Guides & Services | DEC Information
Fishing Season is in Full Swing
With the opening of the season for many popular warm-water and cool-water gamefish species, fishing season in New York State is now in full swing. Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge seasons open May 1. Catch-and-release bass season is already in progress on most waters except in Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson and St Lawrence Counties.
Surveys by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) continue to indicate that warm-water fish is very popular with anglers. The Adirondacks and surrounding areas are fortunate to have fantastic fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and other popular warm-water species, often closer to home than people might think.
Walleye
The walleye, the largest member of the perch family, is one of New York's most highly sought after and valued sportfish. It has the capacity to reach a considerable size, presents a challenging fishing experience to anglers, and offers exceptional quality at the table. Historically, walleyes in New York likely inhabited waters only in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Allegheny River watersheds. Today, primarily due to stocking and other DEC management efforts, walleyes are found in over 140 waters from all of the major watersheds of the State. Each year DEC hatcheries produce approximately 200 million fry, 350,000 spring fingerlings and 180,000 fall fingerlings to support its walleye management and restoration efforts. Some of the most productive walleye fisheries in the state can be found in and around the Adirondacks, including Tupper Lake, Union Falls Flow, Saratoga Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, and Delta Lake
Northern Pike
New York has developed a well-deserved reputation as a priority destination for trophy pike anglers. High quality pike waters include many of the larger Adirondack lakes such as Tupper Lake, Schroon Lake, Lake George, the Saranac Lake Chain, Cranberry Lake, First through Fourth Lakes (Fulton Chain), Long Lake, Upper Chateaugay and the St. Regis Chain of Lakes. Great Sacandaga Lake regularly provides a trophy pike fishery for anglers with a number of 20 lb+ fish having been caught in recent years.
Chain Pickerel
Chain pickerel are also very popular with a dedicated group of anglers seeking these toothy predators that typically inhabit shallow, weedy waters. While found in many waters in the Adirondacks, hotspots include Lake George, Brant Lake, Saratoga Lake, Lake Champlain and the Black River.
Tiger Muskellunge
DEC has been raising and stocking tiger muskellunge, a sterile, yet fast-growing cross between northern pike and muskellunge, since 1967. Approximately 75,000 9 inch long tiger muskies are annually raised at the DEC South Otselic Hatchery. In the Adirondack region, First through Fourth Lakes of the Fulton Chain, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Durant, and Lincoln Pond all have good tiger muskellunge fishing.
The DEC's fishing homepage provides a wealth of information on freshwater fishing tips, regulations and a listing of warm-water fishing locations in each DEC region. While fishing information for this area may be found on the Adirondack/Lake Champlain Fishing and Hunting Hotline web pages.
Adirondack waters boast trophy walleye and northern pike, but anglers should be aware that mercury contamination is a problem. Mercury concentrations tend to be high in older, larger warm-water fishes throughout the Adirondacks and the Department of Health has issued guidelines on consuming such fish. Consider what you choose to eat, and remember that releasing those large fish means even better fishing for your next outing.
Download Fishing Brochure (PDF 17.5mb)
Fishing, whether with a lure or fly, is a passion in the Adirondacks. Bass, trout,
walleyes, land-locked salmon, northern pike and muskies are only part of the fishing
roster here. The Ausable River is legendary among fly fishermen, and Lake George
and Lake Champlain, among trophy fishermen. But there are plenty of other
streams, rivers and lakes in the region.
This site features an extensive list of fishing guides and services to enhance your experience. In addition, you'll find links to the New York State DEC Website for details on licenses and regulations.
