Explore Off the Hook Fishing Spots in the Clifton Park Area
Local fishermen might not give up their favorite spots to cast a line - but we will! Clifton Park and southern Saratoga County are filled with great places for fishing along major rivers, on lakes, and at other bodies of water. Both seasoned anglers and beginners are sure to have an amazing experience at these off the hook fishing spots.
For Bank & Shore Fishermen
Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve
This nature preserve is only a few feet from the intersection of Pierce and Kinns Roads in Clifton Park between Northway Exits 9 & 10. With three bodies of water that meet in the preserve - Dwaas Kill, Cooley Kill, and Long Kill - there is a good chance you'll be able to catch brook trout during your trip. A designated fishing trail in the preserve follows the Dwaas Kill, and there are multiple parking areas and trailheads along Pierce Road.
Barney Road Pond
If you enjoy fishing on small, quiet bodies of water, then Barney Road Pond is the spot for you. Located in Clifton Park, this fishing pond is a popular place to catch black bass, pumpkinseed, bluegill, and black crappie. The carp in the pond are illegal to possess, and you must release them upon capture. Parking is available on the side of Valencia Lane along the bottom edge of the pond.
Crescent Park
Take a trip to Terminal Road in Halfmoon and try shore fishing in the Mohawk River at Crescent Park. This park is open from dawk to dusk, and there is a large public parking area. You can follow the path along the riverbank to find a nice spot to cast your line in the river. A handicap accessible fishing spot is available under the Crescent Bridge.
Vischer Ferry Lock 7 Dam
A short walk from the Lock 7 Dam Overlook on Sugar Hill Road in Rexford is the perfect rocky shoreline for fishing along the Mohawk River. You'll know it's a good fishing day if you see birds circling above and diving toward the water. Public parking is available at a gravel lot on Sugar Hill Road.
Fish From Your Boat
Mohawk Landing Nature Preserve
For those that enjoy fishing from their kayak or canoe, this is the perfect launch into the Mohawk River. Grab your pole and get ready to reel in bass, walleye, and more from the mighty river. Be sure to take a walk on the trails before hitting the water. Parking is available on Riverview Road near the trailhead.
Round Lake
Head north on Route 9 from Clifton Park and you'll come across Round Lake. With a mean depth of 7 feet, this lake makes for an excellent warm water fishery. Catch tiger musky (muskellunge), northern pike, black crappie and more throughout the lake. The boat launch here is state owned and run by the DEC.
Ballston Lake
Just west of Round Lake, this long and narrow lake has a public pier and boat launch (small car top boats) on its north end. Ballston Lake is home to largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegills, and more. For larger boats, Finnigan's On The Lake has a seasonal boat launch that's open for a small fee.
Saratoga Lake
Boaters, paddlers, and fishermen visit Saratoga Lake every year for fun in the great outdoors. The lake is a top spot in the region to catch smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and other species. You can launch a kayak or canoe for free at Waterfront Park, or pay a small fee to launch a larger boat at the state boat launch off Route 9P. This launch has room for 40 cars and trailers.