The majestic St. Lawrence River forms the northern boundary of the county, state, and the U.S., and the scenery alone makes any outing a memorable experience. This powerful flow offers first-rate angling for muskies, walleyes, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and panfish along its entire length.

    The largest of the Indian River lakes, Black Lake has a 20 mile length and 60 miles of shoreline. A fisheries biologist once referred to the lake as a "fish factory." Indeed, this water does hold incredible populations of gamefish and panfish. A number of national publications have rated Black Lake among the ten best bass waters in the country. The lake's Crappie Marathons and outstanding ice fishing also contribute to its fine reputation.

    Meandering through St. Lawrence County from Newton Falls to Ogdensburg where it empties into the St. Lawrence River, the Oswegatchie River offers anglers 100 miles of fishable water. Nearly 40 public access sites dot the river. Good fishing exists for shore anglers, waders, and boaters who use canoes, car-top boats, or small trailered boats. Available species include smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish, some largemouth bass, and the occasional muskie.
    The headwaters of the Oswegatchie River above High Falls might be the county's best spot for fishing native brook trout in a remote setting. Accessible by a 13.5 mile canoe trip from Inlet and a portage around High falls, this stretch of river teems with native brookies albeit small ones.

    The Grasse River for the most part, receives light angling pressure. Smallmouth bass, walleyes, and panfish can be found throughout most of the middle and lower stretches of the Grasse. Some sections hold northern pike and even muskies.

    The Grasse River and Plumb brook rate highly for brown trout. Annual stockings of browns include nearly 700 in the South Branch of the Grasse in the Town of Clare, over 2,000 in the Grasse River in the Town of Russell, and over 4,000 in Plumb Brook in the Town of Russell.

    Special regulations allow year round fishing at this popular lake which receives annual DEC stockings of rainbow trout and splake numbering 5,000. In recent years, Lake Ozonia has also been stocked with lake trout, landlocked salmon, and brown trout. The browns are two year old trout measuring 15 inches. The high numbers of trout here overshadow the outstanding yellow perch fishing that exists.

    The St. Regis River ranks among the county's most popular trout streams. Special regulations allow year round fishing on the St. Regis between Fort Jackson and Mill Street in the town of Hopkinton