Adirondack/Lake Champlain Fishing

Within the Adirondack Park and Lake Champlain region of northeastern New York State, the DEC Region 5 Fisheries staff is responsible for managing fisheries within the lakes, ponds, streams and rivers of eight counties to ensure populations remain sustainable for year round fishing opportunities. Listed on this page are some of the top places to fish in the Adirondack region.

Overview of Fishing in the Adirondacks

Fishing Seasons
Region 5 offers diverse fishing experiences from early spring to late fall. Trout and salmon season starts on the streams in early April and moves to the lakes and ponds as ice-out progresses through April and May. The month of May also sees the opening of the walleye and pike seasons. Summer brings the start of bass season and excellent fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass. And of course, there are many opportunities to catch panfish such as perch and sunfish throughout the year. For the hardy angler the fishing season extends into the winter on many of our waters. Anglers can wade or fish from shore in many cases, but even a small boat will greatly increase your fishing options.

Species to Catch
Fishing for brook trout on an Adirondack pond is the signature angling experience in Region 5. The beautifully colored "Brookie" or "Speckled Trout" is the State Fish of New York and is highly prized. The experience of fishing for brookies on a small pond in a wild setting is largely unique to this area. Region 5 offers many angling possibilities other than brook trout as well, including brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, splake, kokanee salmon, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, tiger muskellunge, muskellunge, northern pike, pickerel and walleye.

Trout Stream Fishing Opportunities in Region 5

DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer).
Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide ("How to" instructions for using the fishing map on DECinfo Locator).

Access for Anglers with Disabilities

Find accessible fishing piers, platforms and launches that provide access to waters in the Adirondack / Lake Champlain Region.