Enjoy NY State Free Fishing Days: June 28-29, 2025
Consider trying fishing for the first time, or revisit a cherished hobby.
Fly fishing in the Adirondacks. Photo courtesy AdirondackHub.com (ROOST)
Get ready for the second of four exciting Free Fishing Events in New York State, taking place on the beautiful shores and waters of the Adirondacks on June 28 and 29, 2025.
This is a fantastic opportunity for both residents and non-residents aged 16 and older to cast their lines without the need for a freshwater fishing license (children under 16 can always fish for free).
Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to relive your passion, someone eager to try fishing for the very first time, or simply wanting to share the joys of the outdoors with friends and family, these free fishing days offer the perfect excuse to embrace the serenity of nature.
Fishing on the Ausable River.
While a fishing license isn't required, it's important to remember that all other fishing regulations still apply. So grab your gear, pack a picnic, and enjoy the thrill of fishing in the stunning waters of New York State and the Adirondacks.
Fishing the Adirondacks in late June: A paradise for anglers.
For those who live and breathe fishing, there’s no place quite like the Adirondacks in late June. As the summer solstice ushers in long days and warm temperatures, the region’s 3,000 lakes and ponds, along with its countless rivers and streams, come alive with angling opportunities.
Whether you’re casting from the shore of a pristine lake, drifting along a winding river, or wading into a babbling brook, the Adirondacks in late June is a fisherman’s dream.
Why fish in the Adirondacks in late June?
Late June is the sweet spot for fishing in the Adirondacks. By this time, the region has fully emerged from spring’s unpredictable weather, and the water temperatures have stabilized, creating ideal conditions for a variety of fish species. The hatches are in full swing, making it a fly-fishing paradise, while predatory fish like bass and pike are actively feeding in preparation for the warmer months ahead.
The Adirondacks also offer a uniquely remote and scenic fishing experience. Unlike the overcrowded fishing holes of more populated areas, here you’ll find solitude, pristine wilderness, and a true connection with nature. From the towering High Peaks to the quiet stillness of an untouched backcountry pond, every cast comes with a view worth remembering.
What can you catch?
Photo courtesy TupperLake.com (ROOST)
One of the biggest draws of the Adirondacks is the diversity of fish species available. Whether you prefer fly fishing, trolling, or casting, you’ll find plenty of targets in these waters. Some of the most sought-after fish include:
Brook Trout – The crown jewel of Adirondack fishing, brook trout thrive in the region’s cold, clear waters. Late June is a great time to catch them in streams and ponds before the heat of mid-summer sends them deeper.
Lake Trout – Found in the deeper, colder lakes, lake trout remain active through June. They can be caught trolling with spoons or deep-diving crankbaits.
Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass – By late June, both species are aggressively feeding, making for exciting topwater action in lakes, rivers, and ponds.
Northern Pike – These apex predators lurk in weedy shallows and are best targeted using large spinners, jerkbaits, or even fly-fishing techniques.
Landlocked Salmon – Found in select lakes like Lake George and the Saranac Chain of Lakes, these silver torpedoes put up a thrilling fight.
Walleye – Night anglers will find walleye lurking in lakes like Tupper Lake and the Black River, where trolling and jigging produce great results.
Where to fish: The best Spots in late June.
With thousands of miles of water to explore, narrowing down the best fishing spots can be challenging. However, when we asked experienced anglers, they told us these waters consistently produce excellent fishing in late June:
Lake Champlain
Adirondack fishing.
Straddling the border between New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain offers world-class bass, walleye, and northern pike fishing. The lake’s diverse structure—rocky drop-offs, weedy shallows, and deep basins—provides endless opportunities.
Saranac Chain of Lakes
The interconnected lakes of the Saranac Chain, including Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac, are renowned for their healthy populations of bass, northern pike, and lake trout. The abundance of islands, coves, and inlets makes for a dynamic fishing experience.
West Branch of the Ausable River
A fly fisherperson’s paradise, the West Branch of the Ausable is famous for its wild brook and brown trout. Late June sees strong hatches of caddisflies and mayflies, making dry fly fishing particularly rewarding.
Tupper Lake
This deep, expansive lake offers some of the best walleye fishing in the region. Jigging or trolling at dawn and dusk produces the best results, and there’s also excellent smallmouth bass action along the rocky shores.
Moose River Plains
For those looking for a true wilderness fishing experience, the remote ponds and streams of the Moose River Plains offer solitude and fantastic brook trout fishing. Canoeing or hiking into these waters is an adventure in itself.
Blue Mountain Lake
This picturesque lake is home to lake trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. It’s a great spot for anglers who want a mix of fishing and stunning scenery.
Tips for a successful Adirondack fishing trip in late June.
Our angling experts offer advice to make the most of your fishing adventures in the Adirondacks.
Use the right gear – Light tackle works well for brook trout and panfish, while heavier gear is needed for pike and lake trout. Fly fishermen should bring a mix of dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.
Fish early and late – The best action often comes when fish are most active at dawn and dusk.
Match the jatch – Pay attention to insect activity and use flies that mimic what’s naturally in the water.
Be prepared for changing weather – This is excellent advice no matter what you do in the Adirondacks. The weather can shift quickly, so pack layers and rain gear.
Respect the wilderness – Follow Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of conservation regulations to keep these fisheries healthy for future generations.
The Adirondacks: A fishing destination like no other.
Fishing in the Adirondacks in late June is more than just a pastime—it’s an experience that connects anglers to nature in a way few other places can. Whether you’re after trophy-sized bass, the elusive brook trout, or a fierce northern pike, the region’s diverse waters offer something for everyone. With breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and some of the best fishing in the Northeast, there’s no better time to cast a line in the Adirondacks than late June.
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Adirondack Fishing | Get Reel | Performance Long-Sleeved Sport Shirt
Up before dawn, dropping your line into a pristine lake or stream. The mist rises, silence is palpable, and you move purposefully. Every detail matters. We designed this long-sleeve for Adirondack Anglers to provide comfort all day long in any season.
