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The upper Hudson River is mostly a freestone river scattered
with various, inlets, springs and pocket water. It is
sometimes hard to believe that this is the same river
that flows south to New York City. In some sections of
river near the towns of North Creek, Minerva and Indain
Lake, one could easily throw a rock from one bank to
the other. The main species in the upper stretches are
brown, brook, and rainbow trout along with the occasional
small mouth bass. The upper Hudson is often accessed
in the Town of Indian Lake. Most kayakers and drift boats
gain access to the Hudson via the Indian River. From
this junction the Town of Indian Lake releases water
from their reservoir which allows the boaters to drift
the river with a higher flow and less exposed rocks and
boulders. Most water releases are around 10 am weekdays
and weekends during the fishing season. The Indian is
known for its big browns, but one must be very careful
in this river when water is being released. It is a good
idea to try fishing it in the AM before the water comes
up, or fish it after the water goes down with terresterial
patterns or flies that imitate bugs that would have washed
in from the high water.
From the Town of Indian Lake the Indian flows towards
Hudson River for a few miles and eventually dumps in.
From this junction one can float another 15 miles to
the town of North Creek. The water in the interim is
covered with long sections of pocket water and intermittent
pools. These pools are very deep and in order to fish
them effectively, you should fish them with some weight
on your fly. The best areas for finding brook trout
are near the springs that wash in along banks.So,if
you are hoping to catch a tri-vecta you can not pass
up these parts of the river. Some of the springs come
into the river around
"Elephant Rock" and near "Virgins falls."
The Hudson eventually flows down to a junction with
North Creek. This is the common take out for both white
water rafters and fishermen. There is minimal river
access from points in between, giving good reason why
so many people drift the river fishing as you follow
the bubble of water released from above. South of North
Creek, the river flows to Lake George and South to
Troy. Trout water is mostly from the Indian River to
North Creek. River access is mostly off Route 28, in
the town of North Creek. When traveling north on 28
there are a number of river access points on the left
side of the road, along the river. Most of the sections
of fishable water in this area are riffles and long
runs. Your best bet is to try fishing large streamers
down and across, or fish a dry fly and nymph at the
same time. Common dry flies are Elk Hair Caddis in
a size 12-16, Royal and Ausable Wulffs both in size
12, and droppers are commonly Hares ear nymphs, Pheasant
tail nymphs and Green Weenies. You may run into a stonefly
hatch so be prepared with some small Yellow Sally stoneflies
in size 16 and some big stimulators in sizes 12-14.
The water is fairly cold and extremely hard to wade.
Dry fly fishing is ok if there is a really good hatch,
otherwise stick to streamers and nymphs. They should
produce some nice fish throughout the river. There
is probably no other place in the state where you have
a better chance of catching a rainbow, brown and brook
trout, all within 100 yds of river. From the west the
easiest way to access the river would be to head east
on 28 from Blue Mountain Lake. Or travel the New York
State Thruway to Amsterdam and North up 30 until you
reach the junction of 28 in Indian Lake. You can also
follow Rte. 8 North from Utica to Weavertown. Bring
along your camers. There is beautiful scenery and some
really good fishing in the Spring and Fall. Make certain
your fly box has a few size 14 Tan Caddis, a few Prince
nymphs, various Woolly buggers and some Yellow Muddler
Minnows. Anything with a hot orange head or body also
works well, so those of you who tye, be creative. |
