St Regis Canoe Area Fishing Guide: Seasons, Species, Access Points

The St (or Saint) Regis Canoe Area, within the towns of Brighton, Harrietstown, and Santa Clara in Franklin County, spans an impressive 18,400 acres, making it the sole designated Canoe Area in New York State. This wilderness setting is characterized by a network of lakes and ponds, providing abundant opportunities for remote and unconfined paddling or canoe fishing experiences. 

Canoe fishing is a cherished activity in the St. Regis Canoe Area, particularly known for its Adirondack brook trout fishing. Fishermen can explore various waters accessible via shared trailheads and hand launches. Twenty of the area’s lakes harbor brook trout, with some supporting lake trout and splake populations. Splake are a hybrid fish created by crossing a lake trout with a brook trout. Brook trout in several waters are sustained through annual stocking, while others rely on natural spawning.

Noteworthy fishing spots within the area include Slang Pond, Turtle Pond, and Long Pond, where anglers target largemouth and smallmouth bass. The Saint Regis Chain Lakes, bordering the canoe area, offer opportunities for bass fishing and northern pike fishing. However, fishing is prohibited on Little Green Pond and Little Clear Pond, designated as broodstock waters.

The Adirondack Fish Hatchery, located near the St. Regis Canoe Area on Fish Hatchery Road, plays a crucial role in fish conservation efforts. Fishermen can access parking areas for hand launch sites through this road, and the hatchery itself features an indoor visitor center showcasing salmon, brood fish in a pond, and informative exhibits on fish propagation.

See more of NY’s best fishing spots.

Seasonal Fishing Techniques

Spring (March to May)

In the spring months the St Regis Canoe Area offers prime opportunities for brook trout. The period right after the ice melts, typically in the last two weeks of April, marks the optimal time for brook trout fishing. 

Anglers can fish with worms and spinning gear until mid-May while sinking streamers flies (weighted or sinking fly line) or flies remain effective into mid-June. It’s best for fishermen deploying spinning rods and reels to use light line, preferably 4 pounds or less, along with small spinning lures to enhance their chances of success. This less restricted set up enhances your lure’s flashing and vibration while reducing the visibility and detectability of the fishing line. 

During this season, popular spots for brook trout fishing include Ampersand Brook, the St. Regis River between Sanata Clara and St. Regis Falls, the West Branch of the Ausable River, and St Regis Pond. While brook trout are the primary target, fishermen also actively fish for brown trout and rainbow trout in these waters.

Fly fishing, spin fishing, and trolling are all effective methods for targeting brook trout and other fish species during the spring months in the St Regis Canoe Area.

Summer (June to July)

In the summer months anglers in the St. Regis Canoe Area can continue pursuing brook trout, particularly by stalking stream banks along waterways like the Ausable, Ampersand Brook, or the Cold River. Although not as prominent as in spring, brook trout fishing can still be successful for those willing to explore these streamside areas.

Additionally, the west branch of the Ausable River presents favorable conditions for fishing, with fall being a promising season as well. Isonychia nymphs, or slate drake nymphs, are effective during this time, and stripping streamers can lead to significant catches, particularly when brown trout fishing. 

It’s recommended to alternate between various stripping techniques such as short quick strips (to produce a darting motion), longer slow strips (to simulates a more lethargic prey fish), and strip-pause-strip (alternating strips with pauses, mimicking a struggling or injured baitfish) until you find what works best for the conditions.

The St. Regis Canoe Area continues to offer diverse fishing opportunities for anglers seeking both brook and brown trout during the summer, with strategic approaches like stalking stream banks and using effective fly patterns such as wooly buggers or bloody butchers.

Fall (August to November)

During the fall months, the St. Regis Canoe Area offers fishing diversity with promising brown trout and brook trout fishing, as well as quality northern pike and largemouth bass fishing. The west branch of the Ausable River is a NY hotspot for fall fishing, and anglers can employ effective strategies such as using Isonychia nymphs for brown trout or engaging in streamer fishing for a chance at some of the season’s largest catches. 

Northern pike, commonly found in the Osgood River drainage, the west branch of the St. Regis, and the Raquette River, can be successfully caught using live bait and larger spoons. Bass fishermen can also find rewarding experiences in the Floodwood Pond area, employing spinnerbaits, small poppers, and traditional plugs to entice both northern pike and largemouth bass. Overall, the fall season offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities in the St. Regis Canoe Area, attracting anglers with the promise of varied and rewarding catches.

Winter (December to February)

In the winter months, spanning from December to February in the St. Regis Canoe Area, fishermen shift their focus primarily to lake trout, with larger lakes like Upper Saranac Lake being popular destinations for ice fishing. During this season, successful anglers commonly use lead core lines to reach deeper depths where lake trout are often found. 

While the activity of brook trout tends to decrease in the winter, some ponds may still offer opportunities for those seeking this species. Ice fishing becomes a prevalent fishing technique during the winter months, providing anglers with the chance to fish for lake trout in the colder waters of larger bodies like upper Saranac Lake. 

The winter season in the St. Regis Canoe Area presents unique challenges and rewards for anglers, encouraging them to adapt their techniques to the colder conditions while fishing for lake trout.

What Saint Regis Canoe Area is Known For

The St. Regis Canoe Area is well-known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. It features a network of roads, trailheads, and trails that cater to hikers, as well as hand launches for paddlers to access the area’s diverse lands and waters. 

Big game hunting is a favored activity, particularly in easily accessible locations like Keeses Mills Road, Fish Pond Truck Trail, and Floodwood Road areas. The pursuit of white-tailed deer and black bear is common around the perimeter of the canoe area, offering both accessible and more wilderness-oriented hunting experiences. 

Camping permits, available from the local forest ranger, allow for extended stays, providing the opportunity to camp around interior ponds and engage in hunting activities. The area’s diverse wildlife, including birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, adds to the allure of St. Regis Canoe Area. Although there are no designated facilities for wildlife viewing, encountering wildlife is a common occurrence in this Adirondack gem.

In terms of fishing and historical significance, the St. Regis Canoe Area stands out for its renowned Adirondack brook trout fishing. Anglers are drawn to the area for its high-quality early spring brook trout pond fishing, contributing to the region’s reputation as a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. The rich fishing history and the abundance of brook trout in this wilderness setting make the St. Regis Canoe Area a cherished location for those seeking a memorable and rewarding fishing experience.

Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points

The St. Regis Canoe Area offers a range of access points for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Floodwood Crossing Parking Area, accessible from State Route 30, requires a 1.1-mile carry to reach the hand launch site on Long Pond, providing a scenic entry for those looking to explore the tranquil waters.

Adjacent to it, the Long Pond Parking Area, also accessible from State Route 30, presents a more convenient 0.3-mile carry to its hand launch site on Long Pond. This spot caters to paddlers seeking a relatively shorter journey to access the picturesque waterways within the St. Regis Canoe Area.

For a unique adventure, the Hoel Pond Hand Launch Parking Area, located outside the canoe area, demands paddlers to navigate through a culvert under the railroad track embankment to reach Turtle Pond. Alternatively, if water levels pose a challenge, adventurers can carry their watercraft over the embankment. The rough dirt road leading to this launch site adds an extra touch of exploration.

Moving on to the Fish Hatchery Road Parking Areas, Little Clear Pond Hand Launch Parking Area, situated on the southwest shore of Little Clear Pond, provides easy access for those eager to set out on the calm waters. The nearby Fish Pond Truck Trail Parking Area and Little Green Pond Parking Area offer additional points of entry for paddlers to explore the diverse water bodies in the vicinity.

The Town of Harrietstown Boat Launch, located on the southeast shore of Upper Saint Regis Lake off Saint Regis Carry Road, serves as a strategic starting point. Paddlers can navigate across the lake and paddle up Bear Pond Outlet to access the expansive canoe area, providing a gateway to further exploration.

Conveniently situated, the St. Regis Mountain Trailhead Parking Area on Keeses Mills Road offers access not only to the scenic trails but also to the water bodies, allowing visitors to seamlessly transition between hiking and canoeing adventures. These varied access points showcase the accessibility and richness of the St. Regis Canoe Area, beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to explore its diverse landscapes and waterways.