Fishing

Fishing is a year-round sport in the North Country. The St. Lawrence River offers some of the best bass fishing in the country. Muskellunges ("muskies" for short) are a member of the pike family and are a common catch between Ogdensburg and Cape Vincent. Ice-fishing tournaments give Thousand Islanders a little sport on weekends in January and February.

Many lakes, ponds, and streams in the Adirondacks are stocked with trout and salmon. For walleye, the Raquette River and Lake Champlain are the best bets. The Ausable River, near Lake Placid, is known for its fly-fishing. Hiring a guide is highly recommended, especially if you're interested in a backcountry fishing trip.

Resources

Adirondack Regional Tourism Council. The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council lists fishing guides and charters on its Web site; the council also offers a free fishing guide. New York, 12901. 518/846--8016; www.adk.com.

1000 Islands International Tourism Council. The 1000 Islands International Tourism Council offers a free fishing-and-hunting booklet that lists fishing guides and charters and state boat-launch sites and describes the types of fish found in the Thousand Islands. New York. 315/482--2520; www.visit1000islands.com.

Fishing licenses and regulations may be obtained at town clerk offices, fishing-gear retailers, or by phone from the state.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. For fish and wildlife information, sporting conditions, licenses, and a list of marinas, contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 866/933–2257; 518/897–1200; www.dec.state.ny.us.