Experience Region's Best Fishing

Are you looking for that fishing destination where all you have to do is strap the canoe to the roof and head out?  Then the rivers and lakes of St. Lawrence County are for you.

Black Lake
The largest of the Indian River lakes, Black Lake encompasses an area of almost 11,000 acres, and stretches over 60 miles of shoreline for anglers to explore.  Known for its bass and crappie fishing, Black Lake also has good northern pike and walleye populations.  Muskies can also be found in this body of water.  A state boat launch is located about two miles west of the hamlet of Edwardsville.

Grasse River
All of the 115 miles of the river flows entirely in St. Lawrence County before emptying into the mighty St. Lawrence River in Massena.  Approximately 85 of the 115 miles of the river are canoeable, according to DEC.  Anglers can catch small-mouth bass, walleye and muskies from Canton to Massena.  DEC also stocks trout on the section above Canton.  There is also a state boat launch about three miles from Canton on State Highway 68 across from the Upper and Lower Lakes Management Area.  Anglers can also gain access at bridges in Morley and Madrid.  There is also a beach launch in the Town of Rossie off the Butler Road.

Oswegatchie River
Anglers can catch small-mouth bass, walleye and trout on this long river that works its way through the county before emptying into the St. Lawrence River.  There is a variety of launches for anglers to get to different parts of this river.  There is a hand launch about three miles east of the Hamlet of Star Lake.  No motors are permitted on this stretch of water.  There is another hand launch in the Village of Edwards on County Route 24, canoe access on County Route 15 in Rensselaer Falls, and a hard surface ramp off State Highway 812 in the Village of Heuvelton.

Raquette River
Anglers can put canoes in at the many bridges on the Raquette River and fish for walleye, small mouth bass and northern pike.  Canoe access to the river above the dam in Potsdam is available in the village near Clarkson Inn.  A boat launch can be found at Norwood Pond, which is a popular spot for anglers.  A concrete ramp is also found at Higley Flow State Park off of State Highway 56 in South Colton.

Horseshoe Lake
This decent sized lake is stocked with about 800 tiger muskies a year and also has some decent walleye fishing.  Horseshoe Lake has a maximum depth of 16 feet and the shoreline is predominately made up of sand and cobble with weed beds.  The lake is located in the south-eastern portion of the county and a launch is located off Route 421. 

Trout Lake
Many anglers take advantage of the 5-10,000 trout that are stocked every year.  Walleyes and landlocked salmon have also been stocked in the lake that compliment the fine small mouth bass fishing.  The north end of the lake holds more structure for anglers.  In the Town of Hermon, there is public access for anglers on the Trout Lake Road off of State Highway 58.

Lake Ozonia
Trout and small mouth bass are the favorite species for anglers in this small lake that has a 10 horsepower motor restriction.  The car-top launch is located of the Lake Ozonia Road.  The lake is located about eight miles south of State Highway 72 in the Town of Hopkinton. 

Cranberry Lake
One of the larger lakes in the county, Cranberry Lake offers anglers opportunities to catch brown and brook trout as well as small mouth bass and northern pike.  There is a hard surface ramp in the Village of Cranberry Lake off Route 3 and the streams and ponds found off this lake is perfect for the cartopping angler.

 Last but not least the majestic St. Lawrence River