About Black River, NY

The Black River is a blackwater river traversing the Jefferson, Lewis, and Oneida counties in New York, United States. It spans 125 miles long and originates in North Lake in the lower Adirondack Mountains. Before it ends in Lake Ontario, the river snakes its way past communities and smaller tributaries like Otter Brook and the Independence River in the east, and Twin Lakes Stream and Mill Creek in the west. While its name’s origin remains a mystery, it can be attributed to the fact that the Black River contains natural tannic acid that darkens its waters in some places.

The Black River is divided into three segments. The upper segment runs from North Lake to Nylon Falls, offering mountain lakes, a stream, and a sandy river before it reaches down to the middle segment, which runs from Lyons Falls to Carthage. The lower segment finishes its way to Lake Ontario.

With its generally slow, steady currents, the Black River was considered an industrial river for a long period of time, attracting lumber companies and mills in the 1800s before anglers, birdwatchers, and patchers started rebranding it as a recreational playground. Even up to this day, you can still spot run-down dams and catwalks in some parts along the river.

About Fishing in Black River, NY

Hailed as an outdoor paradise, the Black River offers a wide selection of recreational activities. While rafting and kayaking are some of the most popular sporting activities to do here, angling is also prevalent in multiple parts of the river, thanks to its excellent fish population and abundant access ramps. The variety of fish you can encounter in the stream consists of chinook salmon, bass, northern pike, and rainbow trout, among many others.

Since the Black River is connected to the lowlands, it offers plenty of great locations for bank fishing. Anglers can simply trudge the shallow waters or settle on a spot along the edge, and then cast their line from there. Additionally, fishing from a small boat is a convenient way to catch fish in the Black River, since it provides easier navigation if you want to explore the river. When doing so, look for a spot with rocks or over hangings because species like carp and bass are likely to stay in places with a structure to hide from predators.

As for the best bait, both artificial lures and live bait are effective, but the consensus is that the latter works better for river fishing. Worms and minnows are both solid bait options.

Fishing Seasonality

The Black River is one of the 3000+ freshwater bodies in and around the ever-bustling Adirondacks. This group of lakes, rivers, and streams is incredibly rich in aquatic life, making it a sought-after destination among anglers, beginners and pros alike. 

That said, experienced anglers from New York know that this assortment of water bodies has fishing action to offer all year long. The Black River, together with its surrounding waterways, delivers angling opportunities no matter the month-- whether it’s winter, summer, fall, or spring. However, it’s best to keep in mind that the Adirondack region has a so-called Trout Season that kicks off in spring. Beginning April, the Black River, together with its surrounding waterways, gets the blessing of abundant trout. From brook, brown, to rainbow, anglers will have exceptional trout catches awaiting them.

Fishing Seasonality

The Black River is one of the 3000+ freshwater bodies in and around the ever-bustling Adirondacks. This group of lakes, rivers, and streams is incredibly rich in aquatic life, making it a sought-after destination among anglers, beginners and pros alike. 

That said, experienced anglers from New York know that this assortment of water bodies has fishing action to offer all year long. The Black River, together with its surrounding waterways, delivers angling opportunities no matter the month-- whether it’s winter, summer, fall, or spring. However, it’s best to keep in mind that the Adirondack region has a so-called Trout Season that kicks off in spring. Beginning April, the Black River, together with its surrounding waterways, gets the blessing of abundant trout. From brook, brown, to rainbow, anglers will have exceptional trout catches awaiting them.

About Fishing in Black River, NY

Hailed as an outdoor paradise, the Black River offers a wide selection of recreational activities. While rafting and kayaking are some of the most popular sporting activities to do here, angling is also prevalent in multiple parts of the river, thanks to its excellent fish population and abundant access ramps. The variety of fish you can encounter in the stream consists of chinook salmon, bass, northern pike, and rainbow trout, among many others.

Since the Black River is connected to the lowlands, it offers plenty of great locations for bank fishing. Anglers can simply trudge the shallow waters or settle on a spot along the edge, and then cast their line from there. Additionally, fishing from a small boat is a convenient way to catch fish in the Black River, since it provides easier navigation if you want to explore the river. When doing so, look for a spot with rocks or over hangings because species like carp and bass are likely to stay in places with a structure to hide from predators.

As for the best bait, both artificial lures and live bait are effective, but the consensus is that the latter works better for river fishing. Worms and minnows are both solid bait options.