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.
See more of
NY’s best fishing spots.
At a glance
- Region: Adirondacks / Franklin County
- Water type: Wilderness canoe area with lakes and ponds
- Best access styles: Trailheads, carries, canoe hand launches, and paddling access
- Best-known fisheries: Brook trout, lake trout, splake
- Other common targets: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike
- Regulations: Fishing is prohibited in some broodstock waters such as Little Green Pond and Little Clear Pond
- Last reviewed: February 2026
Key species in the St. Regis Canoe Area
These FishNY guides are good starting points for the St. Regis Canoe Area:
Best techniques for the St. Regis Canoe Area
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 rods and
reels 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
braid 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
techniques 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.
When
fly 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.
Fall (August to November)
During the fall months, the St. Regis Canoe Area offers fishing diversity with brown trout, brook trout,
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
spinning with mepps
lures or
float fishing with small bungs.
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.
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
- Brook trout fishing: The canoe area is best known for Adirondack brook trout waters.
- Lake trout and splake: Some waters in the area support lake trout and splake.
- Bass and pike around the chain lakes: The bordering chain lakes add bass and northern pike opportunities.
- Hand-launch and carry access: Fishing access is tied to trailheads, hand launches, and carries rather than big public ramps.
Remove the hunting, camping-permit, and broad wildlife-viewing paragraphs from the body copy.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
Access in the St. Regis Canoe Area should be described through trailheads, carries, and canoe hand launches. Keep the access copy fishing-focused and remove the hunting and general-recreation language.
