RIVER FISHING AND SURPRISES IT BRINGS

     Here in the Adirondacks we have a diverse number of waterways to fish. I believe that is what makes it so attractive to fishermen. You are only limited by your own imagination when it comes to the type fishing you might wish to pursue. Lakes abound and they are always fertile fisheries for a large number of species. There are also the backwoods ponds and small lakes that usually produce trout. The brooks and streams of the area carry brook trout and brown trout on regular basis. The rivers can be very much like the lakes in offering a large selection of species to fish.

(fishing on the Chateaugay River)

     The Ausable, Bouquett, Chateaugay, Salmon, Chazy, Saranac rivers, plus many others are all within easy driving distance. They offer the fisherman any number of species and some very fine fishing opportunities. Those living along the rivers have often worked with the state conservation groups to provide anglers access to these waters, so the fisherman who observes the rules and follows the directives listed at the fishing access sites can help keep those arrangements open for some time to come. Always police the area you fish and do not leave garbage and junk behind when you leave. Observe land owners rights and if a section is not posted as public access, don't invade the owners privacy.

(Brother-in-law with a brown trout from Chazy River)

     Many years ago, I used to fish regularly with an old gentleman who was an Adirondack fishing guide for about 50 years. He was in his late 70's when I fished with him and it was a pleasure and joy to see him work on the lake we often fished. But even though he had a very productive lake to fish at his leisure, every once in a while he would say, "let's hit a river today!" That is just what we would do. Down in that area we had the Hudson, Schroon and a couple of other smaller rivers to fish. He liked to change his routine once in a while just for the challenge. He knew that rivers are always changing and the experience would be new each time, unlike the lake he usually fished, where he could read the bottom like a book and tell you exactly where to anchor and cast to catch a bass.

(author fishing a central Adirondack river)

     When your fishing starts to become a bit mundane and predictable, head to one of the rivers and see if it doesn't put some excitement back into your pastime. You may be surprised just how enjoyable it can be.