A two-night fishing trip from Buffalo.

Buffalo anglers don't need to leave home to catch fish. Lake Erie and the Niagara River are right there. So this page isn't going to tell you the fishing is better 4 hours east. It's going to tell you why it's different, and how to plan two good nights out of it.

Why drive past Lake Erie to fish the St. Lawrence?

Let's be fair to your home water first. The New York State DEC (opens in a new tab) calls Lake Erie one of the state's premier walleye fisheries. About 60% of all fishing on the lake is for walleye. In summer, most people troll for them in 60 to 80 feet of water. Erie also has good smallmouth bass fishing on rocky areas. The Niagara River holds bass, and the lower river has walleye too.

That's a lot of fish close to home. Here's what the Thousand Islands add.

• Islands instead of open lake. On Erie you can run a long way out to find fish. On the St. Lawrence you fish shoals, points, and weed beds tucked between islands. There's often a sheltered side on a windy day.
• Big ships up close. The St. Lawrence is a shipping channel. Freighters pass right through the islands, close enough to watch from the boat while you fish.
• Pike, plus musky. Smallmouth bass are the most common catch on the river, says DEC's St. Lawrence page (opens in a new tab). Northern pike are a big part of the action, and in the fall, Laurentian Tours runs 5-hour musky trips.
• The shore dinner. Guides here have cooked the day's catch on an island since the late 1800s. You fish, then you eat on the rocks while the guide fries your fish over a fire.
• Castles. Boldt Castle sits on Heart Island, just off the Alexandria Bay waterfront.

You come for a different river, not a bigger walleye.

How to get there from Buffalo

It's an easy drive on big highways. Take I-90 east across the state to Syracuse. Then take I-81 north to the Thousand Islands. It's about 242 miles, or 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and stops.

The Thruway part has tolls. In winter, the stretch of I-81 north of Syracuse can get heavy snow, so check the weather before you leave.

Alexandria Bay has hotels, motels, inns, and cottage rentals. Summer weekends book up early, so lock in a place before you book the boat.

A two-night plan from Buffalo

With 4 to 5 hours each way, two nights is the right size. Here's a plan that gets the most out of it.

Friday: drive and settle in

Leave after lunch if you can. You'll roll into Alexandria Bay in the late afternoon or early evening. Walk the waterfront and look across at Boldt Castle.

Saturday: a full day on the river

Book a full-day fishing charter. It's 7 hours on the water for bass, pike, walleye, and perch, depending on the season. Pack a lunch. Captain Richard Drake brings the boat, rods, reels, tackle, bait, life jackets, cold water, and light snacks. Most trips leave from Bonnie Castle Marina, Boathouse 3.

A full day for four people is $800.

Sunday: one more river trip, then home

Pick one before you drive back:

• A half day plus shore dinner, if you want the island meal. Just know you'll be driving home after dark.
• A short private Boldt Castle boat tour, about 4 hours, past the castle and Millionaires' Row.
• Or skip the boat, sleep in, and visit Boldt Castle itself. It's open from mid-May to mid-October, and you need a boat ride to get there.

Want the shore dinner without a late drive? Swap the days. Do the half day and shore dinner on Saturday, and a half day of fishing Sunday morning.

When to plan your Buffalo trip

Rules change from year to year. Check the current NYSDEC regulations (opens in a new tab) for the St. Lawrence before you go.

Trip ideas for Buffalo crews

The fishing buddies. Four to six friends, a full day, and maybe a fall musky trip on Sunday. The guys' fishing trip page has a full plan, and it shows how the cost splits.

The big group. A boat holds up to 6. If you're bringing more, Captain Richard brings in a second guide and boat from the Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association. Give him notice. See group trips and bachelor parties for ideas.

First-timers along for the ride. Most of Captain Richard's customers are beginners. If your group has one serious angler and three who have never held a rod, that's normal here.

What to pack for the drive east

• A New York fishing license for each angler 16 or older.
• Layers and rain gear. It's cooler on the river than in town, even in July.
• A cooler and ice for any fish you keep.
• Lunch for a full day. Water and light snacks are on the boat.

Book by calling or texting 315-836-5798 (texting is best), or use the form at /#book. There's no deposit. If the weather turns bad, Captain Richard reschedules. Every price is on the rates page.

Frequently asked questions