drop-shot rigs, and crankbaits are all effective. A local tip: the west side of Seneca Lake generally has more rocky structure and clearer water, making it a good place to start. Launching from Sampson State Park provides excellent access to this area. Seneca Lake smallmouth are known for their bronze color and aggressive strikes, offering a thrilling fishing experience.
Plan a Trip to Watkins Glen
See what's biting in Watkins Glen, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Smallmouth Bass in Watkins Glen.
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 are some good lures for smallmouth bass near Watkins Glen?
Smallmouth bass in this area often hit tubes, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. They also respond well to live bait like crayfish and minnows.
Can I fish for smallmouth bass year-round in New York?
Yes, the season for smallmouth bass is open year-round in New York. This allows for fishing whenever the conditions are favorable.
What is the size limit for smallmouth bass in New York?
The minimum size limit for smallmouth bass in New York is 12 inches. Any fish smaller than that must be released.
What's the daily limit for smallmouth bass in New York?
You are allowed to keep 5 smallmouth bass per day in New York, provided they meet the minimum size requirement of 12 inches.
Do I need a license to fish for smallmouth bass in Watkins Glen?
Yes, you need a valid New York State freshwater fishing license to fish for smallmouth bass in Watkins Glen and throughout the state.
More Smallmouth Bass Fishing in New York
Other Species to Fish in Watkins Glen
Ready to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Watkins Glen?
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