This week’s fishing report indicates things have picked up substantially, and I suspect warmer weather had something to do with it.
Those who fished Saratoga Lake two weekends ago know it was crowded in Fish Creek and all around the state launch site. According to the Saratoga Rowing Association’s website, the state Scholastic Championships, which were being held, attracts more than 80 teams and 550 boats. I got to watch a few of the races, and those kids are good.
Anglers had to use other launches, like the one at South Shore Marina. There was quite a tie-up around the bridge that weekend. Maybe they need a separate launching area. The National Schools Championship Regatta is scheduled the weekend of June 7.
And speaking about South Shore Marina, there seems to be some nice panfish around that area, as well as bedding bass. I spoke with several anglers who said they launched there the weekend of the regatta and dropped their trolling motor in the water just off the docks and started fishing. It’s definitely worth it.
I don’t have much information on walleyes, but there are a few pike being taken on live bait — nothing to brag about, I’m told.
Those looking for Saratoga Lake pike should fish the biggest live bait available, set four feet beneath a big bobber and drift the weed lines. Good areas are Manning’s Cove, Brown’s Beach and the deep weed line out from South Shore.
Lake Lonely continues to offer good fishing, and the slow crappie bite may have picked up. I’ve been given reliable information that anglers are getting their crappie limits. The bass bite is still very good on Lonely; just remember to release them gently.
Last week, Dave’s Bait and Tackle said this could be a good year for northern pike at Great Sacandaga Lake. I think he was right on target. A member of the Reid Hill Fish and Game Club solidified that.
George Drygula caught two that measured 451⁄2 inches, and there were several others in the 40s.
The walleyes are beginning to bite. Most of the success has been trolling red and white harnesses baited with worms. To find the ’eyes, vary the depth.
I haven’t heard much on the upper Hudson River fishing. I know there’s a lot of dredging in the Schuylerville stretch and above. I also know there’s no dock at the Schuylerville launch site.
Further south on the Hudson, some of the local anglers have been successful with the stripers in the Troy and Albany areas. Mark Kruger of Amsterdam hooked up with a nice 351⁄4-incher, and Galway anglers Jack Douglas and his son, Jeff, have been pulling in some nice 30-inch-plus stripers in this area quite regularly. They’ve been catching all their fish on live herring, first thing in the morning.
The big 48-inch striper caught by Art Robinson is still the biggest brought in to the River Basin Sports contest. If it holds up until May 3, Art will receive the first-prize money of $6,674. That’s about $139 an inch. They say the best is yet to come.
Record catch
The record for catching the largest inland striped bass in the state was recently broken, state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner Joe Martens announced.
Eric Lester of Campbell Hall caught a 60-pound female striped bass measuring 53.4 inches in length and 33 inches in girth from the Hudson River in Newburgh, Orange County, on May 14. The old record was 55 pounds, six ounces, set in 2007.
Lester knew he had a big fish when a comedy of errors ensued as he fished alone on Newburgh Bay.
As the fish fought, the reel came off his rod. He managed a quick fix, only to find the line tangled around his prop. Despite these difficulties, he was able to successfully land the fish. DEC biologists estimated the fish to be at least 20 years old.
Shore fishing action on the Mohawk was very good for Jenn and Jeff Proctor. Fishing in the Visher Ferry area of the old canal, Jenn caught and released five largemouths and a crappie. Jeff caught three largemouths and a 22-inch pickerel. Looking at the photo they sent me, I believe Jenn’s bass was the biggest of the day.
FISHING DERBY
The West Albany Rod and Gun Club will host its 40th Children’s and Young Adult Fishing Derby July 7, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Town of Colonie Park, off Route 9 in Latham.
Children and young adults up to 15 years old can fish this event. There’s no entry fee, and three prizes will be awarded in three age categories; 9 and younger, 10-12 and 13-15 years old. Trophies will be awarded for the biggest and smallest fish and winners of a casting contest. There will also be hot dogs and soda for all. You can find out more about the club at: www.facebook.com/waragcNews.
The Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced the opening of four recreational facilities on Friday, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. They are the Second Pond boat launch, Saranac Lakes Island Campgrounds and the Upper and Lower Locks on the Saranac Lake chain.
Construction work to upgrade the Second Pond boat launch, the entrance gate to the Saranac Lakes Island Campground, has progressed enough to allow safe operation of the boat launch site in time for the opening.
The Lower Locks will be staffed Friday, allowing passage of boats between Lower Saranac Lake and Oseetah Lake, which connects to Kiwassa Lake and Lake Flower. Now, the locks may be manually opened by boaters.
consolidation
I wasn’t surprised last Thursday when Remington Arms announced the Bushmaster and Remington 1911 production lines will be relocating to the new facility in Huntsville, Ala. According to a Remington spokesman, the consolidation of multiple company plants in Huntsville is a strategic business decision to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
Supposedly, some relocation opportunities will be offered, but these moves are designed to reduce workers while increasing production. It’s estimated that 80 jobs will be lost — seriously affecting the economy in Illion.
Remington is the third gun company to leave the state since the passage of the SAFE ACT. The other two were Kahr Arms and American Tactical Imports.
I also remember when Remington announced its movement to Huntsville, the company also said that moving to a Second Amendment-friendly area means a lot to them.
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