Adirondack trips are fun no matter the weather

Leo Maloney writes about a recent vacation in the Adirondacks in his weekly outdoors column.

My wife Carol and I recently returned from an Adirondack vacation and we had a good time despite the unsettled weather. Several times I thought of the lyrics to the old song “Camp Granada” by Allen Sherman – “Camp is very entertaining. We may even have some fun if it stops raining.” Fortunately, there is enough to do in the Central Adirondacks on nasty days, and we did have some good days to enjoy the outdoors.

Bass fishing was good for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. I had my best action using sinking worms rigged “wacky style.” On most of the small lakes the fish were found in about 10 feet of water. Anglers who spent the day casting to the shoreline like they saw on bass fishing videos only ended up with mosquito bites instead of fish bites. Trout were usually down deeper in areas 15-25 feet or wherever the water was cooler and well- oxygenated. Mepps spinners, worms trailed behind a Lake Clear Wabbler or small spoons worked best.

It’s no surprise that with all the rain we have had the mosquitoes were out in full force. If you venture out be sure to have your spray can of Bug Guard in your pocket or your Thermacell appliance with you.

Most of the loons have failed at nesting due to con- stantly rising water levels on most of the lakes in the Central Adirondacks. We saw a lot and they often swam close to our kayaks but practically none of them had chicks this year.

If you are planning a vacation or get-away weekend in the area this summer, be sure to check with the Inlet Information Center (inletny.com or call 1-866- GOINLET) or the Old Forge Visitors Center ( VisitMyAdirondacks.com or call 315-369- 6983) for up-to-

date weather, lists of accommodations, places to dine or suggested activities. Stop in and get the latest trail maps, paddling routes and other information.

There are lots of places to dine, depending on your tastes, preferences and budget. But two of the newer ones that are actually older places that have new ownership, renovations and excellent food are the Thendara Pine in Thendara and the Toboggan Inn in Eagle Bay. Great people, delicious food and a pleasant way to spend an evening.

Do you know what the longest water ride in the Adirondacks is? It’s the River and Rail trip on the Moose River. Make reservations exclusively with Tickner’s Canoe Outfitters (315-369- 6286) and leave from Tickner’s dock to take a four hour trip downstream through scenic woods to the private landing. You and the boats catch the ride back to town aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. It’s a great experience.

Although we go there for the kayaking, hiking and fishing, there are many other things to do. Art exhibits, concerts, viewing wildlife and visiting with friends all make the days pass quickly. If you are there in inclement weather there are also tour boats, theatre, seaplane rides and the Adirondack Railroad. As they say in Inlet – “good roads make it easy to get there; the mountains make it hard to leave.”

SHORT CASTS

Fishing Report: Some- body remarked earlier this year that this season would probably be tougher on the fishermen than the fish. So far it has proven true. Oneida Lake anglers have generally been frustrated by lack of action while fishing for walleye. There is no reliable or definitive explanation for the poor fishing but many are blaming the abundance of baitfish, including the emergence of round goby in the eco-system. Others have felt that the high water has perhaps changed the patterns and locations of bait fish and the walleye.

Bass and perch fishermen have fared a little better. Of course the ones who have done well were skilled anglers who fish the lake regularly. Some of the average anglers may not be doing as well.

Trout fishermen have had a difficult year on the streams. Much of the season the streams are frequently high, fast and muddy from the constant heavy rains. One person commented that he had heard more flood warnings than fishing reports all season. Fishing on the ponds or small lakes has been less affected and some fishermen have done well by fishing with live bait or casting or trolling with small spoons.

Up on the St. Lawrence River the bass and northern pike fishing has been tough. The water is still about two feet above normal and many boat launches are closed and most floating docks are not in. Anglers have to cover a lot of water and possibly find the fish in areas where they normally do not fish at this time of year.

Although Adirondack lakes are higher than usual, the fishing has been pretty good. Bass fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth has generally been good. You will need to check temperatures, rather than just hit the usual spots that you do in mid-summer.

Lake Ontario fishing has been challenging due to weather conditions. Some days it is difficult or unpleasant to be out. At other times an east wind will mix up the layers of water of a certain temperature range and consequently the trout and salmon will move a considerable distance or be found at different depths. Recently several anglers were taking nice salmon by trolling spoons 150 feet down over depths of 300500 feet.

The best advice I can give you is be flexible. Fish waters that are less likely to be affected by fluctuations in the water level or weather conditions. Search the same types of cover that you normally fish in mid-summer, although you may have to change the depths that you fish at. If you consider the cover and temperature of the water, you will probably find the fish.

VNSP Vintage Games: Vernon National Shooting Preserve will host the Northern Appalachian Mt. Chapter event of Steak and Shoot on July 29. Call 607-759-7150 for reservations or information. You need to call today to give the number, including guests.

The day will start with coffee and pastries at 9 a.m. There will be 100 birds on the Sporting Clays Course for the main event. The lunch break will feature a steak roast. Ron and Darcy are donating a couple flats of shotshells for the event. After lunch you can shoot the course again, or shoot any of the games (including wobble trap or long bird) for an additional fee.

Golden Passport Park Program: With people visiting NYS parks to enjoy the outdoors this summer it worth reminding our readers of the Golden Passport program. If you are a NYS resident 62 or older on any weekday (except holidays) you can obtain free vehicle access to state parks and arboreteums. It does not include golf or camping fees. Simply present your current valid NYS Driver’s License. This policy applies both to Office of Parks and Recreation and DEC facilities.

Thermacell Tick Tubes: Scientists are saying that this year we are seeing a big increase in the number of deer ticks and incidents of Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is a serious threat to you and your dogs. Despite the name the deer ticks are more likely to be carried by disgusting little creatures such as mice. Thermacell Tick Control Tubes are the no-spray, easy way to kill backyard ticks that carry Lyme and other diseases. Put Tick Control Tubes in your yard twice a year and let nature take its course. They are available only online at www.thermacell.com/Lyme. The chemically impregnated cotton within the tubes is picked up by mice and carried into their nesting environments. The chemical then kills ticks in their larvae stage before they have a chance to grow and bite. There are different size kits and number of tubes, depending on the size of your lawn.

Check yourself for the tiny creatures after being in likely areas of contact. If you start to experience the symptoms, see a physician as soon as possible. Not everyone will develop the bullseye rash that is one sign of the onset of Lyme Disease.