St. Lawrence, NY Fishing: Ceaseless Fishing and Fun in New York

Situated in the north of New York, St Lawrence is the largest county by area in the state. Its size is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware. The county is adjacent to other New York counties in its south, east and west as well as counties in Canada to its north. Numerous towns, villages, hamlets, census-designated places, as well as the reservation of Akwasasne, make up the county. Founded in 1802, tracing the origins of its name can be referred back to the Saint Lawrence River, which runs in between the county’s border with Canada. The river was named after the Catholic Saint Lawrence of Rome.

Most of St Lawrence is located in the Adirondack region, which is one of the most unique wild areas in America. The Adirondack Park, a forest preserve that was designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1963, was established so that people can use it for their health and pleasure, making the county a significant tourism destination even before the 19th century. With its placement in New York, St Lawrence is a great all year round destination as well, boasting not only spring, summer and fall, but fun winter activities. The county shows off the beauty of the Great Outdoors with its diverse landscapes but people can also immerse themselves in the local arts, culture and heritage scene through venues and shows that are constantly available in the region. St Lawrence has a claim to fame when it comes to fishing, with the St Lawrence River being ranked number one by B.A.S.S Magazine as the best bass fishery in the nation.

St. Lawrence Fishing

There are ceaseless fishing opportunities that can be found in St. Lawrence, from onshore to offshore angling. Anglers will find the county a fantastic place to challenge their skills while being able to enjoy the unique and beautiful scenery the region has to offer.

Starting with its namesake, fishing in the St Lawrence River is renowned for its bass action. It is found at the north side of the county running along the communities of Hammond, Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, and Massena. B.A.S.S. Magazine in 2019 named it the number one place to catch largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in the country. Other fish species one can reel in from its waters include northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, bullheads, muskellunge, and various kinds of panfish. The river has a diversity of water habitats, making it able to host an abundance of fish in whatever season. Any area of the 500km-long river provides productive fishing, whether one is just starting out in angling or is a veteran. For boat anglers, there are spots in the river where they can use small watercraft to fish like in protected bays. Shore fishermen are also welcome to fish in the river with many docks and piers lining along the river’s banks. Targeting the most common species caught from the river, smallmouth bass, is best done around islands, like Oak Island and Ogden Island, in bays, like Chippewa Bay, at off points and off shoals. There are also plenty of fish found below the Moses-Saunders Power Dam. Spinning, jigging and baitcasting are the best ways to catch them with live baits like minnows, worms and crayfish recommended to use. To hook largemouth bass, target them in shallow weedy bays and along shoal edges. Baitcasting, spinning and topwater fishing are the most common ways to catch them. Northern pike is one of the most popular picks for ice fishing, as anglers can see good action from them in shallow bays, shoals and around islands. Walleye are best found in tributaries of the river as well as in off shoals. For catching both pike and walleye, trolling, baitcasting, spinning and jigging prove to be effective. Muskies are more of a challenge to catch in the river. Using a guide is often recommended if one wants to fish for them. 

Another great place for anglers to go to while they’re in St Lawrence is Black Lake found in the towns of Morristown and Hammond. It has been called a freshwater fisherman’s paradise due to its abundance and variety of freshwater game like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, brown bullhead, muskellunge, rock bass, channel catfish, longnose gar, redhorse sucker, bowfin or dogfish, black crappie and bluegill found in its waters. The lake has also been stocked with walleye and lake sturgeon. Anglers can either opt to fish from the lake’s banks or launch their boats at the concrete ramp site located next to Hammonds-Edwardsville County Road. Bass anglers will see great results when they fish in areas with heavy weed cover, in island drop-offs, rocky points, and deep water near mid-lake shoals. Plenty of bluegill can be found in bays, marshy areas, near weedlines, rock piles and other structures. The most popular target in the lake, crappie, can also be found in marshy bays, rocky points, mid-lake shoals and rock piles. In Lower Deep Bay, anglers can easily find channel catfish. Baitcasting and bottom fishing are some of the more common ways to reel in fish from the expanse of the lake. 

Near the Five Ponds Wilderness area in the south of the county is Cranberry Lake. It’s another fantastic freshwater spot where fish like smallmouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, sunfish, brook trout and brown trout abound. It has been receiving more recognition recently for largemouth bass that can be spotted in the stump fields of the lake’s shallow arms. It is also managed and stocked with brook trout. Around the lake are a few boat ramps and cartop launch areas available for anglers who prefer to fish out its waters instead of its shores. 

Anglers who are interested in being immersed in the uniquely diverse Adirondack Park region also have the chance to fish from Lake Ozonia which is located within it. Because of its proximity to the St Regis River, the lake is a popular fishing spot as the river is stocked annually with 10,000 trout. The lake’s waters itself is home to splake, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, American eel, lake trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead. One can fish from the banks or can launch either a non-motorized or a motorized boat from the launch area on Lake Ozonia Road. 

St Lawrence has a lot more to offer anglers as its expanse is riddled with lakes, bays, rivers, ponds and reservoirs that house abundant game. Because of this, the county is home to numerous fishing tournaments such as Massena’s Major League Fishing Tournament and the Bassmaster Northern Open which are held in the St Lawrence River. Most competitions focus on catching the best bass in the region.

Top 10 Fish Species in St. Lawrence, NY

The top 10 fish species found in St Lawrence, New York are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, brown bullhead, muskellunge, brook trout, brown trout, and lake trout.

Seasonal Fishing

Bass season runs from June through November. They are best caught in the warmer months because they prefer that kind of climate. The rest of the year, anglers can still target bass but only for catch and release. Northern pike is a great fish to target all year as they can even withstand the weather during the winter. May is the best month to target walleye but they can be caught in summer and early fall. Yellow perch fishing is great from late spring to early summer but they can also be fish when waters are frozen. Early spring is a great time to target bullheads as they like it when the water warms up following an ice-out. Late summer through fall are the best seasons to catch muskies. Crappie and bluegill move through waters in April and May while catfish are abundant during spawning season from late May to early June. Trout fishing is open from April to October with the rest of the year is catch and release only.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors in St. Lawrence

Profusely covered with diverse communities and natural landscapes, one can never run out of things to do in St Lawrence. From those who are interested in arts, culture and history to nature lovers, the county has it all covered as a tourist destination.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

St Lawrence has plenty to boast about when it comes to being a fishing destination. It has numerous bodies of water, with some being recognized as some of the best angling spots in the country. Anglers can book a fishing charter so they’ll be guided how to navigate the vast waters found in the county and have a more productive fishing trip.

2. Wander Around the Wilderness

With most of Adirondack Park being in the county, people will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the healing beauty of nature. The park also offers educational and cultural experiences because it possesses a rich history and heritage. One can visit museums and exhibits found in the park or hike or rock climb along the Adirondack Mountains.

3. Arts, Culture and Heritage

St Lawrence also offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy the art and culture scene as there are several art galleries and museums found throughout the county. There is also a vibrant performing arts and music scene as there are always events happening. One can even watch battle reenactments that tell the story of the history of the region.