St. Lawrence County, NY · Inland River
St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands)
The mighty St. Lawrence through the Thousand Islands — world-class smallmouth bass over the shoals, trophy muskellunge and northern pike in the weed beds, plus walleye and panfish. Big, clear current water on the New York–Ontario border.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Smallmouth Bass & Walleye — tied at the top (35/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass. In season 35/100
What's helping
- In the current report — smallmouth bass is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
12" minimum, 5/day (black bass in aggregate).
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Walleye Marginal conditions for Walleye. In season 35/100
What's helping
- In the current report — walleye is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 5
15" minimum, 5/day (Oneida and most waters).
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New York
Coordinates
Notes
New York: smallmouth 12" minimum, 5/day; walleye 15" minimum, 5/day. The river also holds trophy muskie and pike under their own seasons.
Local reports & rules for St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands): New York DEC fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands)?
St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Walleye. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands) have?
St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. New York: smallmouth 12" minimum, 5/day; walleye 15" minimum, 5/day. The river also holds trophy muskie and pike under their own seasons.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands)?
state agency regulations apply at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands) tidal water?
No. St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.