The sun settled low in the sky over Wellesley Island, casting a reddish glow along the western horizon and its reflection on the river. A few herons flew to their evening hunting spots while the osprey hovered above the water looking for one last fish before heading home for the night. A few fishing boats headed to the docks where only a few short hours before the river had been busy with fishermen and other boating activity.
This was the scene most nights for the past couple weeks as we camped along the St. Lawrence River. We usually spend a week or two at this time of year in the Thousand Islands, coinciding with the opening of bass season.
The opening of bass season is still a big deal in the north country, including the St. Lawrence River where pre-season catch and release is not allowed.
Smallmouth bass are the premier attraction and they did not disappoint us. Hard fights, spectacular leaps and good-sized fish were the rule when we found them. The smallmouths had finished spawning and moved off the shallow areas into deeper water. Due to the early spring and warmer water, even the males had moved away from the spawning beds.
We found the larger females in slightly deeper water or stronger current. Drifting live minnows proved to be the most productive method although jigs or spoons also worked. One day I fished down river near Ogdensburg with my friend Mike Seymour and we caught some really impressive fish in swifter current. Mike explained that it is important to use enough split shot when drifting to get the minnow straight down so you can feel when a bass hits it.
On some days I fished from my kayak in some of the shallower coves along the river for largemouth bass.
These are also great fun and some hefty ones put up a great fight. My best largemouth was just under six pounds.
The biggest problem in these waters is the weed growth, particularly the cursed Eurasian milfoil. Although some of the tournament anglers and top notch fishermen like Ted Dobs or Billy Alexander do well fishing drop-shot rigs in milfoil, most of us spend most of the time removing the weeds from our lures.
Generally, fishing the slightly deeper weeds at the edge of the milfoil growth worked best for me. Using Senkos or sinking worms, I was able to put the lures in front of enough bass without being constantly snagged on weeds.
Northern pike have moved into deeper water although some of the other anglers targeted them with various jigs and were rewarded with some good sized fish. Crappies were apparently spawning in shallow water and one day we hit a nice school along some shallow rocky structure.
The weather was generally warm and sunny and some days it was too hot to fish, as well as being unproductive in many areas. On days like those it was a cool and relaxing break to go kayaking. One of our favorite trips involves going along the north shore of Wellesley Island near the State Park and traveling down the “Lost Channel” around the Canadian Islands.
In addition to evenings around the campfire by the riverbank, we visited with friends, and occasionally dined at some of our favorite restaurants. Visits to local wineries like Thousand Islands Winery or Coyote Moon are a great experience. The Thousand Islands have held a special place in my heart ever since my childhood and the days there pass all too quickly.
Fishing in the Thousand Islands region can be great but the river is difficult and can be hazardous if you are not familiar with the many shoals, etc. Your best bet is to hire a guide. Contact 1000 Islands Fishing Charters at (315) 686-2381 or Captain Mike Seymour for Ogdensburg at (315) 379-0235 for more information on charters.
If you are looking for a vacation, extended weekend or a short get-away, consider Clayton and the Thousand Islands region. The scenery is beautiful, there is a variety of accommodations and there are many things to do. Contact the Clayton-1000 Islands Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-252-9806 or e-mail info@1000Islands-Clayton.com
Experience the area for yourself and you will see why the Iroquois Indians called the area the “Garden of the Great Spirit.”

SHORT CASTS

NEW STATE RECORD BROOK TROUT: For the seventh time in eight years, the record for catching the largest brook trout in New York state has been broken, state DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced recently. William Altman caught a five pound, 14 ounce brook trout from the West Canada Wilderness Area in Hamilton County on May 5. This surpasses the previous record by six ounces.
The record breaking fish was stocked as a fingerling by DEC’s Rome Fish Hatchery and is considered a Temiscamie hybrid, a cross between a domestic brook trout and a wild Temiscamie (Canadian-strain) brook trout. These hybrids are stocked because they have a better survival rate than other strains of brook trout in some of the more acidic waters of the Adirondacks.
Altman submitted details of his winning fish as part of DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish. A photograph of Altman and his catch can be found on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7935.html
DEC verifies potential brook trout state records by ensuring the fish is not caught from brood stock, which is large stocked fish, or splake waters, which are ineligible.
VERNON NATIONAL SHOOTING PRESERVE EVENTS: July 13-14 – “Shotguns & Sheilas”, Wine and Cheese Tasting, Instructor Auction, –Comedy Show on Sat., Lobster dinner and more. You must pre-register.
July 15 – Three Bird Shoot.
July 28 – Sporting Clays Clinic. The morning session will be "Target Reading", from 9-12:30, and the afternoon will be "The Mental Game", from 1:00-4:00 Pre-Registration is required. Call Tom Fiumarello at 845-625-3151 to register.
July 29 – 2nd Annual “Bust a Clay For Breast Cancer. Funds raised stay local.
For more information call 315-982-7045, visit www.vernonnational.com or contact bonnybean@vernonnational.com
SPEY NATION: The popular “Spey Nation” day featuring two-handed rods returns to the Salmon River on July 14. It will be 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and feature 15 Spey Rod Manufacturers, more than 30 companies on display and a free barbecue. This offers the unique opportunity for enthusiasts and manufacturers of two-handed rods to gather in a streamside setting at the Pineville Boat Launch on the Salmon River.
Spey Nation features a full BBQ, raffles, "On the water" demonstrations and interaction with some of the biggest names in two-handed casting. Anglers have the opportunity to learn techniques from the experts, try specialized equipment on the water and talk with other fishermen. The proceeds to the raffle will be donated to the Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club, dedicated to restoring runs of native Atlantic Salmon to Fish Creek.
REDUCE LINE SNARLS: Line snarls, twists and “birdnests” are a common malady when fishing. If you are using a spinning reel, there are easy ways to reduce the loops, twists and birdnests when casting. After casting your bait or lure, close the bail by hand instead of by turning the reel handle. Grasp the line ahead of the bail and pull it snug. This eliminates loose coils on the reel which can lead to troublesome snarls when reeling in or casting.
FUR RONDY: The Summer Trapper’s Rendezvous (i.e.. “Summer Rondy”) sponsored by the Independent Fur Harvesters of Central NY will be held July 6 and 7 at Nichols Pond. There will be vendors, instruction and fun. Call Al LaFrance (682-2050) for more information. There is a Trapper Training Class scheduled for July 7.