Book a Fishing Charter in Orleans, NY

Start your Thousand Islands getaway with a trip to Orleans, New York, the region's self-proclaimed Outdoor Capital. It sits on the northernmost edge of the state and is situated just 30 minutes away from Canada via the 1000 Islands Bridge, a quaint small town with an international flair. While not exactly a top-of-mind tourist spot, Orleans deserves your attention as a fantastic destination for camping in New York State. The town boasts the most number of campsites in the state as well as some of the most pristine views and most tranquil atmospheres in the region, so if you’re an avid camper, you’ll be amiss if you don’t at least spend a couple of days in one of its campgrounds.

Apart from being a legendary camping destination, Orleans is also a veritable fishing destination. The northern neck of the town, after all, provides great access to the St. Lawrence River. Within and around town, you’ll find picturesque state parks and fishing access points where you can enjoy both a productive fishing day and some of the finest vistas in the state.

Orleans Fishing: Spectacular Freshwater Fishing on the Thousand Islands Region

Take advantage of your proximity to the St. Lawrence River while you’re in Orleans. This great river is important for several reasons, but best of all, for anglers, it provides miles upon miles of great fishing spots, many of which one can access within and around town. 

This vast river is famous for hosting diverse habitats that attract warm water species. The most commonly found fish here include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, sunfish, and bullhead. If you’re an experienced angler looking for your next challenge, fishing for the mighty muskellunge in St. Lawrence should be on your bucket list. The state record for the muskie was caught in the state in 1957 and has yet to be beaten — who knows, the next state record might just be waiting for your cast.

Seeking a quaint campground where you can enjoy a peaceful time fishing the river? If you’re coming from Canada, you might as well stop by the first campground in the state on your way: Dewolf Point State Park. This small park on Wellesley Island overlooks the beautiful Lake of the Isle and is only open from April to mid-September.

Still, on Wellesley Island, you’ll find the idyllic Waterson Point State Park, another nice and peaceful fishing spot. It provides two overnight docks for up to 30 boats and for anglers who’d like to fish without getting on a boat, shoreline fishing access.

Known for being the largest campground in the region, Wellesley Island State Park offers more than 400 campsites and other amenities to make the camping experience more comfortable and fun. Anglers flock to this great campsite because of the diverse fishing spots to be found at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center. The park also has a full-service marina with its own fish-cleaning station and boat launches. 

If you’re up for some ice fishing, head to the protected bays over on Wellesley Island. Eel Bay and Lake of the Isles are two such bays that offer great ice fishing opportunities as they freeze over quite well.

Discover the Pride of Orleans

1. Learn About the Region’s Agricultural History at the Stone Mills Museum

If you’re interested in the history of the town and the region and one of its most major industries, take time to visit the lovely Stone Mills Museum in LaFargeville, a museum complex maintained by the Northern New York Agricultural Historical Society. Apart from its agricultural exhibits, the museum hosts events during summer, including a Draft Horse Show and a Country Music Festival.

2. Wine-hop Through the Thousand Island-Seaway Wine Trail

This unique wine trail features seven of the region’s best wineries. Going on the trail will allow you to sample wines distinct to the area and wineries themselves.