Fishing the West Canada Creek
West Canada Creek is one of the most renowned trout streams in central New York, providing anglers with good fishing for both brown trout and brook trout. Beginning with its headwaters in the southeastern Adirondacks in Hamilton County, West Canada Creek provides good fishing opportunities throughout its length as it flows east and then south through Herkimer and Oneida counties, emptying into the Mohawk River near Herkimer.
Access
With approximately 26 miles of accessible stream frontage and 11 parking lots, West Canada Creek is easy to access. View the DECinfoLocator Map for parking and stream access locations along West Canada Creek - be sure to select the "Trout Stream Fishing Access" layer. Please note that this map is most compatible on a computer or tablet device. A mobile optimized version will be available in the future.
Anglers are reminded to be courteous of landowners, as access locations along the stream banks are available through Public Fishing Rights.
Hot Spots for Fishing
Anglers can catch a number of different fish species in West Canada Creek.
- In the upper reaches, brook trout are the angler's favorite. Many anglers are rewarded with nice sized brookies that are stocked here annually. In addition, anglers will find naturally occurring brookies near the mouths of small tributaries.
- From Hinckley Dam to Herkimer, anglers concentrate on fishing for brown trout, which are stocked annually as yearlings and two-year-old's. As an added bonus, smallmouth bass and fallfish also offer sporty catches in the lower section.
- Trenton Falls, offers the chance for catching trophy-sized fish. Special regulations, like a no kill restriction and use of artificial lures only, combined with an extended fishing season, help produce trophy fish.
Regulations
Inland Trout Stream Fishing Regulations and Statewide Fishing Regulations apply. Anglers should be familiar with the current fishing regulations prior to fishing any section of West Canada Creek.
Dam Water Releases
WARNING - Fast Rising Water: Below Trenton Falls and the Hinckley Dam, West Canada Creek is subject to sudden water surges from the upstream power dam. Wading anglers must be careful to watch for rising waters and quickly move to shore. Whether you're wading or paddling, it is recommended that everyone wear a personal flotation device.
Canoeists may find that the higher water associated with water releases from the dam can be beneficial for accessing fish. During lower water conditions, boats can sometimes run aground.
Other Helpful and Related Information
Trout Stocking
View the anticipated spring trout stocking lists for Hamilton, Herkimer and Oneida counties to find the approximate date and number of trout to be stocked in West Canada Creek.
Map Publication
The Mohawk Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited produced a detailed map with additional fishing and local information. The map is available for a nominal fee at a number of local businesses. To find out where you can pick up a copy, contact the Regional DEC Fisheries Office in Utica or Watertown.
