Submitted by guest blogger Bayle Reichert

The time has come that we have been waiting patiently for. The ice has melted on the lakes and the water is flowing. Dig out your dusty ol’ fishing pole and get out on the water!

Whether you’re visiting or living in the area, the Adirondack Mountains are a prime location for fishing, even if it is your first time. There are plenty of resources available in order to get your line in the water so you can catch that big, storytelling-worthy fish. 

1. Gather your supplies

Blue Line Sports, Saranac Lake

Blue Line Sports is a small business, located in downtown Saranac Lake. With a wide variety of fishing supplies, ranging from waders to live bait, this shop also has friendly and knowledgeable employees who personally fish in the Adirondacks. They also supply New York State fishing licenses. 

St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Saranac Lake

St. Regis Canoe Outfitters is located right near the Saranac River. This local outfitter will provide you with a canoe/kayak rental and expert knowledge of the lakes and ponds, so you can start rippin’ lips. 

Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, Saranac Lake

Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters is located just outside of downtown Saranac Lake, right across from Lake Flower. This outfitter offers canoe and kayak rentals as well as knowledgeable staff that can help you find some special paddling locations that are right in the heart of the Adirondacks.

Wiley’s Flies, Ray Brook

Wiley’s Flies is located in Ray Brook, 4 miles from both Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Not only do they sell pre-tied flies and other fly fishing gear, they are also a local provider of fly tying material. Why not go fly fishing using a fly you personally tied?

2. Find a guide

Wiley’s Flies, Ray Brook
518-891-1829 / vince@wileysflies.com

In addition to the fly fishing gear that Wiley’s Flies sells, they also offer guided fishing trips. Whether you want to go wading in the rivers or take a pontoon boat out for the day, a variety of fly and spin fishing trips are available.

Bob Visicaro, Saranac Lake
518-257-0688 / bvisicaro@gmail.com

Bob is a recently certified New York State Guide. With the experience of four years fishing in the Adirondacks and a lifetime of knowledge, Bob’s guests leave with an unforgettable experience on the water. Bob is also a state eertified hiking guide. 

Grateful Adventures, Marcus Mcgivney, Saranac Lake
352-348-7721

Marcus provides a wide range of backcountry Adirondack experiences for each of his guests. Based out of Saranac Lake, Grateful Adventures offers services including fly fishing, hiking, camping, and summit tagging. 

Adirondack Troutfitters, Ryan Baker and Nicole Morin, Saranac Lake
203-233-3306 / adktroutfitters@gmail.com

Located in Saranac Lake, Ryan and Nicole provide an abundance of knowledge on the Adirondacks and the lakes within the region. Ryan and Nicole are New York State Certified Guides who provide fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and canoeing experiences to their guests. 

3. Choose your fishing hole

Below are just a few of the local favorites. These locations have easy access and are close to downtown Saranac Lake. Reach out to the local guides and outfitters listed above if you are looking for even more fishing holes.

The Saranac River, Saranac Lake

The Upper Saranac River runs straight through Saranac Lake and is an easy location to walk to from most locations in the village. The river can be accessed using the Saranac Lake River Walk and is a great location for brown trout and rainbow trout.

Lake Colby, Saranac Lake

Lake Colby is located just north of the village of Saranac Lake, near Adirondack Medical Center, on Route 86. This lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout and brown trout. If you're lucky, you might reel in a landlocked salmon! 

Upper St. Regis Lake, Paul Smiths

Upper St. Regis Lake is located in Paul Smiths next to Spitfire Lake and Lower St. Regis Lake. Offering astonishing views of historic great camps of the Adirondacks, this lake is a unique paddling destination. Starting from Upper St. Regis Lake, paddlers can glide through Spitfire over to Lower St. Regis, all while trolling a line in the water and reeling in a nice smallmouth bass or northern pike. Largemouth bass, landlocked salmon, and lake trout can be caught in this lake as well.

Moose Pond, Bloomingdale

Moose Pond is a hidden pond located in Bloomingdale, just a few miles from Saranac Lake. This pond is stocked annually with landlocked salmon and rainbow trout. Other species that can be found here include lake trout, brook trout, brown bullhead, and smallmouth bass. It's good for paddling, too!

Be sure to follow New York state fishing regulations and try your best not to hook your fingers while putting the lure on the line. Now there are no excuses for not having a fresh fish dinner hot and ready! 

While you're in the area, spend the night, explore our fun downtown, or enjoy a hearty meal to make your Saranac Lake adventure complete!