New York lakes recognized for top swimming and fishing

Upstate New York lakes have received significant regional and national recognition for recreational activities. Lake George was named one of the best lakes for swimming in the United States by Reader's Digest, cited for its clean water, easy access, and scenic views. It has also been recognized as one of the cleanest lakes in America.

Additionally, Lake Erie has been ranked as North America's premier fishing hotspot according to an index by Hard Rock Bet. The lake scored 65.63 out of 100, driven by a high volume of catches and positive visitor ratings. As the warmest and shallowest of the Great Lakes, it serves as a fertile breeding ground for species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, and trout. Lake Erie was also voted the number one best lake in America in the USA TODAY 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.