Book Your Fishing Charter in Lewis County, NY

Dare to go off the beaten path on your next visit to New York State and make a pit stop at Lewis County. This lush and remote county enjoys an enviable position on the map, with the Adirondack Park and Tug Hill Plateau surrounding it. Come here to enjoy the recreational amenities and small-town atmosphere that have made the county one of the most livable places in the US.

Today, Lewis County remains fairly off the radar because of its rugged landscape. It is more well known for its milk production and maple syrup production. But travelers who make their way to the county will find that not only is it a great place to hike and see the Adirondacks, but it is one of the best places to cast a line and fly fish in all of New York State as well. Perhaps the only challenge here is deciding which part of the county to start with, as it has thousands of freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams just waiting to be explored. 

Lewis County Fishing: Productive Freshwater Fishing in a Lush Mountainous Region

Freshwater fishing abounds in Lewis County, but because it is such a remote region, you might want to get the services of a local guide to help keep you safe while steering you towards the most productive waters. 

Because there are so many places to start within Lewis County, why not go for the most obvious? The Tug Hill Region occupies most of the county, after all, and is dotted with many freshwater bodies stocked and teeming with fish. Go to the village of Wilmington, considered the fly fishing capital of the Adirondacks, and target rainbow, brook, lake, and brown trout at Ausable River. Other trout waters in the area that you can explore are Lost Pond, Lake Colby, Otter Lake, Bullhead Pond, and the falls and eddies of the Chateauguay River.

If you’re looking for your next trophy northern pike, head on over to Lake Gorge, Schroon Lake, Tupper Lake, and Long Lake, among many others. Increase your chances of landing that trophy at the Great Sacandaga Lake, which reportedly offers 20-lbs. pike regularly to passionate anglers. While at that great lake, you might also target yet another classic gamefish, the walleye. 

The Independence River Wild Forest, on the other hand, covers at least 76,000 acres within the Adirondack Park area. This side of the county has streams that have native brook trout, while creeks and lakes such as Otter Creek and Payne Lake are stocked with brown and brook trout, respectively. Payne Lake, in particular, also offers largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegill, and black crappie. Shallow and weedy Francis Lake has chain pickerel, bullhead, and yellow perch, many of which can be caught along the weed lines from the shore.

Right between the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondack Foothills and running through the counties of Lewis, Jefferson, and Oneida is the great Black River. This productive fishing river has a prime fishing section within Lewis County that runs for 8.5 miles between the county line towards Lyon Falls. This waterway is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Plenty of walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, and smallmouth bass can be found downstream from the falls. The upper part of the river offers fly fishing opportunities in areas that are easily accessible via the many hand and trailer launches.

Plenty more trout fishing opportunities can be had at the East Branch Fish Creek State Forest, a 1,350-acre park spanning the towns of Osceola, West Turin, and Lewis. Find stocked brook trout in the upper part of this branch of the creek, along with rainbow and brown trout and Atlantic salmon. 

Enjoy the Views and Delicacies of Lewis County

1. Pick Your Apples and Sample the State-famous Maple Syrup

Visit one of the apple orchards here such as the Largest McIntosh Apple Orchard in the World, Chazy Orchards, or check out family-owned maple sugaring operations such as Bechard's Sugar House, Brandy Brook Maple Farm, and Parker Family Maple Farm to taste the locally-produced maple syrup.

2. Go on a Mountain Retreat

Have a serene retreat up in the Adirondacks by booking a mountain retreat space where you can enjoy luxury cabin accommodations with a VIP view of your lush surroundings.