Orleans, NY Fishing: Spectacular Freshwater Fishing on the Thousand Islands Region

Orleans, New York is one of the flourishing towns in the Thousand Islands Region, situated between Clayton and Alexandria Bay, with its northern neck providing access to the great St. Lawrence River. The town is located on the northernmost range of the state, giving it a Canadian border. In fact, it is only 30 minutes away or so from Canada via the 1000 Islands Bridge. This gives Orleans a unique flair as a small town with an international edge.

Coming to Orleans, you may first visit LaFargeville, which is the town’s principal hamlet named after one of its earliest proprietors who arrived in 1826 and began buying land around town. One of its most distinctive features is the Chaumont River, a tributary of Lake Ontario, flowing through its center. Another noteworthy landmark in the area is the Stone Mills. The structure was once known as Collins’ Mills and is speculated to be the first settlement in the area. Now, this historic structure houses the Northern New York Agricultural Museum, a fascinating museum on the early agricultural and housekeeping traditions in the region.

While not exactly a household name as a destination, Orleans holds its own as one of the best places to camp in New York State. Taking pride in itself as an outdoorsman’s destination, the town boasts of the most number of campsites in the state as well as some of the most pristine views and most tranquil atmospheres in the region. And with its easy access to the St. Lawrence River, Orleans is a fantastic New York State fishing destination, offering state parks and fishing points all over town with a majestic backdrop that will make any fishing trip spectacular.

Orleans Fishing

Orleans is one of the towns in the Thousands Islands Region where anglers can access the St. Lawrence River. This great river is a natural Great Lakes System outlet that flows all the way to the Atlantic and the biggest east-west river in the Northern American region. It is important for a wide variety of reasons, but best of all, for anglers, it provides miles upon miles of great fishing spots, many of which one can access within Orleans.

The great St. Lawrence River is known for its diverse aquatic habitats, but it is most attractive to warm water fish species. The most commonly found fish here include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, sunfish, and bullhead. Skilled anglers may also test their mettle catching muskellunge and they may just beat the state record that was caught in New York State in 1957. 

One of the best places to access the river is via the Dewolf Point State Park. It is a quaint little campground on Wellesley Island, the first one you’ll reach in the New York State if you’re coming in from Canada. While it is small, it has the benefit of being quite secluded, so you’re guaranteed a most peaceful fishing experience in the park. Apart from giving you easy access to St. Lawrence River, the campsite also overlooks the beautiful Lake of the Isles. Note that this park is only open from April to mid-September.

Still on Wellesley Island, particularly on its northern shore, is the small and idyllic Waterson Point State Park. It offers two overnight docks for up to 30 boats and shoreline fishing access for anglers who’d like to fish without getting on a boat.

Bigger and more extensive, Wellesley Island State Park is known for being the largest campground in the region, offering more than 400 campsites and other amenities to make the camping experience more comfortable and fun. Anglers flock to the state park, particularly to the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, which offers access to several hiking trails and a number of diverse fishing spots to try, including wetlands plus three miles of shoreline. The park itself has a full-service marina with its own fish-cleaning station and boat launches. 

Ice fishing can be quite productive in Wellesley Island, particularly in its protected bays. Eel Bay and Lake of the Isles are two such bays that offer great ice fishing opportunities as they freeze over quite well. Target northern pike with a tip-up and a large minnow as bait, but if you’re partial to perch, jig with a small winnow.

On the southern banks of the river, you will find Fishers Landing, a small hamlet with a great marina. Historically, it is known for its great fishing opportunities, hence the name. It also provides easy access to Grass Point State Park in nearby Clayton. The park offers several fishing docks plus boat launches and a seasonal marina. You can also rent boats and paddlers within the park. New York residents who are bringing their own boats on their trailers must have their watercraft state-registered before being allowed entry into the park.

Top 10 Fish Species in Orleans, NY

The top 10 fish species to target in Orleans, NY include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, sunfish, bullhead, and muskellunge.

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing can be quite productive in Orleans and the Thousand Islands Region all year round. Northern pike, in particular, can be targeted the whole year, but in different locations per season. For example, in winter, they are best targeted in the bays. During spring and summer, you will find them in the shallow bays with lots of weed growth. They are best caught trolling or casting live minnow or shiner. Walleye, on the other hand, are best targeted during summer and early fall, particularly with minnows or jigs. If you’re around during early spring, just as the ice starts to melt, you will find luck with bullhead in the creeks. Later in the season and until early summer, you will find bullhead in the bays at Wellesley Island and perch at the docks. If you’d like to challenge yourself with muskellunge, you should try fishing in the area around late summer until fall. Fishing for them can be quite tricky, so engaging the services of a fishing guide may come in handy, especially if you haven’t tried it before.

Add Diversity to Your Trip to Orleans

Orleans considers itself the outdoor capital of the Thousand Islands Region, but apart from its amazing campsites, it has plenty more to offer travelers looking to add diversity to their camping trip.

1. Book a Fishing Guide

Whether you’re a beginner angler fishing the St. Lawrence River for the first time, or an experienced angler eyeing the mighty muskie as your next trophy catch, booking a fishing charter or guide will be to your benefit.

2. Visit 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. The museum complex is maintained by the Northern New York Agricultural Historical Society and includes a sawmill, a granary, a schoolhouse, and a church, along with an exhibit on the historical farm machinery. Apart from the exhibits, the museum hosts a number of events during summer, including a Draft Horse Show and a Country Music Festival.

3. Explore 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.