I had to work in Albany Friday so I took the opportunity to continue on to Lake Champlain in time to catch the evening bite. It was the first time I was able to go fishing by myself on the lake in several years. Unfortunately for me, the fishing was very tough as it was windy as a son of a gun and I was also exhausted from the trip.
The Conditions
I arrived to find it very windy. Not sure of the exact knots, but flags were rocking and it was wavy as anything even south of the bridge. Surprisingly, it stayed this way all evening Friday. Usually it calms down towards dusk.
The air temps were comfortable – right around 60°F or so. Water temps were anywhere from 57°F – 62°F throughout the trip. The water was very murky around Putnam Creek. It’s usually clear there from the fresh stream water but the wind had churned things up.
Weed growth was coming in more since two weeks ago. Vegetation was growing and the time for Rat-L-Traps and jerkbaits in the shallows is drawing to a close.
Of note, I experienced pre-frontal conditions Saturday as a rainstorm was raging across southern New England and was supposed to push north to Crown Point by Saturday evening, but I didn’t stick around for it.
Where I Fished
I fished exclusively in the Crown Point and northern Ticonderoga area. The furthest south I made it was the mill, while the furthest north was a few rocky points west of Girard’s Bay. I caught absolutely nothing anywhere except near the creek. In a few hours of fishing Friday Night and Saturday morning, I caught perhaps a dozen bass and two chain pickerel. Nothing was of any appreciable size.
What Lures I Used
All fish were caught on spinnerbaits. Specifically, white tandem blade spinnerbaits from War Eagle in 1/2 oz size. These were making it through the weeds well enough and fish would hit them hard when they hit. The waters being 60°F helped as that’s usually the sign it’s time to put on a spinnerbait.
A Short Trip
Honestly, the main reason I was there was to prepare for next weekend. I had to gas up the boat, tidy up a few things, and get the place ready to bring both kids with grandma in tow. I’ve been working hard at my day job the past month or so, with a few trips and special events thrown in, and I was just tired. Had I stayed and fished through the front I expect I would have caught more fish as the day went on. I just didn’t have it in me. Thus, I went home early to write this for you.
It’s always a pleasure going to Champlain even if it is for a short hop. As an aside, this time I drove up 87 since I was coming from Albany. Not sure if there is still construction on 74 or not, but it kicked me out at 22N. I had a nice drive from Diamond Point or so all the way to Ticonderoga. If you’ve never taken this way, it really is gorgeous. It’s hilly and curvy and not the way I’d want to drag a boat. Still, it is a great way to drag the wife or girlfriend and dazzle her with the views.
Until next time,
John Paxton
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