Loading...
The New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA) has been America's longest-running professional guide organization since June 28, 1891. Today, NYSOGA connects outdoor enthusiasts across New York with state-licensed professional guides who've passed rigorous Department of Environmental Conserv...
Own Big Game – NYSOGA – New York State Outdoor Guides Association?
01 // DETAILS
Full description and what we offer
The New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA) has been America's longest-running professional guide organization since June 28, 1891. Today, NYSOGA connects outdoor enthusiasts across New York with state-licensed professional guides who've passed rigorous Department of Environmental Conservation proficiency exams covering skill, safety, and woods/water competency.
NYSOGA enforces a strict Code of Ethics that every member agrees to uphold. Guides who violate the code face disciplinary action. This isn't a loose directory—it's a vetted network where every guide has passed state exams and maintains professional standards.
"All guides are licensed by the State of New York as professional guides who have passed the Department of Environmental Conservation proficiency exam for skill and ability in the woods and on the water."
NYSOGA covers every geography in New York State, from Long Island's saltwater flats to the Adirondack backcountry.
| Fishing Type | Where | What You'll Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Fly Fishing | Remote rivers and streams | Brown, brook, rainbow trout |
| Lake & Pond | Inland waters statewide | Bass, walleye, pickerel, salmon |
| Ice Fishing | Winter season | Trout, perch, pike |
| Saltwater/Coastal | Long Island, NYC area | Striped bass, shad, Atlantic species |
| Charter Boat | Great Lakes (Ontario, Erie) | Chinook salmon, coho, steelhead |
| Drift Boat | Rivers | Salmon, steelhead, trout |
Notable Waters: St. Lawrence River (muskellunge, northern pike, walleye), Finger Lakes (salmon, walleye, bass), Lake Champlain (2,500+ lakes and ponds in Adirondack region, 9,000+ miles of streams)
Whitewater Rafting: Hudson River and Sacandaga River offer guided whitewater experiences through NYSOGA guides.
Region 1 - Long Island: Waterfowl and small game hunting, saltwater and freshwater bass/trout fishing
Region 2 - New York City: Saltwater fishing in major rivers and Atlantic Ocean, wildlife sanctuaries
Region 3 - Hudson Valley/Westchester: Deer, turkey, rabbit, black bear; shad, trout, bass, walleye, striped bass; Shawangunk Mountain rock climbing
Region 4 - Catskills/Albany: Outstanding rabbit and turkey hunting, superior deer and black bear in western section; trout, bass, shad fishing
Region 5 - Adirondacks/Saratoga: Excellent deer, black bear, varying hare, coyote; landlocked salmon, trout, bass; 2,500+ lakes and ponds, 9,000+ miles of streams
Region 6 - Central New York/1000 Islands: Black bear, deer, waterfowl, turkey; St. Lawrence River salmon and pike
Region 7 - Chautauqua/Allegheny: Outstanding waterfowl and turkey; Lake Ontario bass and salmon fishing; Finger Lakes walleye and trout
Region 8 - Finger Lakes: Lake Erie bass and salmon; inland lake fishing for multiple species
Region 9 - Greater Niagara: Waterfowl, turkey, deer hunting; Chautauqua Lake (nationally renowned for muskie and walleye)
NYSOGA works directly with New York's Department of Environmental Conservation on guide licensing, exams, and regulations. The organization:
Want to Become a Guide? NYSOGA provides year-round training and exam preparation. The March Rendezvous is the official testing site for New York's Guide License exam.
NYSOGA's searchable online directory lets you filter by: - Activity type (hunting, fishing, camping, paddling, specialty) - Game/species (deer, turkey, salmon, trout, bass, etc.) - Region (all 9 New York regions) - Guide name
Every listed guide has verified credentials, passed state proficiency exams, and agrees to NYSOGA's Code of Ethics.
Loading comments...