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The temperatures are dropping and so are stocked fish — out of planes and helicopters! DEC’s Adirondack, Bath, Chateaugay, Chautauqua, Rome, South Otselic, and Van Hornesville hatcheries are stocking approximately 750,000 fish into New York State waters this fall. This includes brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, splake, round whitefish, cisco, and muskellunge.
What’s really cool about these late season stocking trips is that many of them are accomplished by air. Fixed wing airplanes and helicopters piloted by NYS Police help hatchery staff stock approximately 220,000 Horn Lake, Little Tupper, Temiscamie hybrid, and Windfall strain brook trout into 269 ponds across Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, and St. Lawrence counties. New York State’s pond dwelling brook trout provide a unique angling experience in secluded locations, and these air stockings play a critical role in maintaining these remote fisheries.
Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft like the one shown in the photo are specially outfitted with aerated holding tanks and a release chute in order to transport and drop fish into remote waters in the Adirondack region.
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As temperatures begin to drop in the coming weeks, migratory trout and salmon will start entering numerous Lake Ontario tributaries in New York. This annual event attracts thousands of anglers to try their luck at catching these large migratory fish. Last year, nearly 150,000 angler trips were made in September and October. Pacific salmon (Chinook and coho) are the most frequently caught species, with opportunities to catch steelhead (rainbow trout), brown trout, and an occasional Atlantic salmon in select waters.
As with last year, the abnormally dry late summer conditions have caused low flow conditions in many eastern tributaries, so targeting larger streams and rivers is recommended. Through its Fall Fishing Program, NYS Canal Corporation releases water from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario tributaries, providing enhanced fishing opportunities for trout and salmon. Visit the NYS Canals website for the 2026 release schedule for Eighteenmile, Oak Orchard, Johnson, and Sandy creeks.
Share Your Angling Experience to Help Inform Fisheries Management!
When fishing, be on the lookout for DEC Technicians as they conduct angler interviews during their annual Lake Ontario Tributary Creel Survey. The information they gather plays a part in management decisions about the Lake Ontario fishery. Spending a few minutes to share how your fishing experience went is time well spent.
Fishing Resources
Pacific Salmon Fishing in Lake Ontario Tributaries
Steelhead Fishing in Lake Ontario Tributaries
Fishing the Salmon River
I FISH NY Guide to Great Lakes Fishing (PDF)
Lake Ontario Tributary Salmon & Trout Identification (YouTube)
View the Central NY Fishing Hotline and Western NY Fishing Hotline for the latest news and conditions on fishing in the area.
Salmon and trout migrating from the Great Lakes up rivers and streams to spawn offers anglers the opportunity to catch big fish in shallower waters (photos: top left - coho salmon; top right - steelhead/rainbow trout; bottom left - brown trout; bottom right - Chinook salmon)
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Due to unusually low water levels along the Salmon River, the Lower Fly Fishing Section (PDF) has been closed. Water releases from the Salmon River Reservoir are also being adjusted ahead of the annual salmon run in hopes that sufficient numbers of fish reach the Salmon River Fish Hatchery for the annual egg collection. The closure is anticipated to remain in effect through October 31 but may reopen earlier if flow conditions improve and egg collection is complete.
An alternate location to fish includes the Upper Fly Area located above the hatchery grounds on Route 22. This is also the perfect time for anglers to check out other Great Lakes tributaries that offer incredible fishing opportunities. Other locations can be found on DEC’s Find Places to Fish webpage.
The Salmon River is a world class sport fishery for Chinook and coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, steelhead (rainbow trout), and brown trout, with many anglers venturing out each fall to catch trophy-sized fish (Photo by Brad Smith)
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New York’s next Free Fishing Day will be on Saturday, September 26, which coincides with the annual National Hunting and Fishing Day. During NYS Free Fishing Days residents and non-residents can fish the freshwaters of New York without a freshwater fishing license. This is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and cast a line as fish become more eager to bite and find food before winter arrives. As a reminder, during Free Fishing Days all other freshwater fishing regulations remain in effect.
Need fishing gear? Borrow a rod for FREE! If you’re new to fishing or don’t have gear of your own, there are now more than 100 participating locations in DEC’s Fishing Rod Lending Program across the state. Through this program you can borrow a spin casting rod, bobber, and hooks, along with beginner-friendly fishing guides and informational materials. Take advantage of this great resource paired with a free fishing day and find a provider near you!
As the water temperatures begin to cool in September, fish like this smallmouth bass are triggered to feed more readily and become easier to catch!
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Walleye fishing in Lake Erie continued to be incredible throughout summer! In August, anglers caught 13 walleye per boat trip, with two in five anglers getting their limit of six walleye. Stellar walleye fishing on Lake Erie is expected to continue into September, so there is still time to get out and catch some fish!
Stay in the know on fishing in Lake Erie and nearby waters by viewing the Lake Erie and Western New York Fishing Hotline! These regularly updated reports provide details on what’s biting and tips on landing a fish.
This 28-inch walleye was caught in early August while trolling offshore of Dunkirk, NY.
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With the news about DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program spreading on social media (thanks for the love!) we wanted to reach out with a reminder about some of the program rules. (Trust us, we don’t like disqualifying your entries.)
Visit the DEC website, for a full list of program rules.
PS - We love to see all the big fish you’re catching…keep the entries coming!
You can quickly measure fish flat on a ruler as shown in the photo, or if you don't have a ruler on hand, placing a rod or object alongside the fish in the photo and measuring later will suffice.
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