Black Lake, NY Forum

Another great trip in the books. Fishing was tough and different each time out on the water. Most fish were caught tight to shore and very early on a slow retrieve. The SM Bass were jumping to new heights this year and tossing quite a few lures fortunately for them and unfortunately for us. Pike and Walleye fishing was very slow compared to past years. We found a number of nice LM Bass in the 15" range and a few in the 17 to 18" range almost all caught within 10 feet of shore. Largest pike was 25" and only walleye was 20". We even spent a couples hours 2 days drowning worms for pan fish. Caught some nice perch, bluegills, sunnies and couple crappie. The fast action was a nice change from the slow action with game fish. We caught fish on rattle traps, Bombers, spinner baits and rubber worms. Some of the usual hot spots were not so hot or perhaps too hot water temp wise. We saw water Temps of 77 to 82F all week and I'm certain that slowed the bite. Great time as always, can't wait for next year'so trip. We threw all fish back to fight another day with the exception of the walleye who joined us for brunch. Have fun, and be safe out there. Don't rock the boat!

Great report!

Any pics?

What did you catch the majority of your bass on? You mentioned that it took a slow retrieve to entice strikes. Were the rubber worms working out best?

I'm heading up at the end of August and hopeful the water temp will come down slightly and that the fish will be gearing up for the fall, but we might be a little early for that. I am curious as to when the lake might turn over this year with how dry and hot it has been.

Does anybody have any guesses as to when this might happen and how it will influence the fishing?

Keep those Lines WET!

Probably too late to help you out, but most fish were caught on rattle traps and bombers retrieved slow and often cast close to shore . We did get some fish in the 6 to 10 foot depth range where the weed growth was clean and not mossy or slime covered, and not too thick to fish those lures. We had to move around quite a bit to find active fish. Some past hot spots did not produce, but they seem to change each year depending on water level, water temp, weed growth and wind/weather.

As for the lake turning over it has already occured - roughly 3 weeks ago and still going. Hopefully it will subside as the Fall approaches and the temperatures drop. Catch & Release!!!