Fishing the Mettowee & Indian Rivers: A Guide for Granville, NY
Spring in the Slate Valley doesn't just mean mud season and blooming lilacs — it means tight lines, cold water, and fantastic trout fishing in upstate New York. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or just looking for a peaceful morning on the water, the waterways in and around Granville, NY offer countless spots to cast a line.
Interested in the latest updates? Check out our Mettowee River Fishing Reports.
The Mettowee River
The Mettawee River Park in the village offers convenient shoreline access along with picnic areas, making it a great spot to combine a fishing outing with a family afternoon out.
The Mettowee River is a fast-flowing tributary of Lake Champlain that passes right through the heart of Granville. Its clear bottom shows off the beautiful colored slate beneath, and old mill sites and dams create scenic rapids that are as pretty to look at as they are productive to fish.
Each spring, the New York State DEC stocks the river with Brown and Rainbow Trout, and the fishing can be excellent once water levels settle. Prime access points include between the bridges in the village, Chapman’s Rapids in Middle Granville, and the Dekalb Road access. Find more fishing access spots here.
The Indian River
The Indian River runs through Granville, and anglers will find Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout here as well as abundant access areas. The NY DEC maintains Public Fishing Rights access along sections of the river, with both Brown and Rainbow Trout stocked annually. It's a quieter option than the Mettowee and rewards those willing to explore its banks.
Lake St. Catherine
For those who want to cast from a boat or try their luck on still water, Lake St. Catherine — straddling the NY/Vermont border just a short drive from Granville — is hard to beat. The lake offers great fishing in both summer and winter, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, northern pike, and — in its deeper sections reaching nearly 70 feet — lake trout, rainbows, and brown trout. Rocky shoreline outcroppings, gravel points, drop-offs, and submerged vegetation make for excellent spring habitat, and the state park has a boat launch on site.
What You'll Need
A valid New York State fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older and can be purchased easily online through the NYSDEC website. Check the DEC's Washington County trout stocking schedule each spring for the most current information on timing and locations. Water conditions on the Mettowee can change quickly after rain, so checking river gauge levels before heading out is always a good idea.
After the Catch
Granville's small-town charm makes it a perfect basecamp for a fishing getaway. Local outdoor supply stores and hardware stores offer lures and fishing supplies, convenient eateries are great for picking up sandwiches and drinks to-go, and riverside lodging makes the commute convenient.