Great and Little Chazy Rivers Fishing – Articles, Species, and Tips

Flowing through the heart of Clinton County in upstate New York, the Chazy Rivers – comprising the Great Chazy River and Little Chazy River – provide a great fishing experience for both beginner fishermen and expert anglers. The Little Chazy’s journey begins in the Adirondack Mountains, weaving through forests and open landscapes, while the Great Chazy offers a deeper, broader course. Both eventually meet with Lake Champlain, creating diverse habitats for a wide array of fish species.

Click to view more outstanding fishing spots in New York State.

Fish Species

Trout: The Little Chazy is a hotspot for brown and rainbow trout. Anglers can find both stocked and natively occurring trout, offering a range of fishing experiences. The best times for trout fishing are during the cooler months of spring and fall, especially around Ellenburg, NY. This region is known for its pristine waters and abundant aquatic life, which supports a healthy trout population.

Smallmouth Bass: As the weather warms up in summer, smallmouth bass become the stars of the Little Chazy, particularly around Mooers Forks. This area, with its mix of rocky structures and fallen trees, creates ideal habitats for bass. Early morning or late evening are prime times for bass fishing, utilizing techniques such as surface lures or soft plastics.

Walleye: Predominantly found in the Great Chazy, walleye also inhabit calmer areas of the Little Chazy, especially near its mouth. Trolling with crankbaits or using live minnows are effective methods for catching these elusive fish. The Great Chazy’s depth and current patterns create perfect environments for walleye, especially near underwater structures.

Other Species: Anglers should also watch out for northern pike, perch, bullhead, and even landlocked salmon. Both rivers have diverse ecosystems supporting these species, offering varied fishing experiences throughout the year.

Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species

Spring (April-May): In the Little Chazy, fly fishing with nymphs and streamers excels in the faster currents, while drift fishing with minnows or worms is effective in calmer pools. The Great Chazy’s deeper areas are excellent for walleye, particularly when using jigs or soft plastics.

Summer (June-August): Smallmouth bass are abundant in the Little Chazy. Surface lures like poppers and frogs are effective in shallow waters, while deeper areas can be fished successfully with crankbaits and jigs. In the Great Chazy, pike fishing is promising, with larger lures or live bait proving effective.

Fall (September-October): As temperatures drop, trout fishing gains momentum. Spin fishing with spoons or spinners, and fly fishing with dry flies during hatches, are productive in both rivers. The deeper pools, particularly in the Great Chazy, become hotspots for trout.

Winter (November-March): Ice fishing enthusiasts can find success in calmer sections of both rivers. Jigging for perch and crappie is popular, and targeting walleye through the ice is a rewarding challenge, especially in the Great Chazy due to its depth.

What the Great and Little Chazy Rivers are Known For

Walleye and Northern Pike: The Great Chazy is celebrated for its large walleye and pike.
Historical Significance: These rivers are near the historic site of the Battle of Plattsburgh from the War of 1812, adding a rich historical context to your fishing trip.

Articles Related to Great and Little Chazy River Fishing

How to Catch Bass in the Summer: Tips & Techniques

The Abundance of Bass in Adirondack Waters While the Adirondacks have long been celebrated for their exceptional trout and salmon fisheries, the region’s rich bass populations remain largely untapped. Adirondack waters are

Adirondack Fishing Spots: Bass, Trout, Walleye, Pike, Muskie…

Adirondack Park features detailed fishing information by lake, river, and creek, including species and facts about each body of water, suitable for beginners and experienced anglers.

Catching Muskellunge in New York

Where to Fish for Musky in New York State Catching a muskellunge, or muskie, is no small feat—experienced anglers will tell you that success is never guaranteed. Muskies are elusive, challenging, and

Chazy River Fishing FAQs

What Fish Are in the Great Chazy River?

The Great Chazy River in New York is home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers. Key species found in the Great Chazy River include trout (both brown and brook trout), walleye, bass (including smallmouth bass), northern pike, perch, and bullhead. The river’s diverse habitats support these species, offering anglers a rich fishing experience.

Are There Walleye in the Chazy River?

Yes, there are walleye in the Chazy River. Walleye are predominantly found in the deeper waters of the Great Chazy River, but they can also be found in the calmer sections of the Little Chazy, especially near its mouth. The Great Chazy’s depth and current patterns create perfect environments for walleye, making it a sought-after species by anglers in this region. Trolling with crankbaits or using live minnows are effective methods for catching these elusive fish in the Chazy River.

List of online source references

Your NY Fishing Newsletter

FishNY is recognized as New York’s best fishing website. Once dubbed as “the clearing house for fishing content throughout the state” by the Times Union in Albany…