What I Know Best

When Tim Paisley suggested to me that I should submit a monthly report for publication, I must admit, I was a bit intimidated.  “Write about what you know best” kept echoing through my mind. What would be of the most interest to international readers?  Fish catch reports, tactic, most productive baiting methods, and river geography?  All of the above seemed appropriate.

Overseas anglers can not fathom the vast expanse of the St. Lawrence.  The expressions on the faces of first time anglers to the area are priceless.  The Lake St. Lawrence section of the river, on which this report is based, covers over 20 square miles of carp fishing waters.  The Massena and Louisville areas of this upstate New York region were once working farmland that was flooded over 50 years ago to facilitate hydroelectric power.  Although the river chain encompasses many hundreds of miles, this area is where the river is slowed and widened by the presence of the Robert Moses Power Dam in Massena, effectively creating this fantastic fishery.

September 2006was difficult in the beginning due to unseasonably warm weather conditions and barometric instability.  Indicators were the presence of an almost constant east wind and short and often heavy storm systems.  Big carp in these waters are highly affected by these pressure fluctuations.  It forces them into a type of pre-winter dormancy until the pressure stabilizes.  Smaller carp seem to be less affected and still actively feed in these conditions.  Most anglers in the first two weeks of the month experienced an average daily catch of 8 to 12 fish.  They range in sizes from the high doubles to mid twenties with the odd thirty thrown in to keep things interesting.  Fruit flavored boilies were the preferred bait with a yellow coloration the most effective.

By mid September, the weather patterns stabilized and the normal north westerly winds returned.  With this came the much anticipated temperature drop.  Water temps in the river went from the 70’s to low 60’s turning the carp’s attention to fall feeding patterns and locations.  Gravel shoals and zebra mussel beds in 30 to 40 feet of water are now the preferred feeding areas.  The daily catch rate increases to 12 to 20 fish ranging from high singles to low 30’s.  Many netted fish are now expelling zebra mussel shells, a good indication that the pre-winter feeding blitz is about to begin!  Most of the larger fish are now being landed on 2 to 3 grains of sweet corn.  It should be noted that the rationale for the change to maize is due to the fact that as the water temperatures start to fall, the zebra mussel shells become soft and change in color from black and dark gray to tan-ish white.  The appearance of maize at this water depth is very similar to an exposed zebra shell and their open meaty core.

The last week of September, however, saw some fantastic results!  Daily fish catch rates of up to 39 by Colin Chambers of Scotland ranged from low 20’s to low 40’s.  This is Colin’s second trip to the St. Lawrence. He has landed 40’s each time.  After spending some 15 years fishing in France and the Chez Republic, he claims the big draw is sheer numbers, of course big fish, and the challenge the river has to offer.  Almost all of the fish were caught in 20 to 30 feet of water on or around the zebra beds.  Maize was used almost exclusively as the preferred hook bait.  Temperatures were in the high 60’s during the day, falling into the 40’s at night.

October looks to be very productive provided the winter north winds hold off.  It will take a lot, however, to top a 4-hour June session when the team of George and Ria Mourik of Holland landed 20 plus fish including five 40’s.  I can still hear their excited cell phone call requesting that the boat pick them up.  They were “knackered” and suffering from very sore forearms…all by 10:30 a.m.!

I feel obligated to mention a few tips to those that plan a holiday to the St. Lawrence River area.  Many anglers arrive unprepared to fish these waters.  Fist and foremost I suggest that whatever venue you select to visit, you ask many questions prior to your visit.  Location, proximity and access to the swims are a must.  What are the accommodations like? When is the best time to come?  What should I bring for bait?  There is no sense of bringing hundreds of pounds worth of bait only to find that it is useless in producing fish.  What type of clothing and footwear should I bring?  What is included and what, if any, are the ‘hidden costs’ related to your holiday.  Check out the guides credentials.  Is he a carp angler?  Is he local?  Does he hold a valid Captain’s license if boat transportation is warranted?  It is imperative that you know exactly where you are going, to be put directly on the fish.  Lastly and perhaps most importantly, follow the advice of your host.  If he is worth his salt, he is intimately familiar not only with the river, the carp and their seasonal habits, but the proven tactics for angling success.  Look for the October St. Lawrence River report next month.