The fish will always be bigger, easier to catch and in greater quantity than those caught today. Within the region s 2,300 lakes and ponds and 20,000 miles of rivers and streams, plenty of monster fish await battle with anglers of every age. Lakes, ponds and streams throughout the Adirondacks offer anglers plenty of challenges. The Adirondacks contain some of the most prolific hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies and notorious blackflies in the country. The fish don t appear bothered by these insects, but during the blackfly season primarily May and June you will have plenty to itch about.
Blackflies hatch in the early spring from the very streams in which the trout await.
When the blackflies disappear, mosquitoes begin to sample your blood. So, be prepared with whatever bug spray or lotion works for you. Fishing Licenses Local lore has it that Adirondack fish are smarter than most and bite only if you have a New York State fishing license. While this may not be legally true, state law requires all anglers 16 and older to have a valid New York State license in their possession while fishing. A fishing license can be purchased statewide in most town and county clerk offices and authorized sporting good stores.