Adirondack Fishing

Adirondack Fishing

A variety of options to land your big catch

Fish the fresh, clean waters of the Adirondacks

All four seasons provide excellent fishing for anglers on lakes and rivers throughout the Adirondacks. 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. Landlocked salmon can be found in Blue Mountain Lake, Raquette Lake, and Long Lake. Spring boasts full lakes, rushing rivers, and hungry fish, while summer warms the surface and gets the fish lively. "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

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. Hundreds of lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams flow through the center of the Adirondacks, making it a prime location for all types of fishing.

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.

Our big lakes and backcountry ponds teem with smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, and landlocked salmon. We also have expeditions available with licensed, professional guides that offer added insight and expertise. For serious backcountry wilderness fishing, charter a flight into the Adirondack’s untouched forests with one of our float plane services 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 fishing offers some of the Adirondack's premier broodstock lake trout. 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. 

Shops and lodging

Fly shops are open so you can stock up on necessary supplies for fishing in the Adirondacks, and local fishermen are for the best fly patterns and techniques. Find wild brook trout on the Miami River near Speculator, or head to Indian Lake for pumpkinseeds with the kids. 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.

Fish away from the crowd, visit us in the central Adirondacks of New York.


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

 

A fully licensed and insured Adirondack Guide...
24 Jenkins Street
Saranac Lake
12983
  
Upstate Guide Service Inc. is a licensed,...
  
Lake Abanakee spans both sides of Route 30,...
Big Brook Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
Little Tupper Lake is a local favorite, a...
William C. Whitney Road
Long Lake
12847
  
This scenic lake, surrounded by evergreens,...
Twitchell Road
Eagle Bay
13331
  
This is a great place for the whole family...
Otter Brook Road
Inlet
13360
  
A fine wilderness adventure. Getting there...
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
This little used trail is the perfect spot to...
Rondaxe Road
Inlet
13360
  
This large, gorgeous lake makes for a great...
Cedar River Road
Inlet
13360
  
Deep Lake is fed by a cold spring. You can...
Otter Brook Road
Inlet
13360
  
This short hike is perfect, especially during...
Otter Brook Road
Inlet
13360
  
Abundant bogs and water along the Moose River...
Green Bridge Rd
43.694550
Old Forge
13420
  
The easily accessible Lost Ponds are some of...
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet
13360
  
The trail to Lower Sargent Pond is marked...
North Lake Road
Long Lake
12847
  
The Moose River Plains Wild Forest is part of...
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet
13360
  
Known as the "Great Eight Lakes", this trail...
Big Moose Road
Inlet
13360
  
This is a beautiful spot for a scenic paddle...
Sixth Lake Road
Inlet
13360
  
This bridge is a nice spot for a bobber...
Seventh Lake Road
Inlet
13360
  
Located in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest...
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet
13360
  
Windfall Pond is a beautiful destination for...
Big Moose Road
Eagle Bay
13331
  
Wolf Lake was named by French Louie himself,...
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
44.3097817,-75.3235516
Inlet
13360
  
Cellar Pond is an interesting backcountry gem...
Moose River Plains Road
Inlet
13360
  
This is a fine location for backcountry...
Indian River Road
Inlet
13360
  
It is unclear what species of fish reside in...
Indian River Road
Inlet
13360
  
Looking for brook trout? Look no further....
Maple Lodge Road
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Eagle Lake is a gem hidden between two lakes...
Route 28
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Hence the name, the shore of this pond is ...
Route 28
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Access to this pond is limited and the fish...
Route 28
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Puffer Pond is a fine wilderness pond to fish...
Big Brook Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
It's a bit of a hike to reach this location,...
Otter Brook Road
Inlet
13360
  
The crushed stone-lined trail makes for a...
Otter Brook Road
Inlet
13360
  
You can fish from any of the lakefront sites...
Limekiln Road
Inlet
13360
  
With native and stocked brook trout you are...
Moose River Plains Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
Point Comfort State Campground and Little...
1365 County Route 24
Piseco
12139
  
Enjoy extensive hiking and biking trails, or...
Route 28
Inlet
13360
  
The Sacandaga Lake boat launch is located...
Page Street
Lake Pleasant
12108
  
From Route 30 north of Long Lake, take Circle...
William C. Whitney Road
Long Lake
12847
  
Lake Eaton is known for fine fishing all year...
Route 30
Long Lake
12847
  
The Miami River, accessed from the south end...
Route 30
Speculator
12164
  
With great fishing, camping, and incredible...
Route 30
Speculator
12164
  
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are plentiful...
Old Piseco Road
Piseco
12139
  
A great secluded lake with an easy approach ...
Chain Lake Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
This wonderful hike has it all: beautiful...
Big Moose Road
Inlet
13360
  
Lake Lila is located in the William C....
Lake Lila Access Road
Long Lake
12847
  
Cedar River Flow is tucked in the mountains...
Cedar River Road
Inlet
13360
  
Loons, mink, pine marten, otter, moose,...
Route 28N
Newcomb
12852
  
The Fulton Chain of Lakes is a historic,...
Inlet
13360
  
Paddling A nice side trip while in the...
Route 30
Mason Lake
Speculator
12164
  
The Rock River Trail is a 3-mile trail...
7965-7940 NY-28
Indian Lake
12842
  
This mostly flat trail takes you through...
North Point Road
Long Lake
12847
  
Remote with lots of opportunity to explore,...
Route 28
Inlet
13360
  
The only way to explore Round Lake is by...
Sabattis Circle Road
Long Lake
12847
  
The well-named Fishing Brook is in a lovely...
Route 28N
Long Lake
12847
  
Utowana is a beautiful lake that is about as...
Route 28
Raquette Lake
13436
  
Frequent depth changes make trolling for many...
Route 2
Raquette Lake
13436
  
With a shoreline of just over 2 miles, this...
580-526 Gilmantown Rd
Speculator
12164
  
This is a pretty pond with a trail all the...
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
It's all about secluded fishing here! Drop a...
Route 28N
Long Lake
12847
  
This access and pond is now on state land and...
Kickerville Road
Long Lake
12847
  
Best fished is the northern inlet and...
Kickerville Road
Long Lake
12847
  
The lake is reported to be around 45 feet...
Kickerville Road
Long Lake
12847
  
These two ponds are a fun, wilderness...
County Route 19
Durant Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
Cascade Pond is a lovely pond set way back in...
Durant Road
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
This pond is located in the Siamese Ponds...
195 Lakeview Dr
Indian Lake
12842
  
With many good parking spots around the Red...
Hunt Club Road
Inlet
13360
  
This “pull off and fish by the roadside” pond...
South Shore Road
Inlet
13360
  
This slow moving "perfect Adirondack...
Rock Dam Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
This incredible hike provides views of the...
Cedar River Road
Arietta
‎12139
  
There is a small cascading waterfall formed...
Route 8
Arietta
‎12139
  
Part of the stunning Northern Forest Canoe...
Route 28
Inlet
13360
  
A fully accessible wilderness area located...
Route 30
Long Lake
12847
  
Piseco Lake is a large body of water with...
Old Piseco Road
Piseco
12139
  
This short trail offers a quick jaunt for a...
State Route 8/30
Indian Lake
12842
  
Lake Adirondack is also known as Adirondack...
Route 28
Indian Lake
12842
  
Chain Lakes Road South allows access to a...
Chain Lakes Road South
Indian Lake
12842
  
This pond is small but fun to explore....
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
While it would require a long carry with a...
Big Brook Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
This is the largest natural lake in the...
Route 28
Raquette Lake
13436
  
A backcountry lake with good fishing and...
North Point Road
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
This rugged Adirondack trail shares a portion...
Military Road
Speculator
12164
  
This large picnic area is on the shore of...
Petrie Road
Inlet
13360
  
A short, but enjoyable hike down to the banks...
North Point Road
Long Lake
12847
  
A hidden backcountry gem, Wilson Pond Trail...
Route 28
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Bear Paw Creek is a great place to search for...
Moose River Plains Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
Take the easy, rolling old roadbed by foot,...
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet
13360
  
Upper Sargent Pond is a great, short family...
North Point Road
Long Lake
12847
  
The William C. Whitney Wilderness Area is a...
901C Sabattis Rd
Long Lake
12847
  
Follow this short, gentle path through the...
Route 10
Lake Pleasant
12108
  
Don't let an intimidating name fool you. This...
Moose River Plains
Inlet
13360
  
There are three bridges to cross and an...
Indian River Road
Inlet
13360
  
This remote pond is probably one of the best...
Inlet
13360
  
Long Lake is more than just pretty scenery:...
Long Lake
12847
  
Explore this turn-of-the-century...
Eighth Lake Campground
Inlet
13360
  
Two-year old brown and brook trout are...
Hoffmeister
13353
  
The scenic trail to secluded Jockeybush Lake...
Route 10
Arietta
‎12139
  
Cascade and Stephens ponds are two beautiful...
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
The trail to Sis and Bubb lakes is very...
Inlet
13360
  
This access is now on state land and is open...
Indian Lake
12842
  
Sacandaga Lake (not to be confused with Great...
Lake Pleasant
12108
  
Lake Pleasant and Sacandaga Lake are...
Lake Pleasant
12108
  
The Indian River north of Lake Abanakee (an...
Indian Lake
12842
  
Make no mistake: this is real wilderness...
Speculator
12164
  
Explore the southern Adirondacks by water and...
Inlet
13360
  
South Pond is a slightly hidden pond whose...
Long Lake
12847
  
Anyone up for some wild fishing?  Getting...
Long Lake
12847
  
The grade is quite easy as the trail climbs...
Indian Lake Road
Inlet
13360
  
The Moose River Plains is full of exciting...
Inlet
13360
  
For being located near a main road, Lewey...
Indian Lake
12842
  
The river parallels Route 30 between...
Wells
12190
  
This lake is a wonderful nature experience,...
Indian Lake
12842
  
Directions to Forked Lake Dam Access Points...
Long Lake
12847
  
This is the North Branch of the Moose River....
40 Antlers Road
Inlet
13360
  

Adirondack Foothills Guide Service

Tupper Lake
12986
(518) 359-8194
  

Nicks Lake Campground

278 Bisby Rd
Old Forge
13420
(518) 548-3076
  

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