Fishing Season: Catch & release areas all year/April 1 - October 15 (Prime: May 5 - October 10)

Saranac River - NY

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Big flys fished deep with light action and very slow. Be careful! Be aware of drifting ice chunks that can knoc a wading angler over if caught off guard. Sink tips when fishing streamers are very handy with cold water temps still the norm . .

Directions open in app

Map of Saranac River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

(Ken Kalil) Kalil's Upstate Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 5/1/25

Showers in to the weekend with clouds Sunday, high of 62 evening low of 42.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/1/25

Big flys fished deep with minimal movement. Cover big pools well.

Local Species Available Catch & release areas all year/April 1 - October 15 (Prime: May 5 - October 10)

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    Trout

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    salmon

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    steelhead

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    bass

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    pike

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    walleye

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    and many other species

Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Cone Head Marabou Muddler White 8
Tunghead Stonefly N/A 6
Zug Bug N/A 14
Conehead Bunny Muddler N/A 6
Daves Hopper Yellow 10
Golden stonefly nymphhh N/A 10
Bead Body Scud N/A 14
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A 14
Teds Stonefly N/A 10
Nutcracker Olive 6

Cone Head Marabou Muddler

This muddler fly works well in big rivers and fast streams.

2.99

Item #083T

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Kalil's Upstate Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Saranac River

With two catch, and release areas, plenty of public access, multiple special regulations sections, the Saranac has no lack of angling opportunities. Spoken of in many classic pieces of angling literature dating back to the early 1900's, the Saranac receives little mention today. Often referred to as the little brother to the Ausable. This could not be further from the truth. The Saranac is a mighty river with many faces to show. Beginning its path in the High Peaks a few miles from the headwaters of the Ausable, the Saranac flows through the village of Saranac Lake. With its several hydroelectric dams along its way, the first one beginning in the village of Saranac Lake setting the stage for many wonderful surprises along its path to the mouth of the river at Lake Champlain. Arguably the Saranac has benefited from these dams where often you will find both warm, and cold water species intermingling together. The variety, abundance of food, and feeding habits of fish in the Saranac will bewilder the most seasoned anglers. Big wide pocket water, gentle riffles of a mid size trout stream, slow flats of warm water predators, solitude is not far on this water for both angler, and fish. This is truly a land of solitude for many giant fish that will never see a fly, and this guides favorite waters for sure.

Nearest Airport:

Lake Clear 20 miles Albany 2 1/2 hrs Burlington 2 1/2 hrs

Hatches:

Blue wing olive Isonychia Tan & grey caddis Yellow stones Hoppers Ants

Best Time to Fish:

Mid day

Best Stretch:

Most trout water from Saranac Lake to the mouth at Lake Champlain is fishing high however fish are very activeat the moment

Best Access:

Rt 3