Fishing In The Region

West Branch of the Ausable River Heralded as one of the best streams in the East it is certainly one of the most scenic. Only four miles from the shop in Lake Placid is the relatively new catch and release section of the river. This five mile section of river established in October of 1994 as a no kill area has become a favorite place for many fisherman. A new catch and release area was opened downstream of Whiteface mountain adding to the total. Open year round they offer visitors and local anglers a place to try their luck in any season. Saranac, St. Regis and Salmon

The Saranac, St. Regis and Salmon are several other rivers in the area that we can recommend. They may not be as well known but they are first class rivers in every way. These and many other smaller rivers are all within an hours drive of Lake Placid in addition to excellent trout fishing the Lake Champain Tributaries have a pretty good run of Landlocked Salmon in the Spring and Fall.

Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, Saranac & St. Regis Lake Chains

Pond and lake fisherman need not feel left out. Mirror Lake and Lake Placid here in town both have great fishing for Rainbows, Lake trout and Smallmouth Bass. The Hexagenia hatch on these two lakes presents a terrific opportunity to catch the large fish that it brings to the surface. Other lakes and lake chains worth exploring are the Saranac Lake Chain and the St. Regis Lakes. Both have excellent Bass and Pike fishing. They offer very good access to either canoes or motor boats and are a great place to spend a couple of days camping with friends or family. Bass season opens on the third Saturday in June though there is a possibility of a year round bass season.

St. Regis Canoe Area

The St. Regis Canoe Area (SRCA) is a large wilderness area set aside for unmotorized travel. It consists of many ponds and lakes interconnected by relatively short carries. Most ponds in the SRCA have Brook Trout in them and a few ponds such as St. Regis Pond and Little Long Pond have populations of Rainbows or Splake. This area is best explored by canoe and lends itself well to overnight or extended trips. Brook Trout season extends until October 15th and those last weeks of the season sometimes produces the best fishing.