A new dimension has been added to fishing in the Adirondacks. A few years ago, a five mile section of catch and release water was established on the West Branch of the AuSable. Larger trout were stocked in this section in order to afford quality sport fishing for those not wishing to keep any fish. A like section was also established on the North Branch of the Saranac River. To date, both of these sections of stream have proven quite productive and popular among those visiting the area. Perhaps the greatest benefit of the catch and release section on the AuSable is the fact that it takes pressure off many of the best sections of the river.

Although the catch and release area on the West Branch is somewhat overfished, it is a great place to break into the sport of fly fishing. Because most of the water in this area is relatively easy access and wading is easy also, it makes it a great place to start children off on their journey into this wonderful world of fly fishing. The fish are a lot easier to catch, thus allowing more action for the less experienced fly fisherman. A selection of basic patterns such as the AuSable Wulff, Coachman, muddler, stone fly nymph and emergers will almost always insure a few trout.

The catch and release section of the West Branch starts one mile south of the Rt. 86 bridge a few miles north of the village of lake Placid. It extends downstream for five miles to the Wilmington Notch area just upstream of the village of Wilmington. There are stretches of varying water conditions that include slow gravel bottom areas with grassy banks as well as faster pocket water for those who like to improve their technique in the faster water.

The river downstream of the catch and release area is the best fly fishing water (especially downstream of the village of Wilmington) since it is more suited for the experienced fisherman and the more adventurous anglers.

The catch and release section on the north branch of the Saranac River is a short stretch of water upstream of the village of Clayburg near the town of Riverview. Here, the river is a much smaller stream and contains good populations of brook trout. This section doesn't receive the pressure from fishermen that the AuSable does but neither does it contain the populations of large trout found on the AuSable.

Remember that the catch and release sections are not for fly fishermen only. Bait is prohibited but spinner fishermen can fish these areas also. One extremely productive method is the use of spinner flies. This is a small spinner with a fly attached behind the spinner. A new series of Adirondack Spinner Flies has been marketed that has proven effective for many large trout. Because the spinner fly has only one hook rather than the treble found on most lures, it enables the fisherman to release the fish without harm. When releasing fish, use caution not to handle the fish excessively! Keep it in the water when possible and carefully remove the hook by taking a firm grip on the body of the hook and twisting it back and out of the fish's mouth. If the fish is hooked deeply, it is better to cut off the leader close to the fly. The fish will get the hook out on its own within a couple of days.

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