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.