Fishing and Hunting | Visit the 1000 Islands

The St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario are famous for bass, northern pike and muskellunge as well as brown trout and salmon. Guided fishing trips are a tradition in these waters. Novice anglers, or those just wishing to boost their chance of success, hire these experts to take them out onto the water for a successful day. Spring guided fishing trips in New York are paused as part of the state’s Covid-19 precautions but summer trips are unaffected. Contact guides and charter captains directly for rescheduling.

In 2019, Bassmaster Magazine named the St. Lawrence River the top bass fishing destination in the nation.

The 1000 Islands includes the eastern edge of Lake Ontario and is known for trophy-sized catches of salmon, trout, walleye and bass.

And don’t forget about muskies! These monsters top out at more than 60 inches long and are to be pursued only by the most experienced of anglers or with a guide.

Inland waters, including the Black River and Indian River Lakes on the New York side of the 1000 Islands as well as the Rideau Canal in Ontario, are popular spots and hold many of the same species as the bigger bodies of water. They are popular during spring and fall for tributary-style action.

Some bait stores are open this spring and able to equip you with the tackle – and knowledge – for a successful personal outing this season. Look for bait stores that sell gasoline and propane to be open despite limitations on various business types. Fishing from the shoreline or your own boat can provide some much-needed relief and relaxation from what’s going on in the world today.

Fishing in the 1000 Islands requires a license from New York state or the p rovince of Ontario.

Search for guides and charter captains below based on their home port.

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Alexandria Bay, NY

1000 Islands Seaway Charters

1000 Islands
St. Lawrence River
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Phone: 315-408-6798
[email protected]
http://www.seawaycharters.com

Come fish the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River for bass, northern pike, walleye, and muskie aboard our fully equipped 27′ Sportcraft with licensed Captain Matt Heath. All bait, tackle and equipment included. Marine toilet on board for your convenience. Full or half-day charters available.

Operation Season: April - November

A-Bay Fishing Charters

24675 Swan Hollow Rd
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Phone: 315-482-3750
[email protected]
http://www.a-bayfishing.com

Fish the St. Lawrence River with Captain Patrick Snyder on a 26′ Chris Craft. 2 daily charters: 8am-3pm and 3:30pm to dusk. All tackle and bait included. Family and corporate outings. Packages with accommodations available.

Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association

St. Lawrence River
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Phone: 315-783-9740 or 315-222-6180
[email protected]
www.alexbayfishingguides.com

The St. Lawrence River is legendary for its ever-elusive muskie, trophy pike and walleye. Alexandria Bay is known as one of the world’s premier destinations for fishing vacations. The Association includes experienced guides to take you out onto the water for a great time!

Fish & Trips

Otter Street
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Phone: 315-482-8695
[email protected]

Providing full and half-day guided fishing trips as well as scenic boat tours on the St. Lawrence River. Centrally located in Alexandria Bay.

Operation Season: May - October

FUN-2-FISH CHARTERS fishing and hunting guide

Bonnie Castle Marine
Boat House 2
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Phone: 315-771-2699
[email protected]
http://www.fun2fishcharters.com

315-771-2699 (cell). Bass, northern pike, muskie, walleyes and shore dinners in 1000 Islands region and Black Lake. Also guided ducks, geese and waterfowl experiences. Member of Alexandria Bay and Black Lake chambers of commerce.

International Fishing Charters

11 Rockwell St.
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Phone: 315-482-4671
http://www.1000islandsfishing.net

With over 20 years of boat handling and guiding experience, you are in good hands. You can leave the details to your captain. Sit back and enjoy your time on the St Lawrence River.

Operation Season: April - September

Thousand Islands Waterfowl Specialists

113 Church St.
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Phone: 315-771-7499
[email protected]

World-class duck, goose and turkey hunts on the St. Lawrence River, the Eastern basin of Lake Ontario and their bordering swamps, marshes and inland grain fields. Call for more information.

May turkey hunting and September – December waterfowl hunting.

Operation Season: May - December

Chaumont, NY

Lucky Star Ranch Estate

13240 Lucky Star Rd
Chaumont, NY 13622

Phone: 315-649-5519
[email protected]
www.luckystarranch.com

Lucky Star is a 2,000-acre ranch that manages whitetail, red stag and Pere David deer. Management program includes acres of food plots, harvest of adult does and protection of young bucks. The goal is to produce an adequate buck-to-doe ratio that creates a healthy herd of trophy class whitetail. Hunting packages feature 5-Day and 3-Day hunts. Turkey and waterfowl hunting permitted during open seasons. Lucky Star has a 100 acre-lake managed for Largemouth bass, Northern pike and Black crappie. Because the lake is privately managed, guests do not need a fishing license. Booking three and one-day fishing trips with lodging packages.

Lucky Star Ranch is also a private outdoor wedding and events venue with on-site tent provided, beautiful pool area, on-site lodging & more!

Operation Season: Year Round

Clayton, NY

1000 Islands Fishing Charters

P.O. Box 69
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-686-2381
[email protected]
http://www.1000-islands.com

The most experienced and innovative charter service in the 1000 Islands. North American Fishing Club approved. Fishing the St. Lawrence River in N.Y. and Ontario. The only U.S.C.G. Inspected and Certified charter fishing boat in the 1000 Islands, thereby legally certified to carry more than the 6 anglers other boats are limited to. We welcome groups up to 12. Guided trips include July and August half-day mixed party trips for $65 each and 4, 6, & 7 1/2 hours. Private Party Charters are available all season. Visit our website for complete information on all of our trips and other offerings.

Operation Season: May - October

1000 Islands-Sign Man Charters

720 State St.
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-686-3041
Toll Free: 888-686-3041
[email protected]
http://www.1000islandsfishing.com

In operation since 1980. Captain Clarke has spent his entire life fishing “the river.” Fishing for northern pike, walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass and muskellunge (muskie).

Operating from the first Saturday in May through mid-December.

Operation Season: May - December

Classic Charters

1101 State St.
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 585-704-2672
Toll Free: 800-716-2672
[email protected]
http://www.1000islandssportfishing.com

Offering sport fishing on the St. Lawrence River on a 27′ Penn Yan with full dinette and the latest electronics. Shore dinners available. Fishing for up to 6 people. Specializing in corporate charters, no group is too big or small. USCG Licensed.

Classic Island Cruises

French Bay Marina
530 Theresa St.
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-955-9166
[email protected]
http://www.classicislandcruises.com

Fish aboard a 26-foot, 1953 Chris Craft with an oak keel, mahogany planks and beautiful teak decks.

Operation Season: April - November

Clayton Guides Association

St. Lawrence River
1101 State St.
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 585-704-2672
Toll Free: 800-716-2672
[email protected]
http://www.1000islands-clayton.com

For two centuries Clayton has been the center of 1000 Islands fishing action. Lurking in the crystal clear waters of the St. Lawrence are any number of game fish both large and small, sure to thrill the angler of every ability. Eight member guides.

Operation Season: April - December

Dean Meckes Charters

36191 Reese Rd
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-405-1706
[email protected]
http://www.deanmeckes.com

Fishing the St. Lawrence River from Alexandria Bay to Cape Vincent and eastern Lake Ontario, including Chaumont Bay, out of my fully rigged Ranger Z-20 bass boat equipped with the latest technology electronics. I supply quality equipment and the hottest fish catching baits as well as live bait. Being a successful tournament angler helps me keep abreast of the latest fish catching techniques and productive areas. Accomplished tournament angler in both FLW & BASS circuits.

Ferguson Fishing Charters

PO Box 118
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-686-3100
http://www.fergusonfishingcharters.com

Over 30 years in fishing charter business. Fully equipped 1951 28-foot Chris Craft. Specializing in corporate outings with famous guide’s shore dinner. Clients come back year after year. 315-286-7479

Grindstone Island Hunting Guide Service

10841 Northshore Rd.
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-686-2642
[email protected]

Enjoy a 2, 3 or 4 day hunt on one of the largest islands in the Thousand Islands, accessible only by boat. Package includes: Transportation by boat to and from Grindstone Island, overnights in a camp along the shore of the majestic St. Lawrence River, meals and the hunt. Optional: Incorporate a muskie fishing trip in with your stay! Packages start @ $375/day.

Little Buck’s Charters

35767 Rt. 12
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-783-4690
[email protected]
www.littlebuckscharters.com

Experience a half-day or full-day charter. We offer fishing, water taxi, sunset cruises, wine & cheese tours and family trips. We are pet friendly.

We fish for bass, perch, walleye and pike.

Operation Season: May - September

St. Lawrence Charters/More Strikes For Your Buck

214 State St.
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-686-1216 May-Nov
[email protected]
http://www.thousandislandsfishingcharters.com

30 plus years as licensed fishing charter captain on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. We don’t boast to be the biggest and best, but we will give you more strikes for your buck! Drift fishing. Daily and half day rates are available

(315) 686-1216 Apr-Nov; (863) 692-9117 Dec-Apr.

St. Lawrence River Outfitters

413 James St.
Clayton, NY 13624

Phone: 315-212-4458; 315-956-1444
[email protected]
http://www.stlawrenceriveroutfitters.com

We are 4th & 5th-generation waterfowlers born in Jefferson County, New York. Together we have a combined 60+ years of hunting experience extending from the Eastern Shore of Maryland to the back water ponds, swamps, marshes, islands and shoals of the mighty St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. We offer guided hunts for Canada Goose, spring Snow Goose, puddle ducks,divers, 2 man layout boat, sea ducks, late season Finger Lake hunts, spring turkey and ice fishing trips. Members of Ducks Unlimited, Waterfowl USA and Delta Waterfowl.

Gananoque, ON

Dan Spencer’s Fishing Charters

305 Clark Dr.
RR 3
Gananoque, ON K7G 2V5

Phone: 613-382-3820
[email protected]
http://www3.sympatico.ca/spencers.charters

Fishing the St. Lawrence River for bass, perch and walleye or troll for musky and northern pike. All equipment is supplied. Boat is Transport Canada-approved and I am fully insured. Rates are by the hour and start time is at your convenience.

Operation Season: May - December

Spencer’s Cottages & Boat Rentals

4607 Hwy. 2 W
RR 3
Gananoque, ON K7G 2V5

Phone: 613-382-4289
[email protected]
http://www.1000islandscottages.com

Eight waterfront cottages with launch, ramp, dockage and guided fishing charters aboard a 26-foot Seaswirl. Specialized in trolling for large northern pike and muskie. Rent your own bass boat or pontoon boat. Boat license not necessary. Fishing tackle, licenses, maps and worms available. Open May-Oct, 8am-5pm.

Operation Season: May - October

The Island Lure/1000 Islands Fishing Charters

4607 Hwy 2, RR 3
Gananoque, ON K7G 2V5

Phone: 613-382-4289
[email protected]
http://www.1000islandsfishingcharters.com

Fish aboard our 26ft Seaswirl; a stable walkabout vessel with toilet facilities. We specialize in trolling for large pike and muskie. Enjoy the beauty of the 1000 Islands while you fish with all equipment provided! Located at 4607 Hwy. 2, 4 km (3 miles) west of Gananoque, Ontario.

Henderson Harbor, NY

CR Charters

Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-246-1747
Toll Free: 1-800-808-1911
[email protected]
www.crcharters.com

Fishing charters out of Henderson Harbor. Fishing for trout, salmon, walleye and bass.

Operating from April until mid-September.

Operation Season: April - September

Ewing Charters

Eastern Lake Ontario
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-376-6921; 315-286-1868
[email protected]
www.ewingcharters.com

Sports fishing on Eastern Lake Ontario from Henderson Harbor to the Salmon River. Fish aboard a 26-foot Penn Yan with all tackle supplied. Special fishing and lodging packages available. Full-time guide with 30 years experience.

First Strike Charters

Henderson Harbor, NY 13650

Phone: 315-938-9282
[email protected]

Fishing charters in the Henderson area. Please call or email for reservations & rates.

Operation Season: May - September

Fish Reaper Charters

Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-778-8206
www.fishreaperfishingcharters.com

We are local avid anglers that love fishing! Specializing in salmon, lake trout, walleye, bass and northern pike out of Henderson Harbor. The eastern basin of Lake Ontario is considered some of the best fishing in the world and throughout many years of fishing Lake Ontario, we have gained the experience and expertise necessary to make your fishing experience as exciting as possible. Everything you need to fish we supply – all you need to bring is your fishing license, food and drinks.

Operation Season: April - October

Henderson Harbor Guides Association

Lake Ontario
PO Box 36
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-938-5313

Henderson Harbor is a traditional fishing village located in one of nature’s most perfectly formed harbors and is a jumping off point for fantastic brown trout fishing, trophy walleye, salmon trout, bass & pike catches on Lake Ontario.

Operation Season: April - November

How Sweet It Is Charters

13366 Co. Rt. 123
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-408-4040
[email protected]

Fishing eastern Lake Ontario, New York, out of Henderson Harbor.

McCrea’s Fishing Charters

10447 Bayshore Dr.
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-783-5403
Toll Free: 315-938-5069
[email protected]

Bass fishing with shore dinner.

June 15th – September 30th

Operation Season: June - September

Milky Way Fishing Charters

13213 Harbor View Rd
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-938-5420, 315-783-3304
[email protected]
http://www.milkywayfishingcharters.com

Fishing on Eastern Lake Ontario out of Henderson Harbor offers some of the best fishing in the U.S. with the targeting of Salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Bass and Walleye. Our goal for Milky Way Fishing Charters is not only to put fish in the boat, but also to provide you with a safe, enjoyable and memorable fishing experience for everyone of any gender or age!

The Milky Way is a 28′ Albermarle twin engine hardtop with a stand-up head. The boat is equipped with the latest in electronics, fishing gear and U.S.C.G. equipment on board and guided by a U.S.C.G. licensed captain and charter guide with 30+ years of experience. We can set up multiple boat parties, corporate trips and private charters. We also have a variety of restaurants and lodging available in the harbor area and will gladly arrange accommodations at your request.

Give us a call at home at 315-938-5420 or on my cell at 315-783-3304. Please come aboard the Milky Way with me and experience the best charter fishing Henderson Harbor and Eastern Lake Ontario has to offer!

Operation Season: April - September

Mit-She Fishing Charters

Ben's Cove, Rt. 3
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-938-5865 or 315-778-7701

Eastern Lake Ontario, Henderson Harbor and Sackets Harbor area. Let us take you on your next fishing adventure. Over 35 years experience fishing eastern Lake Ontario. We specialize in trophy walleye fishing in May and June. Fully equipped 28 foot boat. Families and large groups welcome. Package plans and waterfront lodging available. Member of Henderson Harbor Guides Association and Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition. Rates starting at $300. 315-938-5865 or 315-778-7701

Moby Dick Charters

PO Box 455
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-938-5871
Toll Free: 888-232-2827
[email protected]
http://www.mobydickcharters.com

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned angler, go with this full-time guide specializing in having fun & catching fish with safety in mind. Thirty years experience fishing eastern Lake Ontario. 26′ Sport Fisherman, fully USCG licensed & insured with latest equipment supplied. Families, groups, multi-boats. Member of NYS Outdoor Writers Association. 4, 6 and 8 hour rates available for 1-6 people.

Shady Lady Sport Fishing Charters

Eastern Lake Ontario
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651

Phone: 315-646-1733; 315-783-0747
[email protected]
http://www.shadyladyfishingcharters.com

Fishing Eastern Lake Ontario aboard a fully-equipped 26′ Penn Yan. The latest electronics and fishing equipment available. Multiple boats available for large groups. Shore dinners on a remote island are always a treat. Waterfront lodging available.

Henderson, NY

Gone Fishin Charter Fleet

5926 Rt. 3
Henderson, NY 13650

Phone: 315-408-0285

Fishing for salmon, browns, lakers, bass and walleye on Lake Ontario.

Operation Season: Year Round

Ron Ditch & Sons Charters

8405 Cornell Rd
Henderson, NY 13650-2330

Phone: 315-938-5234
http://www.ronditch.com

Ruddy’s was established in 1935 by Ruddy Ditch, the first of three generations. We are a family fleet covering all aspects of Lake Ontario fishing! Ron’s license includes all navigable waters of the U.S. Think of Ruddy’s for a fun and productive day of fishing. Corporate trips welcome. Great accommodations are available. Winter calls: 772-692-0089.

Operation Season: April - October

Sunken Treasure Fishing Charters

Henderson, NY 13650

Phone: 315-486-8463
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/SunkenTreasureFishingCharters/

Fishing charters located on Lake Ontario.

Running from the end of April until the end of October.

Operation Season: April - October

Watertown, NY

New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Region 6 Office, 317 Washington St.
Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: 315-785-2263
[email protected]
http://www.dec.ny.gov

DEC’s Region 6 Fisheries and Wildlife Office will answer your questions on rules and regulations for fishing and hunting in New York State, as well as licensing information. Also, information on New York State boat launch sites and wildlife management areas. Region 6 covers Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Herkimer and Oneida Counties.

The DEC website provides more information on all things related to state managed lands at www.dec.ny.gov

NNY Catfish Hunter Charters

Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: 315-771-4957
[email protected]
www.nnycatfishhuntercharters.com

Capt. Eric Scordo specializes in guided channel catfish outings along Lake Ontario. He holds the New York State Record for channel catfish for his 35-pound, 3-ounce catfish caught in 2017 on the lake. Offering 5-hour and full-day trips as well as outings for pike, bass, salmon and panfish on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

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