Fishing in Oswego County, NY is a Year-Round Adventure

Last updated on February 14, 2025.

One of the things that Oswego County is most proud of is its abundant fishing opportunities. And just because the weather is getting colder doesn’t mean that the fishing season has to come to an end. In fact, some of the best fishing in Oswego, New York is done in the fall and winter! From salmon and perch to walleye and bass, there is plenty of fish to be caught in the waterways of Central New York. Meaning plenty of great dinners in your future.

Fishing in New York State

Before you venture out on a weekend or evening of fishing in New York, it’s important to know the legal limits. Know what gear you need, where you can fish, and what you are allowed to catch.

Oswego County falls within New York State’s Fishing Region 7.

New York State Fishing License

First of all, if you are over 16 years old, you need to have a fishing license. Luckily, NYS fishing licenses are inexpensive and easy to obtain. Licenses are available for both residents and out-of-state visitors in lengths of 1-day, 7-days, and annual. New York residents can also purchase lifetime fishing licenses. Discounts are available to seniors over 70, military, and legally-blind persons, and non-resident college students attending a New York school. The NYS DEC has a list of license-issuing locations.

Free Fishing Days in New York State

There are a few exceptions to the rules, of course. One of those being New York State’s Free Fishing Days. There are several days throughout the year when anglers can fish without a license. Free fishing days for 2025 are:
February 15 & 16 (President’s Day Weekend)
June 28 & 29
September 27 (National Hunting & Fishing Day)
November 11 (Veterans Day)

Please remember that while a license is not required on these days, all other fishing regulations still apply.

Fishing Regulations

Once you have your license (or are going on a Free Fishing Day), it’s important to know the fishing regulations for New York State. That includes where you are allowed to fish, when you are allowed to fish, what you are allowed to fish for, and how much you are allowed to keep. Again, the NYS DEC website is a great resource for all of the necessary information, both statewide and for Region 7.

Where to Go Fishing in Oswego County

Anglers can rejoice with the vast number of fresh waterways that are present in Oswego County. To start, there’s Lake Ontario, the 14th largest fresh water lake in the world. Then there’s the Salmon River. A world-famous fishing spot for salmon. Or if you’re looking for walleye, look no further than the walleyye capital of New York, Oneida Lake. Additionally, you can find great fishing opportunities along the Oswego River, Sandy Pond, and Lake Neatahwanta. Again, the NYS DEC website is a great resource for public fishing locations. Oswego County also has a detailed list of fishing holes on their website.

Fishing in Oswego County in the Spring

The beginning of spring starts slow for the fishing season, with that being the off-season for most fish. The exceptions to that are trout – found in lakes, ponds, and inland streams – sunfish, and perch. But once May 1 hits, anglers flood to the waterways as the season for walleye, pickerel, northern pike, and tiger muskellunge (muskie) begins. (I know because my birthday happens to fall right around the annual Oneida Lake WalleyeFest Derby every year.)

Fishing in Oswego County in the Summer

It goes without saying that there are a plethora of fishing opportunities throughout Oswego County in the summer. Lakes, rivers, and ponds draw anglers from the most casual to the most experienced. Northern pike, walleye, perch, sunfish, steelhead, and smallmouth bass are just some of the fish in season.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, many companies offer chartered fishing trips on Lake Ontario.

Fishing in Oswego County in the Fall

Fishing in Oswego County in the fall is a worldwide phenomenon. The village of Pulaski, NY attracts visitors from around the globe for its incredible salmon fishing. The rapid current of the Salmon River and cooling fall temperatures combine to create the ideal conditions for salmon. So good, in fact, that you’ll often see the fish jumping out of the water. along the river.

The river is stocked from the nearby hatchery with Chinook and Coho salmon. Anglers swarm to Pulaski as September turns into October, gear up with waders and boots, and cast their flies into the rushing waters.

Whether you’re in town to go fishing, watch the outdoor spectacle, or just enjoy the local community, Tailwater Lodge is an ideal place to stay.

Fishing in Oswego County in the Winter

While many people view fishing as a warm-weather activity, here in Upstate New York we know that it’s an activity for all types of weather. As soon as the snow starts to fall in the winter, anglers anxiously watch the weather reports to see what the current ice fishing conditions are. The ice fishing season in Oswego County starts at the many small ponds that freeze over quickly. Places like Whitney Pond, Sandy Ponds, Panther Lake and more.

Later in the season, as the temperature drops further and stays frigid, Oneida Lake freezes over. As soon as that happens (at a recommended four-inch ice thickness), you’ll see shanties popping up all across the lake. Anglers start bright and early in the day to set up their tents and get their holes cut in the ice to catch perch and walleye. making that the biggest and most popular spot for ice fishing in Upstate New York.

The NYS DEC has a list of ponds and lakes great for ice fishing in Oswego County. Be sure to reference it when planning your trip. As always, make sure to have all of the necessary equipment. And check the weather reports and local ice fishing Facebook groups for advice on ice thickness.