The date was March 15, 2010 when Shawn Fountain from Scotia NY caught this fantastic 40 inch northern pike from a small unnamed pond in Scotia NY. The lure of choice was a 8 inch topwater rapala perch lure. He was fishing from a small canoe and it took the better part of an hour to win this battle. After a few photos the big pike was released unharmed and will be there for another lucky angler.

 If you would like to find out more about the fantastic pike fishing New York has to offer then check out our article by clicking on this link for Pike and Muskellunge Fishing in NY State

 Northern pike are a native fish to the waters of New York. They can be found state wide in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. In fact the northern pike is one of the most widely distributed freshwater fish in the world. Other member of the northern pike family found in NY waters include the following species Redfin Pickerel, Chain Pickerel, Grass Pickerel, Muskellunge, and Tiger Muskellunge.

 Some of the top Northern Pike waters in NY include lakes such as Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake George, Great Sacandaga Lake, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Schroon Lake, Saratoga Lake, Round Lake, St. Lawrence River, Niagara River, Seneca River, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake, Keuka Lake, and Conesus Lake. The NY State Record Northern Pike was caught from the Great Sacandaga Lake on September 15, 1940 by Peter Dubuc. This fantastic fish weighed in at 46 pounds and 2 ounces.

 Hot Spots for Tiger Muskies in NY include Chenango River, Susquehanna River, Chemung River, Mohawk River, Tioughnioga River, New Croton Reservoir, Rockland Lake, Conesus Lake, Otisco Lake, Cossayuna Lake, Lake Durant, Lake Lauderdale, Lincoln Pond, Round Lake, and Canadarago Lake. The NY State Record Tiger Muskellunge was caught from the Tioughnioga River on May 25, 1990 by Brett A. Gofgosky. This amazing fish weighed in at 35 pounds 8 ounces.

 The best Muskellunge waters in NY include Chautauqua Lake, St. Lawrence River, Niagara River, Lamoka Lake, Waneta Lake, Chemung River, Susquehanna River, Alleghany River, Geneese River. The NY State Record Muskellunge was caught from the St. Lawrence River on September 22, 1957 by Arthur Lawton. This spectacular fish weighed in at 69 pounds and 15 ounces.

   The following links break down the best fishing options according to the month of the year. Certain times of the year present excellent fishing opportunities for differnt species and can help make the best of your limited free time.