Fishing in the Adirondack Region

Anglers paradise offers opportunities for a variety of preferences and techniques

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (PRWEB) May 24, 2003 -- Thousands of lakes and ponds along with miles of rivers and streams beckon anglers to the Adirondack region each year. Whether fly fishing in a rushing spring river, spin casting on a lazy lake in summer or jigging on a frozen lake in winter, the Adirondacks offer fishing opportunities for everyone.

Fishing in the Adirondacks while surrounded by the untouched beauty of the outdoors provides a sense of solitude in an awesome setting. With over 2,300 lakes and ponds 1,500 miles of rivers and 30,000 miles of brooks and streams, anglers are sure to taste some of the finest fishing anywhere.

Adirondack rivers contain various species of trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass and walleye. Wading or canoeing are the primary means of accessing these fish but anglers can also fish from shore, small boat or even a whitewater raft. Early season is a good time to fish the regions rivers since fish populations are high due to fresh stockings and holdover from the previous year.

Located in the Adirondacks majestic High Peaks, the AuSable River is a fly fisherman's paradise offering abundant hatches of Stoneflies, Caddis, Mayflies and legendary trophy trout. The famed West Branch of the AuSable River is nationally recognized for its five miles of designated catch and release fishing. The AuSable River snakes and tumbles its way through spectacular flumes and chasms while surrounded by the states highest peaks and "forever wild" state forest. Because of its large size and impressive hatches, the West Branch is excellent for fly-fishing, especially for skilled waders who want to tackle pocket water.

Fishing in roadside lakes and ponds is a beautiful, peaceful way to spend the day. Species range form native lake trout to trophy largemouth bass. Anglers can fish either from shore or from a boat in most places. Even though these waters are nestled among the mountains, anglers can often access them via roadside launches.
The geographic center of the Adirondack Park contains many lakes and rivers that are a challenge for fishing enthusiasts including Long Lake, Raquette Lake, Forked Lake and Lake Eaton. Brook Trout are found in sections of the Raquette River, Bog River and Big Brook which are also located in the center of the park. Those in search of northern pike or bass might try Forked Lake and Long Lake. Lake trout and land-locked salmon are abundant in Lake Eaton. Raquette Lake offers bass and lake trout. The northern pike in Long Lake are real fighters and have been the source of many stories about "the one that got away." During the winter months ice fishing is permitted on most lakes throughout the Adirondack region.

The St. Lawrence River, Lake Champlain and Lake George are known as the regions big waters". Each has a national reputation for fantastic fishing. America's oldest, largest freshwater fishing derby -- the LCI Fathers Day Derby and the Wal-mart FLW Professional Bass Tour both
take place on Lake Champlain. This lake ranks as one of the country's premier fisheries with an abundant population of 3- to 5-pound largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Trout season in New York state runs from April 1st -- September 30th; bass season begins the third Saturday in June and continues through November 30th; northern, walleye and pickerel season is from the beginning of May through March 15th.

Everyone over the age of 16 who fishes in the Adirondacks must have a fishing license which can be purchased at sporting-goods stores and town offices. Non-residents can get special 5-day licenses.

Each year, the last full weekend in June is designated as free fishing days" in New York state. This began in 1991 to give everyone a chance to sample the incredible fishing that New York state has to offer. Anyone can fish in New York state waters and no fishing license is required during this two-day period making it the perfect time to take a friend or relative. In 2003, New York state's free fishing days are Saturday and Sunday, June 28th & 29th.
The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council can provide information about fishing in the region. To receive a free Adirondack Fishing Guide, contact the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council at 800-487-6867, or visit www.Adirondacks.org.

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Adirondack Fishing Packages

Adirondack Holiday Lodge
Wilmington, New York (518) 946-2251

Starting at $24.50 per night for lodging. Package includes accommodations for 2 nights. Guests may choose to add instruction, guided tours, and meals for an additional fee. Rates are per person, per day, double occupancy.

Available: Mar 24, 2003 - Jun 26, 2003
Restrictions: Not available 5/23-25.

Located at the intersection of Rt. 431 and Rt. 86, at the base of Whiteface Memorial Highway. For more information visit: http://www.adirondackholidaylodge.com

The Whiteface Chalet
Wilmington, New York (518) 946-2207
Package includes ½ day instruction, ½ day on the water. This package includes guide instruction & service, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 1 box lunch and lodging. $169.95 per person, per day, double occupancy.

This is a perfect time to get set up & primed for the season. Both experienced & new anglers are welcome. Gear rental & purchases are available at a discount. Or bring your gear for a professional fitting.

Available: Apr 01, 2003 - May 31, 2003
Restrictions: 2 night stay required

Located 1.5 miles form Whiteface Mountain & the Village of Wilmington approximately 8 miles from Lake Placid. For more information visit: http://www.whitefacechalet.com

Willkommen Hof B & B
Wilmington, N.Y. 12997 (800) 541-9119
Package includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 box lunches, 1½ day guide service, and ½ day fishing at the Adirondack Wild Trout Preserve. $470.00 single occupancy, $335.00 double occupancy.

Available: Apr 25, 2003 - May 23, 2003
For more information visit: http://www.lakeplacid.net/willkommenhof

Adirondack Fishing Resources

LAKE GEORGE AND SOUTHEASTERN ADIRONDACKS

Adirondack Fishing Adventures
Rob Gilchrist (518) 494-5770 www.AdirondackCharters.com
Charter boat excursions on Lake George and Schroon Lake, offers fly fishing guides for interior ponds & lakes.

HIGH PEAKS AND NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS

Adirondack Sport Shop
"Home to the Ausable Wulff," Wilmington, N.Y. (518) 359-2174

Fran Betters has been known by sportsmen for years as the definitive expert on fishing and fly-fishing in the Adirondacks and author of many indispensable books! He offers fly fishing and casting instructions, stream orientations and an open invitation to all who fish to attend his FREE Barbeques and flycasting clinics throughout the summer!

CENTRAL ADIRONDACKS

Yankee Guides & Outfitters
254 Genesee St. Chittenango, N.Y. 13037 (315) 687-6300

Yankee Guides & Outfitters offers remote fly-ins and drift boat fishing. A full service fly shop, camping and backpacking supplies. Offers fishing getaways including Remote Brook Trout and Bass Fly-Ins, West Canada Creek, Poland NY, High Peaks, Adirondacks, Lake Champlain.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
www.dec.state.ny.us

Fishing Tips Hotline
High Peaks area & Northwest Lakes area (518) 891-5413
Lake George, Schroon Lake and the Central Adirondacks (518) 623-3682