St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands)

St. Lawrence County, NY

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

Walleye — Workable day for Walleye.

Best conditions of 2 species tracked at St. Lawrence River (1000 Islands).

68 /100
good
Air Temp
84°F
Sunny
Wind
3 mph
W
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Pressure
Steady
6-hour trend
Water Temp
Inland
Sunrise
5:30 AM
Sunset
8:47 PM
Moon · 4%
new

2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.

#1 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100

What's helping

  • Dark moon — walleye feeds aggressively in low light

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.

Regulations may be out of date

Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →

Min size
15"
Daily creel
5

15" minimum, 5/day (Oneida and most waters).

Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.

#2 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 60/100

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.

Regulations may be out of date

Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →

Min size
12"
Daily creel
5

12" minimum, 5/day (black bass in aggregate).

Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.

Water Body

Inland River

Access

Pier, shore, and ramp

Jurisdiction

New York

Coordinates

44.3000, -75.9200

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 →

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.

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