Thousand Islands fishing report for the week of October 15, 2026. Fall is peak muskie season on the St. Lawrence, with big fish feeding up ahead of winter.
What’s Hitting
Muskie are feeding heavily on the shoals and weed edges, smallmouth are in deeper shoals, and northern pike are on the weeds. Walleye are active at dusk.
Looking ahead, muskie fishing will continue to be strong until the water gets cold, and weather fronts can shut the bite down.
Where to Find Them
Troll and cast the shoal edges for muskie, fish the deeper shoals for smallmouth, and work the weed edges for pike.
The St. Lawrence River around the Thousand Islands has a famous muskie fishery, with fish up to the mid-40 inch range possible. The best fishing is often around shoals and weed beds adjacent to deep water. Many anglers hire local guides who know the best patterns and handle the large fish with care.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon heading toward first quarter, tides are easing. Cold fronts can shut the bite down. Check the forecast.
Strong currents and rocky shoals make navigation tricky, so use a good map and electronics, and watch out for freighter traffic in the main channel.
Tackle & Tactics
Large bucktails, jerkbaits and glide baits for muskie, and tubes for smallmouth. Heavy gear is needed for muskie.
Use heavy leaders and a good net, and release big fish quickly and carefully. Fish low-light periods for the best action.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes launches at Clayton, Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent. Check current New York regulations and seasons, including muskie size limits.
This Week’s Tip
Finish with a figure-8. Muskie often follow lures to the boat, so complete the figure-8 at boatside.
More Thousand Islands Resources
All Thousand Islands fishing reports · Seasonal fishing calendars · Submit your own report
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