Adirondack Fishing

Fish the fresh, clean waters of the Adirondacks

All four seasons provide excellent fishing for anglers on lakes and rivers throughout the Adirondacks. Spring boasts full lakes, rushing rivers, and hungry fish; this season is perfect for those antsy to get out on the water and get casting as the temperatures heat up from a long winter. Summer warms the surface and gets the fish lively, while boats dot the waters and fishermen and women hunt for the perfect catch. "Hard water" fishing season - roughly from December through March each year - also offers excellent opportunities. And if you like a little competition, then bring your tip-ups and take part in one of the many ice fishing derbies that dot our lakes in the winter months.

Acres and acres to explore

Head into the backcountry and fish for trout or go boating on any number of deep lakes for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, and perch. The Moose River Plains Wild Forest is home to numerous ponds, rivers, and lakes spread acres 50,000 acres of backcountry forests. Miles of marked hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and horseback riding areas make this remote destination perfect for a fishing trip to the heart of the Adirondacks.

 

a woman fishes off of a kayak under a bridge.
A man, woman, and child look out as they ride on boat.
a woman holds up a line of 5 fish.
a man fishes off shore.

 

 

Your ideal fishing location

Fish in quiet solitude along shaded inlets, deep pools, and wide stretches of riffles. From the deep, clear waters of Blue Mountain Lake to the rushing rapids and swirling pools of the Hudson River, your next fishing trip in the Adirondacks is sure to thrill everyone from novice to old-timer. Experience a true wilderness fishing trip and go camping after a day on the water.

We have expeditions available with licensed, professional guides that offer added insight and expertise. For serious backcountry wilderness fishing, venture into the Adirondack’s untouched forests, and fish for Adirondack species such as:

  • Lake, brown, brook, and rainbow trout
  • Landlocked Salmon
  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass
  • Perch
  • Walleye
  • Northern pike
  • Pickerel

Raquette Lake is the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks, with a maximum depth just under 100 feet. Troll the deep water near Beecher Island for trout, or fish the lake’s rocky shorelines and back-bays for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Find wild brook trout on the Miami River near Speculator, or head to Indian Lake for pumpkinseeds with the kids. From shoreline fishing to the most secluded of lakes, you'll find there are many options in our big outdoors!

Shops and lodging

Fly shops are open so you can stock up on necessary supplies and get a few bits of local fishing wisdom and tales. After you reel in that trophy catch, unwind at one of our lodging destinations before heading out for dinner and drinks.

License regulations

A fishing license is required to fish Adirondack waterways for anyone over 16. Purchase your license from town clerks, outdoor stores, or online through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.


Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

Experience More

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(315) 283-8871

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3152838871
Upstate Guide Service Inc. is a licensed, insured, professional full-time outfitter and guide service serving the Adirondack region.

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(518) 524-6441

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5185246441
24 Jenkins Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
A fully licensed and insured Adirondack Guide, Matt Burnett has spent his life in the central Adirondacks and is ready to share his experience with you!
North Point Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
Upper Sargent Pond is a great, short family hike to a wild pond setting. This pond is very shallow and tends to be quite calm even in foul weather.
The shoreline of a narrow pond
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
Take the easy, rolling old roadbed by foot, bike, or snowmobile out to the spacious waterfront for some scenic views. 
Fishing from shore is a Mitchell Ponds preference.
901C Sabattis Rd
Long Lake, NY 12847
The William C. Whitney Wilderness Area is a paddlers paradise. But that said, there are hiking opportunities here for hikers, birders, campers, fishermen and women, and even some hiking for paddlers. 
This wilderness area is a great place to view fall foliage.
Route 10
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Follow this short, gentle path through the forest to a remote lake with views of distant rolling hills. This trail makes for an incredible hike, snowshoe, or ski making it perfect for an easy outing no matter the season.
Good Luck Lake is a wonderful paddling lake.
Moose River Plains
Inlet, NY 13360
Don't let an intimidating name fool you. This little pond is well worth the effort. Great views and frequent wildlife sightings should put this short trip on your to-do list.
Helldiver Pond is scenic and easy to access with an easy carry.
Indian Lake, NY 12842
The Indian River north of Lake Abanakee (an impoundment of the Indian River) attracts both spin fishers and fly fishers. A note to anglers: water is released into the river periodically to accommodate whitewater rafting, so remain observant.
A close up of a brook trout
Speculator, NY 12164
Make no mistake: this is real wilderness fishing! For true, wild fishing that exceeds expectations for beauty and the fight in the wild brook trout, the West Canada Lake Wilderness Area is unrivaled. The area has more than 50 remote ponds.
A close up of a brook trout
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
A fine wilderness adventure. Getting there The Northville-Placid Wakely Dam Trailhead is located at the end of the Cedar River Road. GPS coordinates are 43.7277°N, 74.4741°W.
Cedar River Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This large, gorgeous lake makes for a great backcountry paddle. Quiet, with plenty of opportunity for spotting birds and other wildlife, this lake is perfect for an intermediate paddler.
Great paddling above the Wakely Dam on Cedar River Flow.
Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
Deep Lake is fed by a cold spring. You can imagine men like the old guide Roc Conklin rowing sportsmen along the shore. This is a great area for exploration in the deep wilderness and there is also some great birding along this trail.
Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This short hike is perfect, especially during the splendor of fall. The Falls Pond and West Canada Wilderness Area trailhead has a large parking area leading to some 4,000 acres of pristine forest.
A sign pointing to Falls Pond
Green Bridge Rd 43.694550
Old Forge, NY 13420
Abundant bogs and water along the Moose River creating great habitat for birds and fish, so if you're a birder or fisherman or woman, this is the place for you!
The Black River Wild Forest includes the Moose River.
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
The easily accessible Lost Ponds are some of the most scenic bodies of water in the region. Great for hiking, mountain biking, and paddling, any activity you choose is going to memorable.
Narrows and cliffs add to the paddling interest of Lost Ponds.
Sixth Lake Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This is a beautiful spot for a scenic paddle or fish on the Fulton Chain. The fish are plentiful and the scenery is superb.
A woman holds a fishing pole.
Seventh Lake Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This bridge is a nice spot for a bobber floating with the current. It's a great spot to catch pan fish and landlocked salmon.
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
Located in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest off of Rock Dam Road, this access offers good, low-country hunting around the backside of Mount Tom. It's a narrow, little-used path, but it's worth the effort.