September 19, 2013

St. Lawrence River: Not hearing a lot, but pike action has been consistent and the muskie hunters will be on the prowl soon as fall weather patterns settle in. Black Lake: Richard at Chapman’s Sports (315-324-5265) reports smallmouth bass action has been as good as it’s been all season, with anglers targeting panfish (bluegill and

Beaverkill/Willowemoc: Low and clear as of last weekend. Some midges, small Olives and some Isonychias are about generally late in the day. Off-color water can be a problem on areas of the Beaverkill due to the roadwork on Old 17, but not on weekends when they are not working. Delaware West Branch: Floatable and wadeable.

The folks at Bob’s Sport and Tackle in Katonah report Kensico Reservoir are continuing to yield browns and lakers, with several recent catches topping 10 pounds. On Muscoot Reservoir, it’s primarily a bass game right now as the white perch bite has slowed. A few walleye have been taken on waters like Diverting and Sodom reservoirs, and

Lake George smallmouth action has been fantastic of late, with several 4 pounders and even some 5-pound fish landed. You’ll have go to fairly deep: drop-shotting in 30-45 feet of water seems to be the way to go. Lake trout have been cooperating as well, in 65-100 feet for anglers using cowbell rigs or flatfish.

The water has remained warm, and the fishing is more typical of mid-August, where most fish are looking for cleaner and cooler water. Once the water begins to cools, the baitfish will begin to move and the fishing will improve overall. Dredging has started in Fire Island and Debs Inlet. The dredging has caused a

Lake Champlain bass fishing should be heating up as fall weather begins to settle in. Top-water action should be superb in the evening. Landlocked salmon action has been outstanding all season on Champlain, with double-digit totals fairly routine for some anglers targeting the salmon. Pike action has been good in the Saranac chain. On the

Lake Ontario: Salmon were being caught 75-90 feet down over 90-100 feet of water and are starting to stage around river mouths like the Oswego and Salmon rivers. Good baits continued to be spoons, flashers and cut-bait, and flashers and flies. White colored lures have been productive. Oneida Lake: Some walleye were still being taken