As summer officially gets underway, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos encouraged residents and visitors to explore the great fishing on the St. Lawrence River.

The past few years have provided record-breaking fishing for several popular species and the 2019 season is, again, providing excellent opportunities along New York’s scenic northern coastline, according the a press release from the DEC. In its 2019 rankings, and for the first time ever, Bassmaster Magazine named the St. Lawrence River the top bass fishing destination in the nation.

“Our lakes and rivers are vitally important ecological and economic assets, providing opportunities for fishing and recreation and supporting many communities along the shoreline,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who visited Clayton July 8.

“In New York we take pride in the fact that Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River continue to be recognized as premier destinations for anglers. Once again this summer, we encourage residents and visitors to make their way to our shores across the state for the best fishing experience around.”

“Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are world-class destination fisheries, offering some of the best fishing sportsmen and women will find anywhere for several sought-after species,” Commissioner Seggos said. “The area’s charter boat captains, tackle shops operators and marinas are well equipped and prepared to help anglers of all skill levels and abilities catch fish and shoreline communities are ready for anglers and their families to stay to enjoy all that the region has to offer. I encourage anglers to be smart, stay safe, and get out onto the open water soon.”

While lake levels are expected to remain high in the foreseeable future, recent history has proven that fishing in these waters will remain first-rate. In 2017, when lake levels were also at record highs, DEC’s angler assessment surveys reported that fishing quality for trout and salmon ranged from good to excellent. Chinook and coho salmon fishing quality was among the highest in decades and rainbow trout fishing quality was also high—increasing nearly 50 percent from a dip the two years before.

Chinook salmon are often the most sought-after gamefish, angling success reached record levels in 2018, and outstanding fishing has continued in 2019. Fishing for brown trout and Coho salmon was excellent in 2018, with catch rates 38 and 21 percent higher than their respective, previous five-year averages. Atlantic salmon represent a relatively small portion of the Lake Ontario fishery but catch rates for Atlantic salmon last year were 73 percent above the previous five-year average. In 2018, the newest state record walleye was caught in the St. Lawrence River and joined ten other state record fish species caught in the region over the years. Anglers can expect continued good fishing this summer and fall.

A recent statewide angler survey estimated more than three million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence, and major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $112 million annually to local economies.