With more than 3,000 pristine lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds, the Adirondacks are a freshwater angler’s dream. These waters are alive with opportunity — from largemouth and smallmouth bass to perch and walleye — offering some of the best warm-water fishing in the Northeast, often just a short drive from home.
Thanks to ongoing surveys by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we know warm-water species remain a top pick among anglers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the sport, there's a perfect spot waiting for you to cast a line. Before eating any fish you catch in the Adirondacks, refer to New York State's health advisories on eating fresh-caught fish.
🎣 Download your FREE Adirondack Fishing Guide to discover hidden gems, prime fishing spots, and expert tips for landing your next big catch.
The DEC offers New York Fishing hotlines that provide information to anglers about fishing locations, fishing conditions, and types of fish found in the waters of New York State. These hotlines are updated every week and are a great way to keep up to date about where to catch the best fish.
It is important to understand current fishing regulations before you set off on your next angling trip. Guides are available both as PDF downloads as well as on the DEC site. Many of the Adirondack lakes, rivers, and ponds have strict regulations regarding live baitfish, invasive species and catch and release policies. Make sure that you know what types of fish and styles of fishing are permitted in each body of water you plan on fishing.
Spring in the Adirondacks means one thing for fishermen – the long-awaited beginning of Trout Season. Opening day is April 1, but there's usually an inch or two of ice still covering most of the Adirondacks' top fishing spots – at least in the mountains. Our advice is to begin fishing for upstate New York trout in late April or early May, giving a chance for the ice to melt.
Fish for Rainbow, Brook, Brown and Lake Trout on thousands of miles of waterways across the Adirondack Region, from the West Branch of the Ausable River's riffles and rapids to the Chateauguay River's eddies and falls. Head into the wilderness to fish for trout on a small, remote pond in the Moose River Plains, or compete in an angling event like the Ausable Two-Fly Challenge in the village of Wilmington, the fly fishing capital of the Adirondacks, and try to land a trophy catch.
Lake Champlain, situated on New York's Adirondack Coast, welcomes anglers to its bass fishing season starting in June. With over 600 miles of shoreline, it offers ample opportunities for boating and bass fishing enthusiasts alike. The lake's deep waters are home to a diverse range of species, including awarding winning Large and Smallmouth Bass. Renowned bass fishing tournaments attract skilled anglers from around the globe, adding to the lake's allure as a premier fishing destination. Additionally, local charters offer tailored fishing excursions, catering to various preferences, from leisurely spin casting to adrenaline-pumping deep-water adventures. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, Lake Champlain promises thrilling fishing experiences amidst its breathtaking scenery.
From the excitement of reeling in trophy-sized bass to the tranquility of exploring its pristine waters, Lake Champlain offers something for every angler. With its stunning vistas and abundant fish populations, it's no wonder this lake is a favorite among fishing enthusiasts. Embark on an unforgettable angling journey, and discover the unmatched beauty and excitement of bass fishing on Lake Champlain in New York.
Experience the thrill of world-class bass fishing in the Adirondacks! Join elite anglers on Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River, vying for cash prizes and points as they chase the perfect bass. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s an adrenaline-packed adventure you won’t want to miss!
Experience these top bass fishing waters and catch the excitement on the Adirondack Coast and Adirondack Seaway.
The walleye, the largest member of the perch family, is one of New York's most highly sought after and valued sport fish. It has the capacity to reach 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.
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, Second, Third and Fourth Lakes of the 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 are also very popular with a dedicated group of anglers seeking these toothy predators that typically inhabit shallow, weedy waters. While found in many waterways in the Adirondacks, hotspots include Lake George, Brant Lake, Saratoga Lake, Lake Champlain, and the Black River.
The 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, Second, Third and Fourth Lakes of the Fulton Chain, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Durant, and Lincoln Pond all have good tiger muskellunge fishing.
The Adirondack Seaway is home to hundreds of rivers, lakes, and streams teeming with a variety of species. From downrigging for Muskies around Massena to fishing for Northern Pike or jigging for black carpies, find your own "honey hole" and cast a line for Brook Trout, Bass, and Carp. Ranked one of the top 100 Bass Fishing Spots in the Nation, the St. Lawrence River hosts multiple fishing tournaments throughout the summer and fall.
Fly fishing in the Whiteface Region is world-class. A short drive from Lake Placid, the West Branch of the Ausable River meanders past the base of Whiteface Mountain, through the town of Wilmington, and holds brook trout big enough to make any seasoned angler do a double-take. Wade these waters in the spring to match the hatch, or go in the fall for a fantastic orange and red mountain backdrop. Don't have the gear, or want to hone your skills? Book a guide to learn from the best local fly fishers.
The Adirondack Coast offers some of the best bass, ice, and fly-fishing on the East Coast. Home to 80 species of warm and coldwater fish, cast your line throughout the year for Large and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Land-Locked Salmon and more. Don't miss the Adirondack Coast's thrilling lineup of bass fishing tournaments this summer on Lake Champlain.
