Hello from New York
Mar 4, 2022 11:12:54 #
mckelling
Loc: Saratoga Springs, NY
Hello, my username is mckelling. I live in New York around the Saratoga Springs area. I have a Lund Baron fishing boat and would be very interested in building a "buddy list" of fishermen in my area. I fish upstate New York (favorite lake: Lake George; most frequent lake: Saratoga Lake) and parts of Ontario/Quebec, Canada. Please let me know if you fish these similar areas and we can trade information as the season progresses. Take care, mckelling
Mar 4, 2022 12:22:32 #
mckelling wrote:
Hello, my username is mckelling. I live in New York around the Saratoga Springs area. I have a Lund Baron fishing boat and would be very interested in building a "buddy list" of fishermen in my area. I fish upstate New York (favorite lake: Lake George; most frequent lake: Saratoga Lake) and parts of Ontario/Quebec, Canada. Please let me know if you fish these similar areas and we can trade information as the season progresses. Take care, mckelling
Welcome to the Forum, mckelling. Good luck.
Mar 4, 2022 17:43:22 #
Mar 5, 2022 15:41:34 #
Though I no longer live in NYS, having cut my teeth on fishing the Albany area for 45-years, very familiar with Saratoga Lake, I had to respond with what I think is the best area fishing body in the event you haven't yet explored it. Hands down...The Mohawk River. A million reasons why. Recommend start between Locks 6 & 7.
Stephen
Stephen
Mar 5, 2022 15:51:08 #
mckelling
Loc: Saratoga Springs, NY
Thank you. I will try it. I very much appreciate the input. Is it safe to eat any fish caught on the Mohawk River? I will look that up on the internet. Again, thank you. Mark
Mar 5, 2022 16:17:54 #
Mark,
You are certainly welcome. Had to share it.
My opinion on water quality and fish eatability, if that's a word, not a problem. The Mohawk did not experience the General Electric PCB contaminations that occurred decades ago on the Hudson, also a great fishery, though tougher to fish as a tidal river south of Troy. My Mohawk River walleye hunting friends ate each one, some 8-12 lbs. These guys trolled Shad Raps.
If I can ramble a bit more:
Mohawk:
1. depending on your winter/spring run-off, early spring fishing can be tough with especially dirty water and high flow rates. Late spring to late fall; killer. Weed bed edges abound.
2. Species...I can't name one not in this river.
3. Lure choice...Pick 'em. Whatever your approach is, it will work.
Hudson River:
1. Wanna catch a 25 lb Striper...Fish below the dam at Troy April/May and again September/October. Each year they migrate up the Hudson, hit the first dam on the Hudson and just circle around and around for a couple weeks. Hardest I've ever laughed in my life listening to a pretty hefty reel drag scream for minutes. Don't forget the net. Also another multi-spicies body. Hudson water quality has been pretty darned good for decades; though the PCB contamination was to the sediment. I'd skip eating a resident Hudson River fish; though the stripers are only in the river on their migration.
Thanks for listening as it kind of reconnects me to my NYS roots, now a CA resident in search of fresh water anyplace in Southern California. Most frustrating. I target the golf courses at night.
You are certainly welcome. Had to share it.
My opinion on water quality and fish eatability, if that's a word, not a problem. The Mohawk did not experience the General Electric PCB contaminations that occurred decades ago on the Hudson, also a great fishery, though tougher to fish as a tidal river south of Troy. My Mohawk River walleye hunting friends ate each one, some 8-12 lbs. These guys trolled Shad Raps.
If I can ramble a bit more:
Mohawk:
1. depending on your winter/spring run-off, early spring fishing can be tough with especially dirty water and high flow rates. Late spring to late fall; killer. Weed bed edges abound.
2. Species...I can't name one not in this river.
3. Lure choice...Pick 'em. Whatever your approach is, it will work.
Hudson River:
1. Wanna catch a 25 lb Striper...Fish below the dam at Troy April/May and again September/October. Each year they migrate up the Hudson, hit the first dam on the Hudson and just circle around and around for a couple weeks. Hardest I've ever laughed in my life listening to a pretty hefty reel drag scream for minutes. Don't forget the net. Also another multi-spicies body. Hudson water quality has been pretty darned good for decades; though the PCB contamination was to the sediment. I'd skip eating a resident Hudson River fish; though the stripers are only in the river on their migration.
Thanks for listening as it kind of reconnects me to my NYS roots, now a CA resident in search of fresh water anyplace in Southern California. Most frustrating. I target the golf courses at night.
Mar 5, 2022 21:58:43 #
mckelling
Loc: Saratoga Springs, NY
Again, thank you very much. The Mohawk River is not a resource that I have explored. I do fish the Hudson River for stripers in April/May and have had good success. I was not aware that September/October was a good time as well. My boat is specifically outfitted for trolling. I would love to get into walleye on the Mohawk. Take care and thanks for all the info. Mark
Mar 6, 2022 01:15:13 #
My thoughts, troll the deep diving Shad Shaps near the Lock 7 Power Plant and spillways. Jigs are great hear also. There is a power plant downstream pool that holds many fish.
Do explore the Mohawk River. It's outstanding.
Word of caution, do not anchor when the power plant is idle. I did this once, then then generators started up, the water level quickly raised, couldn't get my anchor up as stuck on something, had to break out the knife and cut it loose.
I suggest spend some time on the Mohawk. You will be impressed.
Looking for some 2022 pictures.
Stephen
Do explore the Mohawk River. It's outstanding.
Word of caution, do not anchor when the power plant is idle. I did this once, then then generators started up, the water level quickly raised, couldn't get my anchor up as stuck on something, had to break out the knife and cut it loose.
I suggest spend some time on the Mohawk. You will be impressed.
Looking for some 2022 pictures.
Stephen
Mar 6, 2022 07:36:04 #
mckelling
Loc: Saratoga Springs, NY
Where do I put in? Is there a boat ramp near this area? I am excited about getting started. Mark
Mar 26, 2022 00:17:43 #
Mark,
Sorry for late reply.
My Mohawk experience is mostly west of the Northway Twin Bridges.
There is certainly a good launch site at Lock 6, but this presents the longest run to Lock 7.
I believe Blaines Bay Marina offers decent launch facilities a bit closer.
Don't miss the chance to travel through the locks either upstream or down. I've gone through them in 14' boats. A pretty cool experience.
Shad rap trolling colors = perch or black/chrome. Deep divers. Big lips.
If you find the pool downstream of the Lock 7 power plant; throw jigs. This pool holds big multi-species. You will notice it as it is straight out from where the power plant shore access is. Just downstream of the plant.
If you're ever looking for a shoreline trip, don't discount the Rensselaer County Tomhannock Reservoir. Largemouth, smallmouth, walleye. I prefer the dirt road east shore; but both sides are all good. Wanna catch an early season smallmouth, just drive to the dam and cast straight out. I caught my biggest walleye (6 lbs) in the cove just past the dam. Fished all day, all over, throwing white, black and yellow maribou jigs...nothin'. Added a minnow as a jig trailer to the last white jig I had. First cast...6lbs.
I'm awaiting feedback from my NYS fishing partner re: the best Mohawk launch sites. Will provide further definition when I get it as he docks his boat on the river all season; but I can't remember the marina name. Probably the best site from which to launch.
Just BTW, my brother (a non-fishman) lives in Saratoga Springs.
Photos re: what's happening in southern California right now, from shore.
Stephen
Sorry for late reply.
My Mohawk experience is mostly west of the Northway Twin Bridges.
There is certainly a good launch site at Lock 6, but this presents the longest run to Lock 7.
I believe Blaines Bay Marina offers decent launch facilities a bit closer.
Don't miss the chance to travel through the locks either upstream or down. I've gone through them in 14' boats. A pretty cool experience.
Shad rap trolling colors = perch or black/chrome. Deep divers. Big lips.
If you find the pool downstream of the Lock 7 power plant; throw jigs. This pool holds big multi-species. You will notice it as it is straight out from where the power plant shore access is. Just downstream of the plant.
If you're ever looking for a shoreline trip, don't discount the Rensselaer County Tomhannock Reservoir. Largemouth, smallmouth, walleye. I prefer the dirt road east shore; but both sides are all good. Wanna catch an early season smallmouth, just drive to the dam and cast straight out. I caught my biggest walleye (6 lbs) in the cove just past the dam. Fished all day, all over, throwing white, black and yellow maribou jigs...nothin'. Added a minnow as a jig trailer to the last white jig I had. First cast...6lbs.
I'm awaiting feedback from my NYS fishing partner re: the best Mohawk launch sites. Will provide further definition when I get it as he docks his boat on the river all season; but I can't remember the marina name. Probably the best site from which to launch.
Just BTW, my brother (a non-fishman) lives in Saratoga Springs.
Photos re: what's happening in southern California right now, from shore.
Stephen
Mar 26, 2022 00:58:04 #
Mark,
I hope I'm not overloading you with my BS; but here's some more.
SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY.
Risk assessment and wise judgements rule.
It is the river dam spillways (along with the bank weed edges and inside and outside turns) that are the target zone. Walleyes and smallmouth for sure.
One of my walleye buddies was Ned Mok. He was known as Mok of the Mohawk. Re: spillway trolling, he once said something like 'if you're in the mist (of spillway spray), you are in the zone.'
This can only be done with close attention with a recommended partner and all safety equipment. Otherwise consider throwing Shad Raps or jigs INTO THE MIST, right at the foot of the falls, close as you can come. Hitting the wall will get your there.
Southern California fresh water fishing sucks from where I come from.
One species, Florida Strain Largemouth, Senkos rule to the point I'm getting sick of their dominant effectiveness.
I'm currently searching the golf courses for fresh water.
Hope this helps your preparation.
Time to place some orders.
Recommend do not use too light a line. The Mohawk has big fish.
I hope I'm not overloading you with my BS; but here's some more.
SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY.
Risk assessment and wise judgements rule.
It is the river dam spillways (along with the bank weed edges and inside and outside turns) that are the target zone. Walleyes and smallmouth for sure.
One of my walleye buddies was Ned Mok. He was known as Mok of the Mohawk. Re: spillway trolling, he once said something like 'if you're in the mist (of spillway spray), you are in the zone.'
This can only be done with close attention with a recommended partner and all safety equipment. Otherwise consider throwing Shad Raps or jigs INTO THE MIST, right at the foot of the falls, close as you can come. Hitting the wall will get your there.
Southern California fresh water fishing sucks from where I come from.
One species, Florida Strain Largemouth, Senkos rule to the point I'm getting sick of their dominant effectiveness.
I'm currently searching the golf courses for fresh water.
Hope this helps your preparation.
Time to place some orders.
Recommend do not use too light a line. The Mohawk has big fish.
Mar 26, 2022 01:12:09 #
Sorry, man.
Can't seem to stop some sharing.
If you're casting the Mohawk weed edges, you gotta throw some spinner baits. (Chartreuse/White &/or blue, and certainly red & white).
Largemouth and pike assured.
Once I hooked a largemouth on spinner bait, bended over to lip him at boat edge, a giant pike came out of nowhere swallowed my bass and lure, immediately cut my line. They are there.
What's your largest Saratoga pike? Or bass.
Can't seem to stop some sharing.
If you're casting the Mohawk weed edges, you gotta throw some spinner baits. (Chartreuse/White &/or blue, and certainly red & white).
Largemouth and pike assured.
Once I hooked a largemouth on spinner bait, bended over to lip him at boat edge, a giant pike came out of nowhere swallowed my bass and lure, immediately cut my line. They are there.
What's your largest Saratoga pike? Or bass.
Mar 26, 2022 11:38:24 #
mckelling
Loc: Saratoga Springs, NY
I feel like it is unfortunate that you are still not living in the area. I think you and I would get along famously. I cannot wait to get out this spring. I keep my boat in storage over the winter and have tried to schedule getting it back as soon as possible in April. I have not fished Saratoga as much as I have fished Lake George. Lake George is an incredible smallmouth fishery. We have caught 4+ lb. smallmouth on a wacky rigged Senko fishing submerged rock points. I just got my dream boat in 2020, just after I retired, but I have not really broken it in fishing. I still have two children at home and they always want to invite friends to go swimming and tubing. COVID and weather were not very conducive last year, but this year I am champing at the bit to get started. I will let you know about my progress. I can read your messages all day long. It is like reading a Fish and Game magazine. Do not ever think that I do not appreciate every message. It is actually unusual to find a person who is willing to share this type of information. I am excited for my fishing year to start. Next year, I may not store my boat except in my driveway. I want to be out there already.
Mar 26, 2022 14:06:35 #
Mark,
OK, you asked for it; so here's just a bit more.
My partner recommends just launch at Lock 6 and make the run west.
I did an exercise this AM that I recommend you do in any Mohawk planning. It was quite nostalgic.
Use Google Earth or Google Earth Pro, search Blain's Bay Marina. It brings you right to the Mohawk. Move the screen around, following the river all the way to Lock 7. You'll get a feel for the bending, twisting river with tons of inside and outside turns, quite a few islands and finally the 2-spillways and power plant. There's also a couple areas with steep cliff shorelines (not visible on this Google Earth image).
Have had success on both the upstream & downstream sides of the islands.
My fishing partner for decades always got on my case for sharing too much detail re: what was working for us. Always done it. Always will.
At this point, I get great satisfaction fishing Lake Dixon shoreline, meeting folks of all ages that know a bit less than I re: the lake and then giving them all the worms, hooks and weights they'll need for RoboWorm drop-shotting and EWG hooked Senko's.
I am a product of the '60s.
Google Earth image of Lock 7. Not sure why; but you may have click the download button to view the .pdf file.
OK, you asked for it; so here's just a bit more.
My partner recommends just launch at Lock 6 and make the run west.
I did an exercise this AM that I recommend you do in any Mohawk planning. It was quite nostalgic.
Use Google Earth or Google Earth Pro, search Blain's Bay Marina. It brings you right to the Mohawk. Move the screen around, following the river all the way to Lock 7. You'll get a feel for the bending, twisting river with tons of inside and outside turns, quite a few islands and finally the 2-spillways and power plant. There's also a couple areas with steep cliff shorelines (not visible on this Google Earth image).
Have had success on both the upstream & downstream sides of the islands.
My fishing partner for decades always got on my case for sharing too much detail re: what was working for us. Always done it. Always will.
At this point, I get great satisfaction fishing Lake Dixon shoreline, meeting folks of all ages that know a bit less than I re: the lake and then giving them all the worms, hooks and weights they'll need for RoboWorm drop-shotting and EWG hooked Senko's.
I am a product of the '60s.
Google Earth image of Lock 7. Not sure why; but you may have click the download button to view the .pdf file.
Mar 26, 2022 14:14:15 #
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