Trout Fishing Warren County NY is an experience that promises both adventure and serenity. As a lifelong fly fisherman, the Adirondacks always have a place in my heart. The six-million-plus acre park offers seemingly limitless trout fishing possibilities, so many that it is hard to decide where to go. With the exception of the West Branch of the Ausable River, my favorite waters all have one thing in common—they are in Warren County.
Warren County Trout Waters
Let’s talk more about trout fishing Warren County NY! Warren County recognizes the value of trout fishing. The county caters to visiting anglers so much so that it is one of the Adirondack counties that supplements the annual DEC trout stocking with its own fish produced each year at the county Hatchery in Warrensburg. The hatchery raises brook trout, rainbow trout and has even reared some Atlantic salmon through the years.
Trout Fishing in Warren County, NY
Trout fishing in Warren County, NY, is an experience that seamlessly blends adventure with serenity. As a lifelong fly fisherman, I hold a special appreciation for the Adirondacks. With over six million acres of natural beauty, this region offers seemingly limitless trout fishing opportunities, making it challenging to choose where to cast your line. While I have many favorite spots, one thing they all have in common is that they are located in Warren County.
Warren County Trout Waters
Warren County recognizes the immense value of trout fishing and caters to visiting anglers with enthusiasm. Notably, it is one of the Adirondack counties that supplements the annual DEC trout stocking with its own fish produced at the county hatchery in Warrensburg. This hatchery raises brook trout, rainbow trout, and even has a history of rearing Atlantic salmon.
The streams in Warren County are rich with typical insect hatches, providing a vibrant ecosystem for trout. Anglers can explore a diverse range of trout waters, from tiny brook trout streams where you can crawl through the brush in search of native brookies, to larger rivers teeming with major hatches. There are also several brook trout ponds scattered throughout the county, offering the chance to catch heritage-strain brook trout in picturesque backwoods settings. Below are some of the best streams for trout fishing in Warren County.
Featured Trout Streams
Schroon River
The Schroon River is the crown jewel among Warren County’s trout streams. Flowing through both Warren and Essex counties, it offers a unique opportunity to catch brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and even landlocked salmon—all in a single outing. One memorable spring, I witnessed an angler land a respectable lake trout just below the Starbuckville Dam!
The river begins in the mountains of Essex County and flows southward to Schroon Lake. Below the lake, the river expands, winding its way through scenic landscapes before merging with the mighty Hudson River. One of the most popular sections for trout fishing is from the dam at Starbuckville downstream to Riverbank. During the summer months, fly fishermen should consider using nymph patterns for optimal results.
Fishing and Access: There are public fishing sections downstream of Warrensburg, and float trips are also popular on the Schroon. With ample parking areas, these trips are convenient. The best fishing typically occurs in May and June and again in September. The river is well-stocked by both the state DEC and the Warren County fish hatchery, ensuring a healthy population of brook and rainbow trout, as well as browns and larger holdover fish.
Upper Hudson River
The Upper Hudson River offers a fun destination for trout fishing, particularly between North River and North Creek along Route 28. Several parking areas along the highway provide access for anglers. Trout fishing is particularly fruitful around North Creek. As you move downstream, the river widens and warms, becoming a habitat for smallmouth bass rather than trout.
The Hudson River Gorge presents an exhilarating fishing opportunity, though it is primarily navigated by whitewater rafters. Fishing in this area requires paddling through the gorge, which is not recommended for inexperienced paddlers. Beaverbrook Outfitters (www.beaverbrook.net) offers guided float fishing trips through this thrilling section.
North Creek
North Creek is a charming, medium-sized stream that is stocked by both the county and the DEC. The best public fishing areas are located between Sodom Road and Route 29, as well as near the Gore Mountain Ski Area. Each year, North Creek is stocked with rainbows by the county and brook trout by the DEC.
Mill Creek
Mill Creek has always held a special place in my heart. Its small stream offers a rewarding challenge for fly fishing enthusiasts. Located in the Town of Johnsburg, Mill Creek is stocked with brook trout by the county and browns by the DEC.
Trout Brook
Another gem in Warren County, Trout Brook is a mid-sized stream located in the Town of Chester. It is stocked with brookies by the county and rainbows by the DEC. While fishing, be mindful of private lands along its length, as public access is limited.
Fishing Seasons and Techniques
These Adirondack streams feature all the typical insect hatches that attract trout, including stoneflies, caddis, and major mayfly hatches such as yellow mayflies like sulphers and cream variants. One of my personal favorites is the Blue-winged Olives, which can vary in size from stream to stream, providing excellent fishing opportunities. I’ve enjoyed great success with Pheasant-tail nymphs during the summer months and encourage fly anglers to try terrestrial patterns like ants.
Warren County’s trout streams are also popular with kayakers, bait fishing enthusiasts, and spin anglers. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the Warren County-specific regulations outlined in the New York State fishing regulations to ensure compliance with legal bait and tackle for trout fishing.
Summer Fishing Considerations
Fishing in Warren County during the summer can be particularly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges. Since these streams are all-natural flows, water temperature can become an issue, especially in larger waters like the Upper Hudson and the Schroon. Monitor the stream temperature and avoid fishing when it exceeds 60 degrees, as this can be fatal for catch-and-release trout.
When fishing smaller streams in summer, stealth is key. Over the years, I have created countless memories trout fishing in Warren County. From catching my first landlocked salmon on a fly to enjoying the thrill of landing native brookies in headwater streams, the experiences have been unforgettable. I look forward to making more memories in these beautiful waters, and I hope you do too!
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of great trout fishing Warren County NY memories. I caught my first landlocked salmon on a fly there, had plenty of fun on trout ponds, caught nice rainbows and browns in the Schroon, and enjoyed native brookies in headwater streams. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make more memories there, and so will you!
Original Article By Rob Streeter
About the Author
Rob Streeter enjoys fly fishing for many species, especially trout and salmon in the Lake Ontario tributaries. He is the outdoor columnist for the Albany Times Union and freelances for several publications. He is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America. Get in touch with Rob at robstreeter.com.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
