90th Birthday Get Together 2015: Fishing in the Adirondacks

This blog has numerous very large blind-spots. I want to generate as much enthusiasm as possible for spending time in the Adirondacks with the articles that I write here, in particular among the group of people who will be joining us at White Pine Camp. In doing so, there is a strong bias toward activities and aspects of the Adirondacks that are particularly dear to me and gaping voids outside my typical sphere of activities. Probably one of the most famous activities in the Adirondacks that I have completely neglected until now is fishing.

Lower St. Regis Small Mouth Bass. Photo: adirondacklakes.com

With more than 3,000 lakes and 30,000 miles (48,000 km) of streams and rivers, the Adirondacks is said to be the premiere place to go for fishing in the northeastern United States. Our location at White Pine Camp is right in the heart of the Adirondack Lakes Region. Although not completely banned on Osgood Pond, the use of motorboats is not allowed at White Pine Camp. Still, the pond is seldom disturbed by motorboat use, and the few that we have seen were there for fishing, keeping the surroundings peaceful and comparatively quiet. The nearby St. Regis Canoe Area is guaranteed to be motorboat free:

The St. Regis Canoe Area is the only wilderness canoe area of its kind in the northeast, and the only designated canoe area in New York State. Closed to all forms of motorized boats and vehicles, it is a paddler's paradise, a place where anyone can seek renewal and inspiration in nature.

The canoe area's expansive waterways are situated near the towns of Lake Clear and Saranac Inn, and include the headwaters of the west and middle branch of the St. Regis and Saranac Rivers, as well as 58 ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. Canoe routes are connected by carries, or portages where paddlers must exit the water and convey their kayak or canoe across land to the next body of water. Visitors can enjoy camping under the stars, fishing, paddling, hiking and swimming for free. There are 18 primitive campsites located around the shoreline, offering scenic views of the St. Regis Canoe Area's vast forests and distant Adirondack mountain peaks.

Free Fishing Guide

You can download a guide to fishing in the Adirondacks from the Adirondack Lakes website, here. If you don't want to sign-up to access the download (you need to register with your e-mail address), you can directly download the 2008 version of the guide (pdf, 48 pages, 17.5 MB) here.

Rules and Regulations

If you are over 16 years old, you will need to purchase a fishing license (available for 1 day, 7 days or for one year from date of purchase). The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation details the prices and regulations here. Near to White Pine Camp, you can purchase a license at:
- The Town of Brighton, 12 Co Rte 31, 12970, Phone: (518) 327-3202
- Blue Line Sports, 81 Main St., Saranac Lake 12983, Phone: (518) 891-4680

Fishing Guide Service

For those who want to benefit from expert experience and equipment, Ed Kanze recommends Russell Trieller of Adirondack Fishing, Inc. He caters in particular to White Pine Camp guests, offering to pick up clients directly from the boathouse dock at camp. As impressive as I am told that the fishing on Osgood Pond is, I am guessing that the picture of the Halibut from his website, that I have inserted below, is from another body of water.