The Mohawk Valley and Nearby fishing

---

Length: 76 miles   Source: Southern Adirondacks

Tale of two rivers:  A Large Tailwater and Adirondack mountain tribs

The West Canada is a large tailwater stream with about 15 miles of quality brown trout waters, including a trophy no-kill section near Trenton Falls.  Water fluctuations should be checked.  For better hatches, best to fish it before the water comes up each day.   A healthy brook trout fishery above Hinckley Reservoir is often overlooked.  Below is a presentation by Bob Janiga that describes the potential of the tailwater.   

Over 425 Brook Trout Ponds

The Adirondacks teems with beautiful ponds and lakes of all sizes, from the a few acres to hundreds of acres in size.  Some are easily accessible and other remote locations require overnight hikes to access.  Always consider where you are going and tell someone the approximate area.  Below is a recent presentation by Steve Prievo that provides more insight in this incredible natural resource in our "backyard".  The DEC also provides may pages of information on recreational opportunities.

An hour or so away from the Mohawk Vally to the north and east is an extensive fishery with countless opportunities to for trout and warm water species, both in its streams, lakes and remote ponds.   It would take a lifetime to explore all the destinations that the ADK park offers.   The southwest region, Herkimer and Hamilton counties, provide many miles of remote wilderness to discover.

Length: 32 miles from source to the Canal Source: Tug Hill Plateau

Below Rome, the Mohawk River is an excellent warm water river with many species both in the canal and river.  From Rome upstream to Delta Lake, it is a hidden urban gem for brown trout with steady hatches. Above the lake the stream becomes a small stream fishery with browns and brook trout in its upper reaches.

Length: 53 miles   Source: Tug Hill Plateau

The main stem of Fish Creek has bass, walleye and the occasional salmon or trout.  The West Branch is mostly a gently flowing stream from Camden south.  The East Branch is wild river with tricky wading and a beautiful, limited access gorge.  Also popular with the white-water crowd during peak levels.  Upper reaches and tributaries of both sections have brook trout.  The Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club has been stocking landlocks for years which add another dimension to this beautiful watershed.

Length: 125 miles   Source: Western Adirondacks

Flowing northwest from the Adirondacks, before joining with the Moose River, the Black River and its tributaries have a mix of warm water and cold-water fishing opportunities.  The watershed contains several impoundments and power dams which impact flows, connectivity and temperatures.  Starting in May, much of the river upstream (south) of Port Leyden has good hatches and nice browns, with upper reaches and tribs also holding brookies. Check the DEC website for PFR and access sites.

Length: 35 miles   Source: Southern Adirondacks

The overlooked sister of the West Canada, the East Canada is a beautiful stream in its own right, when you get away from the impoundments blocking much of its lower path.  With headwaters in the Adirondacks, it has many pristine and less heavily fished sections to explore.

Length: 33 miles   Source: Madison County

A small overlooked brown trout fishery in the heart of the Mohawk Valley.  The Oriskany is a gently flowing stream that keeps producing beautiful fish, despite the proximity to many farms, and communities.  The section above Oriskany Falls is a DEC Wild Trout Reach and also contains the Chenango Canal fishery.