The Black River is a 125-mile freestone river flowing from North Lake in the Adirondack foothills through Herkimer, Oneida, Lewis, and Jefferson Counties before reaching Lake Ontario. Originating in the Black River Wild Forest, this diverse waterway features sections of flatwater, whitewater, and riffles as it courses through remote wilderness areas and past communities like Forestport, Boonville, Lyons Falls, Watertown, and Dexter. Major tributaries including the Moose River, Beaver River, Independence River, and Sugar River enhance the ecological variety throughout the watershed. At Lyons Falls, the river drops 70 feet over a gneiss cliff, creating one of its most dramatic features. The lower sections near Watertown flow through a gorge before reaching Lake Ontario, with fish ladders at Dexter and Glen Park allowing migratory species to travel as far as central Watertown.
Learn what type of fish are at Black River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Esox lucius
Sander vitreus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Lota lota
Esox niger
Ictalurus punctatus
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Cyprinus carpio
Semotilus corporalis
Aplodinotus grunniens
Esox americanus
Hypentelium nigricans
Lepomis gibbosus
Carpiodes cyprinus
Ambloplites rupestris
Morone americana
Catostomus commersonii
Ameiurus natalis
Perca flavescens
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on Black River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the weblink below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
"You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older and fishing for: -Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups. -Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands, or by use of a club or hook. -Freshwater baitfish for personal use."
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you to check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) are permanent easements purchased by NYSDEC from willing landowners, giving anglers the right to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33' strip on one or both banks of the stream). This right is for the purpose of fishing only and no other purpose. Fishing privileges may be available on some other private lands with the permission of the landowner. Courtesy toward the landowner and respect for their property will ensure their continued use.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Black River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Black River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Black River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Black River.
Black River · Below Beebee Island (Watertown) · Brookfield Renewable
2,880 cfs now
Forecast updated today at 7:40 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
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