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Black Lake June 2008

Just got back from my trip to Black Lake. It was an interesting one.

Sunday and Monday, the wind was screaming out of the Northeast, which made drifting from Lonesome to Elwood a very productive scenario. The walleye were on the ready, and we netted several in the 25 to 30 inch range. Generally, my compatriots were using Mister Twisters tipped with crawlers. (BTW, the crawlers we had were more like snakes. I think one of them measured 13 inches…)

Of course, since there were worms involved, the micro perch were terrorizing us all day. We had to see 200 perch in the 3 inch range. Seriously.

Also, 2 dogfish were boated. I hadn’t seen one of those in person, and I don’t relish the opportunity to see one again. They fight like all get out however. One of them even broke a net, which made for an interesting turn of events, as my buddy Mike had to slip his rod through the net to keep the fight on. He’s pretty agile for an old codger.

3 or 4 big cats were taken as well.

As for me, I was really trophy hunting. I’m not much of a drift fisherman, so by Tuesday I had convinced my wife’s uncle to get me up into the slop by Jennie’s Isle. Used my baitcaster with a frog imitation, and I had a blast missing fish in the weeds. I took 2 largemouth in the 4 pound range (released quickly), and then one 25 inch pike, who had that rubber frog about 5 inches down his throat. That was exciting.

The rest of the crew got into some bigger perch finally on Tuesday, with a couple in the 12 inch range. Found them almost dead across from the Log Cabins.

As for the Black Lady herself, the water level looks very good, and her temperature is ideal right now. I was actively looking for areas with bass nests, so as NOT to fish to them, but I really just found empty nests. I’m not sure if they’re done spawning or not, but I couldn’t find any evidence that they were. Nonetheless, I did my best to use lures that I have previously caught pike on. Since St. Lawrence County isn’t observing the year round catch and release Black Bass regulations, I thought that I would play it safe.

All in all, it was a good trip. I can see where there might be weed issues again in a month though. I hope they are able to straighten that situation out going forward.

Tags: Black Lake

Early Bass Regs and Black Lake

I mentioned in this thread about Early Bass Season that the new early season catch an release regulations for bass, in New York, would help resort areas like Black Lake.

Turns out St. Lawrence County isn’t included. Big mistake IMHO.

Having fished bass in the great state of Maine, I saw what year round bass fishing is like, and what it does to the numbers. Nothing. The fishing was fine.

I have half a mind to not bother going to Black Lake tomorrow now. The restriction is idiotic. But then again, we’re talking about New York. A state not known for smart regulation and law.

Tags: bass, Black Lake

Black Lake Association

Just noticed this when I was looking for information on Black Lake (heading there this weekend).

Join the Black Lake Association

The Black Lake Association is a group of interested persons who enjoy our lake, many of whom are property owners around the lake, and some are folks who enjoy using the lake’s many fine resources. If you are a property owner, annual membership is $15.00. If you’re someone who enjoys visiting/fishing/boating/swimming in Black Lake then dues are just $5.00 per year.

I’ll be paying my dues when I’m up there for sure. I strongly suggest that anyone that has a vested interest in the health of Black Lake to do exactly the same. It’s one of New York’s true treasures, and needs to be protected.

Tags: Black Lake

Black Lake in 4 Days

I know I haven’t posted much of late, but I’ve been busy getting ready for Black Lake.

Had to tie a bunch of flies for the trip, as I plan on using the long rod about half the time.

I’m looking forward to seeing the lake in early June.  I was there in August last year, and it was so crappy and weedy that I didn’t even post a report about it.

The zebra mussels have done a significant amount of damage to Black lake, allowing the sunlight to penetrate the depths, and as a result, the weeds grow unfettered.  Combine that with suspected septic seepage and other run off, and you have an August Weed Fest.  And not the kind you old hippies would like.

So this time around, I expect to see some open water.

We shall see.  I’m heading over to the Black Lake forums now to nose around and see what’s being said.

 

Tags: Black Lake

A few Notes

Heading out to Black Creek in Churchville in a few minutes, which should be fun.  Weather is much better today than I expected.  i assumed that this week was lost, since I have to head to New York City for meetings tomorrow.

Also, it’s almost exactly one month til my kayak trip for pike on Black lake.  Getting ready for that.  If anyone wants to check out a Flatstalker, I might have a couple up there.  I’d be more than happy to head out with someone  so you can try it out.

Third, just updated our Patagonia Clearance section on our products site.  Please check it out!  All the items are available at AltrecOutlet

The product site is the way I get to pay for this site, and I do believe it’s a value to you as well.

Photos when I get back!

Tags: black creek, Black Lake, flatstalker, Patagonia