# 6 New York Bass Fishing Destinations That Belong on Your Guys Trip Shortlist *By James Hills — Updated March 2026* New York claims seven waters on Bassmaster Magazine's 2025 Top 100 Best Bass Lakes list - third most of any state behind California and Texas. Whether your group is chasing trophy smallmouth on the St. Lawrence or targeting largemouth in the Finger Lakes, the Empire State has a bass fishing trip worth planning around. **Questions****Why New York Works for a Fishing Guys Trip****Article Index** ** No answer selected. Please try again. Please select either existing option or enter your own, however not both. Please select minimum {0} answer(s). Please select maximum {0} answer(s). /polls/travel-and-trip-ideas/what-do-you-prefer-to-call-your-guys-trips.html?task=poll.vote&format=json 1 Guys Trips (572 votes / 44.17%) 44.17% votes Guys Getaways (131 votes / 10.12%) 10.12% votes Mancations (120 votes / 9.27%) 9.27% votes Brocations (168 votes / 12.97%) 12.97% votes [{"id":5,"title":"Guys Weekends","votes":304,"type":"x","order":1,"pct":23.469999999999998863131622783839702606201171875,"resources":[]},{"id":6,"title":"Guys Trips","votes":572,"type":"x","order":2,"pct":44.1700000000000017053025658242404460906982421875,"resources":[]},{"id":7,"title":"Guys Getaways","votes":131,"type":"x","order":3,"pct":10.1199999999999992184029906638897955417633056640625,"resources":[]},{"id":8,"title":"Mancations","votes":120,"type":"x","order":4,"pct":9.269999999999999573674358543939888477325439453125,"resources":[]},{"id":9,"title":"Brocations","votes":168,"type":"x","order":5,"pct":12.9700000000000006394884621840901672840118408203125,"resources":[]}] ["#ff5b00","#4ac0f2","#b80028","#eef66c","#60bb22","#b96a9a","#62c2cc"] ["rgba(255,91,0,0.7)","rgba(74,192,242,0.7)","rgba(184,0,40,0.7)","rgba(238,246,108,0.7)","rgba(96,187,34,0.7)","rgba(185,106,154,0.7)","rgba(98,194,204,0.7)"] 350 ** Vote Now** Vote Form** ResultVotes New York's bass waters consistently rank among the best in the country, with tournament-caliber fisheries spread across the state and enough variety to fill a long weekend or a full week on the water. - The St. Lawrence River ranked #4 nationally in Bassmaster's 2025 Top 100 and is widely considered the best trophy smallmouth fishery in America - 5- and 6-pounders are genuinely common here. - Cayuga Lake produced the current New York state record largemouth bass in July 2024 - a 12-pound, 6-ounce fish that shattered a 37-year-old record. - Non-resident fishing licenses run $50 for the year or $28 for a seven-day trip, and guide services across the state start around $350-400 per day for two anglers. - Bass harvest season runs June 15 through November 30, with catch-and-release open the rest of the year - meaning you can plan a trip nearly any time. - From Lake Erie near Buffalo to Lake Champlain on the Vermont border, these fisheries are spread across the state, making it easy to combine bass fishing with other stops. 1. [From Trophy Smallmouth to a Brand-New State Record](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#from-trophy-smallmouth-to-a-brand-new-state-record) 2. [St. Lawrence River - Trophy Smallmouth Capital](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#st.-lawrence-river---trophy-smallmouth-capital) 3. [Lake Erie - Big Fish Meets a Big City](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#lake-erie---big-fish-meets-a-big-city) 4. [Lake Champlain - Big Water, No Crowds](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#lake-champlain---big-water,-no-crowds) 5. [Cayuga Lake - Where the State Record Lives](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#cayuga-lake---where-the-state-record-lives) 6. [Oneida Lake - The Low-Key Group Trip Pick](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#oneida-lake---the-low-key-group-trip-pick) 7. [Chautauqua Lake - The Sleeper Add-On](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#chautauqua-lake---the-sleeper-add-on) 8. [Licenses, Seasons, and What You Need Before You Go](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#licenses,-seasons,-and-what-you-need-before-you-go) 9. [Third Most Bassmaster-Ranked Lakes in the Country - and They're All Different](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/top-new-york-bass-fishing-spots.html#third-most-bassmaster-ranked-lakes-in-the-country---and-they're-all-different) Here's what separates New York from the bass destinations your buddies probably already know about: the variety. The state runs a spread from Great Lakes smallmouth to Finger Lakes largemouth to river fishing on the St. Lawrence, all within a few hours of each other. A group with mixed skill levels can all find water that works. ## From Trophy Smallmouth to a Brand-New State Record Among New York guys trips, a bass fishing weekend hits a sweet spot. The fisheries range from clear, rocky smallmouth water on the St. Lawrence to weedy largemouth shallows on Oneida Lake. Lake Erie near Buffalo produces some of the fattest smallmouth in the Great Lakes, while the Finger Lakes offer a quieter experience with fish to match. And every fishery on this list comes with guide services, waterfront cabin rentals, and lakeside towns with decent food and bars. ## St. Lawrence River - Trophy Smallmouth Capital This is where you go when the guys want genuinely big smallmouth. Ranked #4 nationally and #1 in the Northeast on the 2025 Bassmaster list, the 50-mile Thousand Islands stretch between Cape Vincent and Ogdensburg is the kind of water where 4- to 6-pound smallmouth are a realistic expectation, not a fish story. Invasive round gobies have supercharged the food chain, and the clear water means you can often sight-fish for bass cruising over rocky structure. ### How To be a More Responsible Fisherman When You Travel When fishing, it is critical that you be a respectful steward of natural resources. Here are some tips to help make sure that the fish and environment you enjoy today will still be there for future generations by being a responsible fisherman. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/4DCurM4kG2Slai_MY83YWA.2046) ### Fish of Michigan Field Guide (Fish Identification Guides) Fish of Michigan field guide for identifying fish species. A handy reference for anglers and nature lovers in Michigan. Amazon (affiliate) $11.50[Check Price on Amazon](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/4DCurM4kG2Slai_MY83YWA.314) ### Here Are The Best Fly Fishing Destinations In The United States Blog post about the best places to go fly fishing in the United States ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/4DCurM4kG2Slai_MY83YWA.2039) Promoted by FlowAds A 2024 Elite Series event backs that up - the winner landed over 100 pounds of smallmouth across four days, with more than half the field bagging daily limits over 20 pounds. Guide services run out of Alexandria Bay and Clayton, with outfitters like [A-Bay Fishing Charters](https://www.a-bayfishing.com/) and [Dean Meckes Charters](http://deanmeckes.com/) offering full-day trips on tournament-rigged boats. For lodging, waterfront cottage rentals are the move for a group - the Thousand Islands area is loaded with them, and splitting a riverside cabin four ways keeps costs reasonable. The [Visit 1000 Islands fishing page](https://visit1000islands.com/experiences/fishing/) has a full directory of guides and charter captains. Book well ahead for July and August. ## Lake Erie - Big Fish Meets a Big City If your group wants serious fishing plus a city with things to do afterward, Lake Erie near Buffalo is the answer. Ranked #9 nationally in 2025, the eastern basin is a smallmouth factory benefiting from the same goby-driven growth transforming the St. Lawrence. Spring fishing from April through early June is prime when bass push shallow before harvest season opens. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. $668.33 [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Z7ZxSgY_NujmK9kZPMLN1w.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,283.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Z7ZxSgY_NujmK9kZPMLN1w.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $42.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Z7ZxSgY_NujmK9kZPMLN1w.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $7.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Z7ZxSgY_NujmK9kZPMLN1w.2396) Promoted by FlowAds Buffalo makes an ideal base camp for a weekend with the guys. The food scene gives everyone something to look forward to after a full day on the water, and when winds push anglers off the main lake, the Upper Niagara River provides a productive backup. [Visit Buffalo's fishing page](https://visitbuffalo.com/crazy-good-fishing-in-lake-erie/) has current charter listings and access points. The drive from most Northeast cities works for a long weekend, and cheap flights into Buffalo Niagara International keep things accessible from farther out. ## Lake Champlain - Big Water, No Crowds Champlain has been a bass tournament staple for decades, holding the #5 spot in Bassmaster's 2025 Northeast rankings. Stretching over 120 miles along the New York-Vermont border with nearly 600 miles of shoreline, your group won't feel crowded even during peak summer weekends. Rocky points hold quality bronzebacks while weedy bays produce solid largemouth - a 2024 Elite Series event produced winning weights above 80 pounds. Plattsburgh is the main launch point on the New York side, with guide services including Eastern View Outfitters running bass-specific charters. The Adirondack-Champlain Guide Service out of Willsboro runs a lodge that accommodates groups up to 18. The [Adirondack Coast fishing page](https://www.goadirondack.com/fishing) is a solid starting point for planning a trip on this water. One heads-up: fishing near the Vermont border may require a Vermont license in addition to New York's. ## Cayuga Lake - Where the State Record Lives Cayuga made national headlines when an angler pre-fishing for a tournament pulled a 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth from its waters in July 2024, smashing a state record that stood since 1987. That's a double-digit largemouth in the Northeast - the kind of fish most guys assume requires a trip to Florida or Texas. At 38 miles long with a max depth of 435 feet, Cayuga is a two-story fishery where trout live deep while bass relate to submerged grass and rocky structure around the rim. Alewives, smelt, and gobies grow largemouth to sizes that don't seem right for this latitude. If you're building a mancation around bass fishing and Finger Lakes wine country, Cayuga is the play. Ithaca and Seneca Falls provide lodging and launch access, and the wineries and breweries along the lake give non-fishing members of the group something worth doing. The [Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance](https://www.fingerlakes.org/play/fishing) covers fishing access, charters, and launch sites across all 11 lakes. ## Oneida Lake - The Low-Key Group Trip Pick Oneida is the most laid-back option on this list and might be the most fun for a group where not everyone is a die-hard angler. New York's largest lake entirely within state borders covers nearly 80 square miles and ranks #17 in Bassmaster's 2025 Northeast list. The fishing is legit - a 2024 state championship was won with nearly 35 pounds over two days - but the vibe is more casual lake town than hardcore fishing destination. The eastern shore anchors at Sylvan Beach, a throwback resort village with waterfront restaurants, a classic amusement park, and cottage rentals right on the lake. Brewerton on the west end is a boating hub with marinas and waterfront bars. [Oneida County Tourism](https://www.oneidacountytourism.com/getaway-blog/best-fishing-spots/) has a rundown of fishing access points, guides, and launch sites. Guide services like NY North Country Bassin' run tournament-rigged boats for the guys who want to fish hard, while everyone else can rent a pontoon and enjoy the water at their own pace. Turning Stone Resort Casino is about 15 minutes away if anyone needs a change of scenery. ## Chautauqua Lake - The Sleeper Add-On The sleeper pick. Chautauqua Lake in western New York is better known for muskie but quietly produces quality smallmouth and largemouth. Ranked #22 in the Northeast, the 13,000-acre lake offers two distinct experiences - the clear, rocky northern basin holds smallmouth while the weedy southern end is largemouth territory. A 2024 tournament saw the winning bag top 22 pounds across 46 teams, with a dozen breaking 15 pounds. Chautauqua sits about 70 miles southwest of Buffalo, making it an easy add-on for a boys trip already built around Lake Erie. The lake town of Bemus Point is where you want to be after fishing - [Guppy's Restaurant and Tavern](https://www.guppystavern.com/) is a local institution, Ellicottville Brewing has a lakeside location, and [The Village Casino](https://bemuspointcasino.com/) (a restaurant and bar, not a gambling operation - it's hosted live music since the big band era) offers dock-up boat service and lakefront drinks. [The Bemus Point Lodge](https://www.thebemuspointlodge.com/) is a renovated waterfront motel within walking distance of everything. [Tour Chautauqua's fishing page](https://www.tourchautauqua.com/play/fishing) lists local guides and charter services. ## Licenses, Seasons, and What You Need Before You Go **Licensing:** Residents pay $25 annually; non-residents $50 for the year, $28 for seven days, or $10 for a single day. Available online through the [DEC website](https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/fishing-license). Anyone 15 and under fishes free. **Season:** Bass harvest runs June 15 through November 30 statewide. Catch-and-release is open the rest of the year for most waters. Check the DEC regulations guide for your specific destination. **Guides:** Guided trips run $350-500 per day for two anglers including the boat and tackle. Public launch ramps are plentiful if your group has its own boat. Download the DEC's HuntFishNY app for fishing reports and launch locations. ## Third Most Bassmaster-Ranked Lakes in the Country - and They're All Different Seven spots on Bassmaster's national Top 100 puts New York alongside Texas and California, but it gets a fraction of the fishing trip buzz. The state conjures images of Manhattan and Montauk, not trophy smallmouth and lakeside cabins. But upstate New York's bass water is world-class, the guide infrastructure is solid, and you can fish a different Bassmaster-ranked lake every day of a week-long trip without repeating. For a group of buddies who've already hit the usual destinations, New York is the kind of left-field pick that pays off. Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. 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