Black River (New York)

Water type: River
Continent: North America
Climate: Continental

The Black River is a 125-mile-long (201 km) blackwater river that empties into the eastern end of Lake Ontario on the shore of Jefferson County, New York in the United States.

The origin of the name is not clear, but it may stem from the natural tannic acid that darkens the water in places. The river flows in a generally northwest direction, with its valley dividing the Adirondack Mountains on the east from the Tug Hill region to the west.

Hailed as an outdoor paradise, the Black River offers a wide selection of recreational activities. While rafting and kayaking are some of the most popular sporting activities to do here, angling is also prevalent in multiple parts of the river, thanks to its excellent fish population and abundant access ramps. The variety of fish you can encounter in the stream consists of chinook salmon, bass, northern pike, and rainbow trout, among many others.

Since the Black River is connected to the lowlands, it offers plenty of great locations for bank fishing. Anglers can simply trudge the shallow waters or settle on a spot along the edge, and then cast their line from there. Additionally, fishing from a small boat is a convenient way to catch fish in the Black River, since it provides easier navigation if you want to explore the river. When doing so, look for a spot with rocks or over hangings because species like carp and bass are likely to stay in places with a structure to hide from predators.