Located in the Adirondack Mountains, the Saranac River flows fromSaranac Lake to Lake Champlain. The river has excellent fishing and paddling opportunities in the river and the lake systems. The region is stunning and paddlers can enjoy several great runs throughout the summer and fall months.
Flows And Weather
Rapids and Float Notes
Paddling the river is popular in both canoes and kayaks. The entire length is roughly 80-miles with a good chunk running through beautiful wilderness in upstate New York. Here are a few good trips that run around one day. You can also put together a serious wilderness trip multi-day run if desired.
Saranac Lake to Moose Pond Trailhead – This is a great tranquil section that is ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.The trailhead takeout is just outside of Bloomingdale. You can also start at the St. Regis Canoe Outfitters location and paddle to the same takeout.
Permanent Rapids – Below the Moose Creek trailhead lies the Class III Permanent Rapids section This is a better choice for experienced paddlers and whitewater rafts. The rapids run class II-III for over a mile, making it a fast and splashy section. You can takeout at Clayburg after running this section. Spring high water season is best for the whitewater experience.
Trail Rapids – This Class II stretch is only done in high water. It begins below Union Falls Dam and you need to prepare for a portage during this run.
Silver Lake Bridge – After the trail rapids, you can takeout at the bridge on Silver Lake Road. Or you can keep going and run some big water. The water between the bridge and Clayburg runs up to Class IV with a technical waterfall that splits into two distinct drops.
Shuttle Services
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters – 518-891-1838 Give them a call if you’re looking for a shuttle. They also rent boats and equipment.
Saranac River Fishing
The fishing can be flat out phenomenal here with wild brown, rainbow and brook trout. It also receives stocked fish during the summer months to keep anglers busy. Landlocked salmon and steelhead migrate from the lake into the river as well, offering the opportunity to catch a truly large specimen in a moderate sized piece of water.
The wild fish live in the upper river and middle sections receive most of the stocked fish. The migratory salmon and steelhead are found in the lower reaches around Plattsburgh.
