August 8, 2013

St. Lawrence River Not hearing a lot on the fishing front, but this is the time of year when bass and pike are the main focus. Black Lake Top-water smallmouth bass action is your best bet; remember, there’s a 15-inch size minimum if you plan on keeping any bass.

The cooler air temps have improved fishing on the region’s trout streams. The tailwaters have fished well and the hatches have been dependable, with Sulphurs the star of the show. However, Isonychias, Light Cahills and Blue-Winged Olives are also present.  Reservoir levels were good flow levels should be no problem on the tailwaters. Tricos have

Laker action may be slowing down on Kensico Reservoir, but a few fish are still being caught, along with smallmouths. New Croton Reservoir was yielding some bass as well. Not hearing much else of late. Bobs Sport and Tackle

Lake George Fishing has been good for smallmouths. Haven’t heard much on the lake trout and landlocked salmon front. A lot of recreational boat traffic to deal with if you’re not out early or late. Saratoga Lake Largemouth bass action has been good, with fish in their summer patterns.

Small snappers were caught at all the local docks, inshore beaches and canals on both the South and North shores. Snapper poppers, small tins and spearing fished under a bobber all caught snappers approximately 4 to 5 inches long, making them not only fun to catch but good size for fluke bait. These snappers are

Overnight air temperatures have been cool, which has helped water temps on the area’s trout streams, notably the West Branch of the Ausable. Keep an eye on water temps, however; early to mid-morning is likely best for fishing. Tricos are appearing now, offering good dry fly fishing. On Lake Champlain, we’re not hearing much from

Cayuga Lake: Weeds and water fleas continue to make trolling more difficult on the lake. Vertical jigging is an option instead of trolling if fleas become to aggravating. Bass and panfish were being caught on the north end. Seneca Lake: Water fleas and weed mats were still making trolling difficult. Trolling down 35-55 feet with

Lake Ontario: The chinook salmon bite continued to improve. Fish were being found 100-120 feet down over 200-300 feet of water. Good baits have been spoons, flashers and cut bait, flashers and whole alewives, and flashers and flies. Green and white are continuing to be productive colors. Water fleas are becoming a nuisance, so check