Schroon Lake maintains reputation for outdoor fun

Last week we discussed some of the outdoor opportunities in the Schroon Lake region. Today, we continue with some more specifics about the outdoor recreation available in this beautiful part of the eastern Adirondacks. Fishing, camping, hiking, boating headline the outdoor recreation opportunities but they are not the only attractions.

Raise your hands if you went to the Frontier Town amusement park when you were a kid. Yeah, I thought so. After closing its doors a couple decades ago, the area is about to enter a new life as a DEC equestrian campground and day-use area on land owned by the town of North Hudson and developed by the DEC under a conservation easement. They are already taking reservations in anticipation of the facility opening on June 28

The outdoor writers were given a tour by DEC personnel showing the widespread camping area and the state of the art technology used to minimize impact. Permeable pads will let water pass through where it will be filtered or diverted. Camping, day-use, and equestrian stables are separated yet connected by graded roads and trails. Some of the camping areas have full hook-ups. Paddocks and corrals in the equestrian area are specially designed for large riding-groups. These riding trails connect to existing trails in the areas like Minerva or Boreas Ponds. They can also be used as snowmobile trails in winter to connect with many other areas or trails.

For those who prefer a different type of experience with more organized camping activities, a short distance north at North Hudson is Yogi Bear’s Campground. We had lunch there one day and enjoyed a tour of the facility. In addition

to the camp store and recreation hall for convenience, there is a constant round of activities for the family or other entertainment. Music, float trips on the Schroon River through the grounds of the campground, and other fun make this popular with children, and people of all ages who enjoy their diversions and comfort in campers, RVs, or yurts. Call 518-532-7493 for reservations.

As mentioned in last week’s column, there is a wide variety of accommodations in the hamlet of Schroon Lake, located right alongside the scenic nine mile long lake. Our group found the ideal location at Rowe’s Cabins (518-532-7298) at the northern end of the village. Dining can include great lunches at Stewart’s, hearty sandwiches at Flanagan’s Pub and Grill, delicious pizza or wings at DeCesare’s Pizza or almost any thing else that suits your taste. The area lies directly north of Albany via Rt. 9 or I-87. You can also easily reach the area by taking Rt 30 or 8 across the central Adirondacks.

I would be less than honest if I did not admit disappointment. It was not with the region; only that we did not get to fully experience it due to the weather. The same nasty cold and rainy weather that has plagued us all spring, followed us that weekend. Not only was it unpleasant to be outside much of the time (although that did not stop us) but it made the fishing unpredictable. Although some of the group caught some nice trout in the ponds or some bass along the lake, many of the writers were unable to get out or did not have much success when they did go.

Somebody commented that it must be nature’s way of evening the odds when the fish were faced with such a formidable group of anglers! At least that sounds good.

But the lake, and most waters were high and cold. Water was still high and the main lake was rough, not to mention cold. Too bad, since Schroon Lake has the reputation of offering great fishing for lake trout, landlocked salmon, and bass. There are also rainbow trout and big northern pike lurking in the depths of Schroon.

The lake trout average 6 to 8 pounds and landlocked salmon run 3 to 5 lbs. Veteran anglers and frequent visitors sat that 3 to 5 pound bass are plentiful and some big northern pike between 12 and 15 pounds lurk along the breaks or drop-offs. Lake trout are most common along the two deep holes at both ends of the lake. Landlocked salmon are usually taken by trolling flashy spoons like Mooselook Wobbers or gray ghost streamers over the deep areas, although at this time of year they can be found almost anywhere.

But the area has more to offer than fishing, as good as it can be. Hunting, hiking, boating, swimming, canoeing or kayaking, and watching wildlife are popular activities. There is a very nice town beach and boat launch in the center of town. A second boat launch in found near Eagle Point in the southern part of the lake. Concerts, golf, historical sites, craft shops, in addition to theater and arts add to your options. In winter there is nearby downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing or ice climbing. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 518-532-7675 or schroonlakechamber.org. Check out the area for yourself. Just remember, there is so much to do that you can’t begin to do it all in one visit.