The Deer River and Flow are both excellent spots for birding, paddling, fishing, and relaxing. Check out the wetlands in the spring and late summer for some outstanding wildflowers.
Paddling
Heading south will bring you into the river where it is very narrow and at times not easy to navigate. Head north to reach the flow. A narrow channel through the grassy river will bring you to the more open water.
Type of launch: Roadside, dirt and gravel
Type of carry: Less than 100 feet, hand carry
Type of water: The flow is well sheltered and calm under most conditions. No large motor boats will be on the water but it is not out of the ordinary to see a small outboard motor.
Birding
Extensive wetlands host blue herons and many kinds of ducks. There are mountain views and a paddling connection to small Horseshoe Pond for a different experience. Look for beaver lodges.
Fishing
This 408-acre reservoir is less than 17 miles from Malone and is stocked with brown trout. Once on the river, head north to reach the flow.
Also the home of rock bass, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch and panfish. There might be, in some areas, wild brook trout.
Small outboards allowed. Water is well-sheltered and calm.
The northwest corner is the outlet for Cove Brook, a small stream that tapers off into wild land.
Ice Fishing
This large waterbody is shallow, so it freezes early, but it is a river with a current so take all precautions. Most of it is within the Debar Mountain Wild Forest. Deeper areas have fine pike.
Species: northern pike, yellow perch, pumpkinseed.
Getting there
From the intersection of Route 30, County Route 14, and County Route 26 south of Malone, follow Route 30 South. Continue to Cold Brook Road on the right and park here at the state access site. This site is 16 miles south of Malone.