Cast into spring

As snowmelt feeds rushing streams and the Adirondacks shake off winter, fishing season comes alive with the unmistakable pull of moving water. The Whiteface Region is one of the finest fishing destinations in the Northeast, a place where rivers tumble cold and clear through hemlock-shaded gorges, where quiet ponds mirror the sky, and where spring casting offers a rare mix of anticipation and stillness.

The region is best known for its world-class wild brook and brown trout fly fishing on the East and West Branches of the Ausable River, but don’t overlook the lakes and ponds scattered throughout the area. Many support a wide variety of fishing methods and species beyond trout, making this corner of the Adirondacks a destination for anglers of every style and skill level. Fly fishers, shoreline casters, and even first-time anglers will find plenty to enjoy as the season gets underway.

Love the water you're standing in

The Ausable and the wild places surrounding it are extraordinary because generations of anglers, guides, and conservationists have fought to keep them that way. Every time you wade in, you're inheriting that responsibility. For a deeper dive into responsible Adirondack recreation, visit Love Your ADK, a fantastic resource dedicated to keeping the Adirondacks wild and welcoming for everyone.

Popular fishing spots in the region

Pull out a regional fishing map and you'll immediately understand what makes this place special. Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams dot the landscape in every direction, a vast wilderness of blue lines and open water just waiting to be explored. The variety is almost overwhelming in the best possible way, and half the fun is picking your spot for the day.

The East and West Branches of the Ausable River are the crown jewels, legendary among fly fishers for their wild brook and brown trout populations, with the West Branch in particular drawing anglers from across the country to wade its riffles and pocket water below Whiteface Mountain. But the region's lakes and ponds offer equally rewarding fishing at a different pace. Taylor Pond is noted for large lake trout, while Franklin Falls Flow, a section of the Saranac River, is home to prize walleye and sits only about 15 minutes from Wilmington. Nearby waterways also hold landlocked salmon, splake, bass, pike, perch, and sunfish, so if trout aren't your quarry, you won't have to look far to find something worth casting at.

Always check the NYS DEC Fishing Regulations before heading out. Season dates, special regulations, and catch limits vary by waterbody and can change year to year.

Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge

One of the most beloved angling events in the Adirondacks, the Two-Fly Challenge (May 14–16) gathers fly fishers of all levels for a long weekend on the Ausable River. The rules are elegantly simple: two anglers, two flies each, two days, and some of the finest wild trout water in the East. Fish until you lose your flies, and the greatest total length wins! It's as much a celebration of the river and its community as it is a competition.

Ready to cast? Learn more about the Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge and register today.

Hire a guide, catch more fish

Even experienced anglers benefit from a local guide. The Ausable is a technical, nuanced river, and reading the water, knowing which hatches are running, and understanding the seasonal rhythms of the fish is a craft that takes years to develop. Local guides and shops, such as Hungry Trout Fly Shop and Fly Fish the Adirondacks, are deeply embedded in this river and this community.

Booking a guided trip is especially worthwhile for first-timers, those visiting during major hatches, or anyone who wants to make the most of a limited window on the water. 

Sleep close to the water

• Hungry Trout Resort: A premier fishing destination located directly on the West Branch. It features an on-site fly shop, professional guides, and rooms just steps from the river.
• KOA Campground: Sits right on the West Branch in Wilmington, offering direct river access for both RV and tent campers.
• Wilderness Inn: Conveniently located near West Branch access points. A comfortable, no-fuss home base that puts you close to the action without the resort price tag.
• ADK Trail Inn: Situated in Upper Jay, it's a solid choice for anglers who want to spend their mornings on the East Branch and their evenings relaxing somewhere welcoming.
• Ice Jam Inn: Also in Upper Jay, the Ice Jam Inn offers rooms and a private guest house with 250 feet of riverfront on the East Branch. A laid-back spot with an Adirondack feel.
• Adirondack Mountain Retreats: Private vacation rentals throughout the region, perfect for groups and multi-night stays. Browse a range of cabins and cottages and find the one that fits your crew.

Refuel between casts

From riverside dining to quick grab-and-go provisions that you can eat standing on a bank, the Whiteface Region has you covered. Here are our go-to spots:

Sit down

• Hungry Trout Restaurant: Classic Adirondack dining with views to match. A great spot for a post-fishing dinner on the West Branch.
• HT Tavern: Casual atmosphere and pub fare, the perfect place to swap stories after a long day on the water.
• Up a Creek Restaurant: Laid-back dining with an Adirondack sensibility. A solid choice any time of season.
• Riverview Café at High Falls Gorge: Scenic dining alongside a stunning gorge. Note that they are closed March 30 through May 1, so plan accordingly.

Grab & go

• Devin's Garage Deli: Quick, quality sandwiches and provisions. Fuel up without losing time between casts.
• Little Supermarket: A local staple for stocking the cooler and grabbing a quick bite before heading to the river.

See you on the water

The Whiteface Region is waiting. Tie on a fly, pack the cooler, and come find out why anglers have been returning here for generations. Spring in the Adirondacks is fleeting, and the cold water season waits for no one. Start planning your trip today!