The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Small mouth bass top the list for excitement
Three fish are in a class by themselves when it comes to excitement and fighting ability.
There is a sharp tug on the line, followed by a strong pull as the fish moves off. You raise the rod tip and set the hook and are greeted with a powerful dive, some slashing runs, and a series of catapulting leaps from the water. As you raise up your rod and check the drag, the scene is repeated as an acrobatic smallmouth bass puts on a display of power and aerial shows. Welcome to the world of smallmouth bass fishing.
During our annual excursions to the St. Lawrence there are usually bass anglers from all over, including Pennsylvania and Ohio, spending time for the opening of bass season. One day I asked some of the Ohio anglers which type of bass theywere fishing for. They smiled and replied, “smallmouth of course! We will fish for other species when the St. Lawrence River runs out of smallmouth!”
I can easily relate to that feeling. Even though I enjoy fishing for a lot of different species, there are three that are in a class by themselves when it comes to excitement and fighting ability: king salmon, steelhead trout, and smallmouth bass. There are lots of other anglers who agree with me.
In many waters both largemouth and smallmouth bass may be found, although for most of the season they are found in different habitats. While largemouth are usually found in relatively shallow water in weedy or other thick cover, the smallmouths prefer cooler temperatures and are commonly found in rocky hab-
itat, often in deeper water.
Fortunately for New York anglers, smallmouth bass are widespread and there is a long season. From the third Saturday in June until November 30. In much of the state there is an early season “catch and release” season only. However in Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Hamilton, and Franklin counties there is no catch and release season. This is because in the northern areas with colder water the bass spawn later. Populations in Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and elsewhere are suffering from the predation of round gobies which are a serious threat to the nests.
Some avid bass anglers want to open these areas, but they are disregarding scientific evidence. I certainly would advise not advocating that position too strongly among north country anglers at some local coffee shop or tavern. That would be like a somebody going into a cowboy bar in Montana and preaching a vegan lifestyle.
Popular methods of fishing for smallmouth bass include using live bait and drifting across shoals or rocky areas. Minnows are the bait of choice now, later in the summer crayfish work well. When the bass are in relatively shallow water lures including Mepps spinners, stickbaits, crankbaits, or jigs tipped with white plastic grubs all work well. I have also caught many on tube jigs or sinking worms rigged wacky style. When they are deep in late summer you should switch to jigs or jigging spoons as well as drop shot rigs or live bait.
The St. Lawrence River and Oneida Lake are two of the more popular areas for smallmouth bass, but they can be found in many waters. When fishing live bait on big rivers with powerful currents like the St. Lawrence, it is important to use enough weight to get your bait down near the bottom and take the slack or bow out of your line so you can feel the hit.
Some of the popular waters in central New York include Lake Delta, Canadarago Lake, or Whitney Point Reservoir. Many of the Finger Lakes including Seneca and Cayuga Lake have good populations of smallmouths. Those who prefer stream or river fishing should consider lower Chenango River, Mohawk River, lower Fish Creek, Oswego River, Black River, or the estuary of the Salmon River.
Some of the top Adirondack bass waters include the Fulton Chain with smallmouths in Third, Fourth, Seventh, and Eighth Lake. Raquette Lake, Lake George, Indian Lake, Lake Eaton, Long Lake, Tupper, and Saranac Chain all provide excellent smallmouth fishing. Blue Mountain Lake and its connecting lakes of Eagle and Utowanah have both smallmouth and largemouth.
Despite their strength and exciting fight, you do not want to use “meatstick” rods and heavy line when smallmouth bass fishing. In the clear water they will shy away from too heavy line and you will not usually have to fight the weeds like you often have to dowhen fishing for largemouth. A good graphite rod in medium-light weight will allow you to fight the fish and enjoy the action.
Once a smallmouth bass puts on a drag-burning run on the end of your line and goes cartwheeling across the water, the fish won’t be the only thing “hooked!”
Short Casts
Trapper Summer Rendezvous: There will be a Trapper Summer Rendezvous sponsored by the Madison County Affiliated Conservation Clubs on July 6 and 7. There will be vendors, trapping and outdoor demonstrations, contests, auction, and a trapper education course. It will be held at Nichols Pond on Oxbow Road. There is no charge for admission and primitive camping is available. Call 315-247-0285 or information.