May 14, 2015

St. Lawrence River: Perch action was solid at Kring’s Point and Eel Bay, and bullhead fishing continued to be good throughout the river, especially in the tributaries.  Black Lake: Walleye season is open, but we haven’t heard much from those anglers. Bullhead and crappie have been offering the best action of late.

Beaverkill and Willowemoc: Both rivers were clear and easily wadeable. Hendricksons and Caddis were about. Caddis have been most consistent; nymphs like Green Caddis nymphs are a good choice. Spinners are generally late in the day.  Delaware East Branch: Low and clear at last check. A long leader is a plus with the current conditions.

While the region’s stocked trout waters have attracted some angling attention, the striped bass run is the featured attraction now, with anglers plying waters from Troy down river toward Newburgh and picking up some fish. Keep the new regulations in mind when heading out: one fish between 18-28 inches OR one fish larger than 40

The region’s trout streams, including the Battenkill and Mettawee, were in great shape and offering some fine fishing. Saratoga Lake: Crappie have been biting all over, off Fitch Road and on the south end, so have great time fishing for them. Bass and pickerel have been very active as well. Most hard baits are working,

The flounder fishing in the South Shore bays improved in response to the recent rise in water temperature.  Bob Rose at Bob’s Bait and Tackle reported good flounder fishing in Dickerson’s and West Channel in the Great South Bay, with the best bait being bloodworms fished with heavy clam and mussel chum. There were also