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Fishing

Fishing in a kayak on a lake at Allegany State Park
Steelhead fish caught in the Cattaraugus Creek in Zoar Valley. Photo Credit: Sean Carr Photography.
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The Enchanted Mountains offers anglers plenty of fishing opportunities from 41 access points between 8 public lakes and 22 rivers/streams!

The start of trout season begins with excitement each year in the spring, April 1st. You can also wait for the warm days of summer to cast your line in a quiet, peaceful stream and watch the clouds float along. For the hardier sportsperson, try ice fishing on our lakes during one of those sunny, brilliant wintry days. 

Stream and Creek Fishing:

One of our most popular is Cattaraugus Creek, which borders our county on the north, and has been listed in the top 10 Steelhead Fishing sites by fishing magazines. Other creeks that offer great trout fishing include Clear Creek, Ischua Creek, and Mansfield Creek.

A listing is available of the streams in Cattaraugus County that are stocked with trout

Map and Guide for Steelhead Fishing in Cattaraugus Creek. Or read more about this topic with the Guide to Steelhead Fishing in WNY.

The Top Inland Trout Streams in Cattaraugus County.

Lake Fishing:

Fishing in the lakes of Cattaraugus County can offer year round fun. We have 8 public lakes to choose from!

Fishing Guide for Small Lakes in Cattaraugus County.

Statewide Freshwater Fishing Seasons and Catch Limits.

Stocking:

Our lakes, streams and creeks (over 45 sites!) are stocked with fish raised at the Randolph Fish Hatchery, a division of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.   

Find the Hatchery's Stocking Schedule on NYS Dept of Conservation's site.

Fishing Licenses:

You may need the following fishing licenses before going out fishing on public waters: a New York State Fishing License and/or a Seneca Nation of Indians Fishing License.

Information on NYS Fishing Licenses:

The DEC allows you to purchase online or via phone call

Want to purchase a fishing license in person?

City Business Name Street Zip Telephone
Allegany Town of ALLEGANY 52 W Main St 14706 (716) 373-0120
Cattaraugus Town of NEW ALBION 14 Main St 14719 (716) 257-5677
Conewango Valley Town of LEON 12195 Leon New Albion Rd     14726 (716) 296-8132
Delevan Town of YORKSHIRE 82 Main St 14042 (716) 492-1640
East Otto Town of EAST OTTO 9134 Bowen Rd 14729 (716) 801-5382
Franklinville Town of FARMERSVILLE 8963 Lake Ave 14737 (716) 676-3030
Franklinville Town of FRANKLINVILLE 11 Park Square 14737 (716) 676-3077
Frewsburg Town of SOUTH VALLEY 569 W Perimeter Rd 14738 (716) 354-2015
Great Valley Town of GREAT VALLEY 4808 Rt 219, PO Box 427 14741 (716) 945-4200
Great Valley Town of HUMPHREY 4875 Humphrey Rd 14741 (716) 945-4008
Gowanda Town of PERSIA 8 W Main 14070 (716) 532-4042
Hinsdale Town of HINSDALE 4129 Rte 16 N 14743 (716) 557-2478
Limestone Town of CARROLLTON 640 Main St Ste 1 14753 (716) 925-8842
Little Valley Town of MANSFIELD 7691 Toad Hollow Rd 14755 (716) 257-9288
Little Valley Town of NAPOLI 4672 Allegany Rd 14755 (716) 938-6836
Little Valley Town of LITTLE VALLEY 201 Third St 14755 (716) 938-6441
Machias Machias Outdoors 9703 McKinstry Rd 14101 (716) 353-8700
Machias Town of MACHIAS 3483 Roszyk Hill Rd 14101 (716) 353-8207
Olean CITY OF OLEAN 101 E State St 14760 (716) 376-5604
Olean WAL-MART STORES INC. 1869 Plaza Drive 14760 (716) 373-2781
Olean WHITETAIL LLC 1102 W State St 14760 (716) 373-2144
Otto Town of OTTO 9139 Cemetery Hill 14766 (716) 257-3111
Perrysburg Town of PERRYSBURG 10460 Peckhill Rd 14129 (716) 532-4090
Portville Town of PORTVILLE 1102 Portville-Olean Rd 14770 (716) 933-6658
Randolph Town of RANDOLPH 72 Main St 14772 (716) 358-9701
Salamanca Salamanca City Clerk Office    225 Wildwood Ave, Ste 3 14779 (716) 945-3890
Sandusky Town of FREEDOM 1188 Eagle St 14133 (716) 492-0961
Steamburg Town of COLDSPRING 2604 Lebanon Rd 14783 (716) 354-5752
West Valley Town of ASHFORD 9377 Rte 240 14171 (716) 942-6016


Information on Seneca Nation of Indians Fishing Licenses.

Note: If you are fishing on a Seneca Nation of Indians Reservation you need a SNI Fishing license but you do not need a NYS Fishing License. 

Allegany State Park also offers hunting and fishing licenses at the Red House Rental Office located at the Admin Building.  Cash or check payments only. 

Find other Special Fishing Regulations for Cattaraugus County, including size, daily limits and methods. 

Don't have a fishing license?

There is at least one place to take the family fishing without a license and you pay admission.

Fishing Guides

Adventure Bound onthefly offers guided fishing trips, can provide equipment, and offers clinics as well.

Cattaraugus Creek Outfitters for steelhead fishing, learning to fly fish or trout fishing.

Interactive Outdoor Map

Take the places to fish with you using the Cattaraugus County Outdoor Map website.

More to read about Fishing:

Main Photo is a fish caught from the Cattaraugus Creek. Photo Credit: Sean Carr Photography. 

Experiences

Fly Fish in one of our most popular creeks; the Cattaraugus Creek has been listed in the Top 10 Steelhead Fishing sites.

Upcoming Events

Free Fishing Day in NY!

The NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation is hosting a FREE fishing day on November 11th. There’s no fishing license required on those days for the fresh or marine waters of New York State, making it the opportune time for people of all ages to learn and enjoy the day. We especially encourage those with more experience to bring along the young people in your life to show them the value of patience, the anticipation of the bite and the exhilaration of the catch!