Saranac River - Plattsburgh - New York
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Trip planning summary
Saranac River – Plattsburgh fly fishing at a glance
Use this page to check rules, flow, access, hatch notes, flies, and tactics before planning a trip.
Rules first
Check the current rule before fishing. Seasons, limits, methods, and closures can change.
Flow check
Open the gauge or source context before wading, floating, or driving to the river.
Access plan
Use legal public access and confirm posted, park, tribal, or private boundaries.
Report status
Source review queued. Fly notes are planning guidance; current rules control.
Saranac River – Plattsburgh - Water Flow Chart
Saranac River – Plattsburgh - Weather report & radar
Saranac River – Plattsburgh - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Griffith’s Gnat, F-Fly |
| BWO | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Griffith’s Gnat, F-Fly |
| BWO | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph | |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| BWO | Afternoon | #16-#18 | PMD Nymph, Sparkle Dun | |
| April | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| May | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| June | Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis |
| Yellow Stones | Afternoon | #12-#14 | Stimulator, Prince Nymph | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | #20-#22 | Trico Spinner, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| August | Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| Tricos | Morning | #20-#22 | Trico Spinner, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| September | BWO | Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| October | BWO | Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph |
| Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Griffith’s Gnat, F-Fly |
| BWO | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Griffith’s Gnat, F-Fly |
| BWO | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph |
Saranac River – Plattsburgh Access Points
The Saranac River in Plattsburgh offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities. Here are some of the top spots to access this pristine waterway:
- Moffitt Beach: With easy access to the riverbanks, it’s ideal for both wading and fly fishing from the shore.
- Sickman Fishing Access: Just west of Plattsburgh, this site provides plentiful parking and boat launches, ideal for accessing the deeper parts of the river.
- Saranac Street Bridge: Just a stone’s throw from downtown Plattsburgh, this bridge is perfect for fishermen who prefer urban conveniences nearby.
- McKenzie Pond Road: As the river winds through primarily forested land, you’ll have the privilege to experience nature at its finest.
- Sugar Island: Accessible year-round, the island offers abundant fish variety and scenic beauty- making it a popular choice among anglers.
Saranac River – Plattsburgh Fishing Spots
The Saranac River in Plattsburgh offers several terrific spots for fly-fishing.
- Imperial Dam: Located just downstream of the city, the Imperial Dam area provides an abundance of brown trout. It’s a popular spot due to the fish’s behavior of congregating around the stream inputs.
- Plattsburgh City Beach: The section of the Saranac River that runs by the city beach is fit to burst with smallmouth and largemouth bass, creating an exciting fishing experience.
- Macomb Reservation State Park: Approximately 10 miles upstream of Plattsburgh, this spot offers tranquil fishing for all. The diverse array of fish species includes pike, perch, and bass.
- Saranac Street Bridge: Near downtown Plattsburgh, this location is especially known for its winter fly-fishing, with ample, sizeable rainbow trout to be found.
Saranac River – Plattsburgh Local Fish Species
- Northern Pike: Known for their aggressive behavior and immense fighting spirit, Northern Pike are highly sought after by fly fishing enthusiasts.
- Smallmouth Bass: The Saranac River offers an excellent population of Smallmouth Bass, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike for fly fishing.
- Largemouth Bass: Recognized for their impressive size and challenging catch, the species is specifically prevalent in the slower parts of the Saranac River.
- Brook Trout: This local favorite offers an exciting and challenging sport for fly fishers, who enjoy the fight these species bring once hooked.
- Brown Trout: Introduced to the Saranac River from Europe, Brown Trout are a popular quarry for fly fishers due to their resistant nature and the fact that they grow to considerable sizes.
- Rainbow Trout: Despite not being native, this species is prevalent in the river’s waters and offers a significant challenge to even the most experienced fly fishers.
- Walleye: Known for their eye-reflective layer which gleams in the dark, Walleye are a staple of the Saranac River and are loved by local fishers for their taste.
- Muskellunge (Musky): Known as the “fish of ten thousand casts,” Musky are highly prized by catch and release anglers for their size and strength, creating an exciting battle for any fly fisher.
About the Saranac River – Plattsburgh
The Saranac River, a focal point of the historical city of Plattsburgh, is embedded with fascinating tales. Originating from the Adirondack Mountains, it marvelously meanders, covering a distance of around 81 miles before flowing into Lake Champlain. It has held an important role throughout American history.
- The river was a crucial transportation route for native tribes, like the Mohawk and Iroquois.
- The significance amplified during the American Revolutionary War and War of 1812, providing a key strategic advantage for military transport.
- In the 19th-century, it spurred economic progress and boom, acting as a conduit for lumber and powered mills and factories.
Sources checked
Source review queued
This river report has not yet received a full official-source review. Fishing rules, access, flows, and closures can change quickly; confirm current details with official state and local sources before planning a trip.
Community Contributions
Be part of the fishing community!
No updates submitted for this river.
