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, 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

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

Formatted: 

(315) 283-8871

Raw: 

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

Formatted: 

(518) 524-6441

Raw: 

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!
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.
Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This is a great place for the whole family with easy, rolling terrain. The trail is an old road that ends at Beaver Lake in 2.1 miles. This is the site of the old Wilcox Hotel and sawmill.
The whole family can enjoy this lake hike.
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.
Look for this distinct sign in the trail.
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.
North Lake Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
The trail to Lower Sargent Pond is marked with both snowmobile and hiking trail markers. It goes primarily through hardwood stands with occasional stands of softwoods.
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
The Moose River Plains Wild Forest is part of the 80,000 acre Moose River Plains Complex, a collection of public lands crossed by more than 40 miles of old dirt logging roads.
278 Bisby Rd
Old Forge, NY 13420
Camping
Nicks Lake Campground
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.
Moose River Plains Wild Forest 44.3097817,-75.3235516
Inlet, NY 13360
Wolf Lake was named by French Louie himself, after he saw many wolves in the area. He and Charles Henderson have been photographed here.
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
This pond is small but fun to explore.
Wakely is a tranquil pond with trout.
Route 28
Indian Lake, NY 12842
Lake Adirondack is also known as Adirondack Lake. Once on the lake be sure to check out the northeast bay for the most scenic areas. The shallows and many small islands give the lake some neat features to explore.
Beautiful scenery and plenty of quiet, too.