Black Lake, NY Fishing: Tips, Articles, Species
Located in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, New York, Black Lake covers 12.27 square miles with depths reaching up to 70 feet. Known for its diverse fish population, the lake is a prime destination for anglers. It features over 30 islands like Sugar and Grindstone, each offering unique fishing experiences for species like walleye, bass, and muskie.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species
Spring (March-May): Shallow Pursuit and Epic Spawns
Walleye Spring Fishing Techniques
Walleye Behavior in Spring
During spring, walleyes gravitate towards warmer waters, often found close to shorelines and in shallower regions of the lake. This season is marked by their spawning activities, particularly notable near Wellesley and Canoe Islands.
Effective Trolling Techniques
Trolling is a successful strategy for catching walleyes in spring. Use crankbaits like Rapala Deep Tail Dancers or Bandit Walleye Divers, focusing on depths between 5 and 10 feet to target walleyes that are cruising in these shallower waters.
Live Bait Strategies
Utilizing live bait is highly effective for walleyes during this season. Set up minnow rigs using nightcrawlers to entice these fish. For fishing in deeper areas, it’s advisable to use a downrigger to reach the desired depth.
Choosing the Right Bait
Fathead minnows or emerald shiners, approximately 2 inches in length, are excellent bait choices. Hook them through the back or lip and attach them to minnow rigs with light weights (ranging from 1/8 to 1/4 oz). This setup mimics the movement of a struggling baitfish, making it more attractive to walleyes.
Adjusting Fishing Depths
In early spring, start by fishing in shallower waters (about 15-25 feet deep) and gradually move to deeper areas as the water temperature rises and fish behavior changes. Shallow-diving crankbaits, such as Rapala Shad Raps in perch or walleye patterns, are effective. Also, consider using brightly colored minnow jigs, especially around areas with weed edges, as these locations are often frequented by walleyes.
Crappie Fishing in Spring
Tackle and Techniques
Springtime crappie fishing on Black Lake is best approached with light tackle. Cast jigs tipped with minnows or Berkley PowerBait near docks and weed beds around Big Gull Island for effective results.
Bright-colored Mister Twister curly-tailed grubs can enhance your chances of attracting crappie. Ensure your tackle box is equipped with various hooks, weights, and bobbers tailored for finesse fishing.
Rod and Reel Selection
Opt for an ultralight or light spinning rod, measuring around 6 to 7 feet, with smooth drag. Pair it with a monofilament line of 4 to 6 pounds. A small reel, preferably in the 1000 to 2000 size range, with good sensitivity, is ideal for this kind of fishing.
Jigging Strategies
Employ small jigs (1/16-1/8 oz) in lighter shades such as white, yellow, chartreuse, or pink. Marabou jigs and finesse worms are also effective. Adjust your jig head selection (round, ball, bullet) based on the weed cover in the fishing area.
For a more subtle approach, try small curly-tailed grubs in natural shades like green pumpkin or brown. Adding PowerBait MaxScent Crappie Nibbles in chartreuse, pearl, or pink can be particularly enticing, especially near structures like fallen logs or brush piles.
Northern Pike Fishing in Spring
Fishing Tactics
Northern pike in Black Lake NewYork are often found in shallow weed pockets, particularly around Strawberry Island. These areas are prime spots for encountering these ambush predators.
Lure Selection
Use spinnerbaits like Mepps Aglia or Panther Martin in vibrant colors such as chartreuse or orange to provoke aggressive strikes from pike.
Bomber Long A lures, especially in flashy colors, are effective when used with erratic retrieves to imitate fleeing baitfish.
Be prepared to handle these toothy fish with heavy wire leaders and gloves for safe handling.
Choose weedless lures like Berkley PowerBait Power Pork Frog or spinnerbaits equipped with weed guards to navigate through weedy areas without snagging.
Yellow Perch Fishing in Spring
Fishing Spots
For yellow perch, explore rocky points and submerged structures around Goose Island and Whiskey Island, where these fish are often active.
Bait and Tackle
Small jigs tipped with waxworms or Berkley PowerBait Power Shrimp are effective in 5 to 15 feet depths. These bite-sized baits are ideal for attracting perch.
Employ light tackle, such as a 4 to 6-pound line, for a fun and family-friendly fishing experience.
Use small jigs (1/16-1/8 oz) in bright colors like yellow, pink, or chartreuse, outfitted with marabou skirts or curly-tailed bodies for added attraction. Experiment with different scents and flavors like waxworms or Berkley PowerBait Power Shrimp in pink or pearl shades.
Summer Fishing Strategies (June-August)
Bass Fishing Techniques
Jigs
Utilize finesse jigs weighing 1/8 to 3/16 ounces in colors like green pumpkin, brown, or black. Rig these jigs with crawfish appendages and set them weedless to avoid snags in dense cover. Target areas near rocks and fallen logs around Goose Island for effective bass fishing.
Crankbaits
Employ shallow-diving crankbaits, such as Rapala Shad Raps in shad patterns or Salmo Rattlin’ Raps in firetiger or chartreuse. These are best used along the edges of weeds. Implement stop-and-go or twitchy retrieves to mimic live prey.
Topwater Lures
Use topwater lures like the Booyah Poppin’ Frog in bright green or white. Focus on areas near calm lily pads around Wellesley Island, using short pops and pauses to attract largemouth bass.
Walleye Fishing Approach
Downriggers and Crankbaits
Pair Flicker Shad crankbaits in firetiger or blue/silver patterns with planer boards. Focus on depths of 20 to 40 feet near Canoe and Big Gull Islands, adjusting your approach based on the water temperature and fish activity.
Minnow Imitations
Use minnow imitation lures ranging from 1/4 to 3/8 ounces in colors like silver/blue, perch, or firetiger. A slow, steady retrieve around drop-offs and humps is effective, and use heavier line (8-12 lb) and stronger rods to handle summer walleyes.
Bluegill Fishing Tactics
Fly Fishing
Target bluegill near weed beds close to Strawberry Island and Big Gull Island using small, brightly colored flies. Cast these on light fly tackle (5-6 weight) with floating line for the best results.
Spin Fishing
Opt for tiny jigs (1/32 oz) tipped with maggots or Berkley PowerBait Power Nymph in pink or chartreuse. Experiment with different bobbers and slow retrieves near cover, using light tackle (4-6 lb) and keeping a small cooler handy for your catch.
Yellow Perch Fishing Method
Go deeper to find yellow perch, especially near drop-offs and humps. Use small crankbaits like Rapala Mini Fat or Salmo Tiny Rattlin’ Rap in perch patterns or firetiger. Be on the lookout for schools near weed edges, employing light tackle (6-8 lb) and a small spinning reel with smooth drag.
Muskie Fishing Approach
Crankbaits
For muskie, use large crankbaits (8-10 inches), such as Bulldawg in firetiger or orange, or Musky Mania in purple/chartreuse, featuring loud rattles. Slowly troll these near deep weed beds and rocks around Tibbetts and Sugar Islands.
Bucktail Lures
Employ large bucktail lures (7-9 inches) with double or triple blades in eye-catching colors. Use a jerky, erratic retrieve to imitate fleeing prey. Patience and persistence are essential when targeting muskie.
Fall Fishing Techniques (September-November)
Walleye Approach
Crankbaits
Utilize deeper-diving crankbaits, such as Salmo Hornet in walleye patterns or Bandit Walleye Deep Cranks in chartreuse/silver. Troll these near shorelines and weed edges, slightly faster than you would in summer months.
Minnow Rigs
Rig live nightcrawlers on minnow rigs with heavier weights (1/4-1/2 oz). Hook them through the head or tail and experiment with different leader colors to attract walleyes. Be sure to have a sturdy net on hand.
Perch Fishing
Jigs
Employ small jigs (1/16-1/8 oz) in vibrant colors with marabou skirts or curly tails. Tip them with waxworms or Berkley PowerBait Power Shrimp in pink or pearl shades. Use light tackle (4-6 lb) and a small spinning rod for an effective perch fishing experience.
Crappie Techniques
Target crappie in shallower areas with small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms. Experiment with jig colors like white, pink, or chartreuse and vary your retrieval speeds. Light tackle (4-6 lb) is sufficient for crappie fishing.
Yellow Perch Approach
Follow similar tactics as in the spring. Cast small jigs tipped with waxworms or Berkley PowerBait Power Shrimp in depths of 5-15 feet. Light tackle and a cooler are ideal for this type of fishing.
Winter Ice Fishing (December-February)
General Ice Fishing Tips
Dress warmly in layers with insulation and waterproof outerwear. Include warm gloves, a hat, and boots for comfort.
Prioritize safety, never fish alone, inform others of your plans, carry essential safety gear like flares and ice picks, and exercise caution on thin ice. Regularly check ice thickness and avoid unsafe areas.
Panfish Strategies
Tip-up Technique
Set tip-ups baited with live minnows (fatheads, shiners) near weed beds and drop-offs in shallow areas (5-10 ft). Use brightly colored flags for visibility. Experiment with depths and locations to locate active panfish.
Jigging
Select small, flashy spoons such as Nils Master Lures (gold, firetiger) in sizes suited for panfish (1/8-1/4 oz). Jig near the bottom with short, erratic movements to imitate struggling baitfish.
Pike Fishing Tactics
Tip-up Ambush
Set tip-ups baited with live minnows near weed edges and drop-offs in shallow areas. Employ sturdy leaders and flags to handle the force of pike strikes.
Large Spoons
Use larger, flashy spoons like Nils Master Lures in firetiger or chartreuse. Troll them slowly near deeper weed beds and rocky areas, pausing occasionally.
Walleye Ice Fishing
Tip-up Setup
Place tip-ups baited with live minnows in deeper areas (10-15 ft) near drop-offs and humps. Use bright flags and heavier line (8-10 lb) to target larger walleyes.
Jigging for Walleye
Opt for small jigs or flashy spoons in silver/blue or pearl patterns. Jig actively near the bottom in areas where walleyes are likely to gather.
Perch Ice Fishing
Shallow Area Focus
Look for perch in shallower regions near weed beds and rocky points.
Jigging Techniques
Employ small jigs (1/16-1/8 oz) in bright colors like yellow, pink, or chartreuse with marabou skirts with curly-tailed bodies. Add waxworms or Berkley PowerBait Power Shrimp (pink, pearl) for scent and flavor. Use light tackle for this enjoyable winter activity.
Safety Reminder
Always verify ice conditions before fishing and enjoy the winter fishing opportunities Black Lake New York offers.
Rentals – Cabins, Campgrounds, Cottages, Inns and Hotels
There are plenty of cabin (campground…) rental options on Black Lake, in Hammond, NY to suit every angler’s or families preference and budget, providing the perfect retreat after a day of fishing or fun on the water.
- Campgrounds: Wellesley Island State Park & Eel Weir Campground: Ideal for those who enjoy camping under the stars, these campgrounds offer a natural setting with the soothing sounds of nature and opportunities for nighttime campfire stories.
- Cabins and Cottages: Sugar Island Resort & Fish Creek Marina: For a cozy stay, these rustic cottage and cabins rentals on Black Lake NY are perfect for your next vacation. They offer the convenience of fishing from your porch and relaxing by the fireplace in the evenings.
- Cedar Grove Camps Cedar Grove Camps Website .
- Vacation Rentals: Explore local life by renting a cottage or lakefront home, with options available through Black Lake in Hammond, NY Getaways or Vrbo. These rentals come with fully equipped kitchens and ample space for families or groups.
- Bed & Breakfasts: Local B&Bs like Thousand Islands B&B or The Islander provide charming accommodations with personalized hospitality and delicious breakfasts, along with insider fishing tips.
- Resorts: For a more luxurious stay, consider The Oswegatchie or Alexandria Bay Resort & Spa. These full-service resorts offer amenities like waterfront dining, spa treatments, boat rentals, and guided fishing tours.
Choosing the Right Accommodation
Factors to consider include proximity to fishing spots, budget, desired amenities, and group size. For a complete listing of accommodations, visit BlackLakeNy.com.
Tackle Shop Near Black Lake
Prepare for your fishing adventure on Black Lake by visiting local tackle shops, each equipped to meet all your angling needs.
Jefferson County
- Chapman’s Sports Shop (5864 State Route 3, Hammond, NY 13343): A family-owned store offering a wide range of bait, tackle, and gear for various species, along with expert advice and insights on local fishing spots, especially near Wellesley Island.
- Log Cabins Store and Cabin Rentals (34261 County Route 68, Theresa, NY 13691): Located near Long Island, this store provides essential fishing tackle, live bait, and fishing licenses. They also offer maps, guidebooks, boat, and cabin rentals for a comprehensive Black Lake experience.
St. Lawrence County
- Fish Creek Bait & Tackle: 5518 County Route 68, Hammond, NY 13343. Located near Tibbetts Island, this local gem specializes in live bait, including minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers, perfect for tempting walleyes, crappie, and panfish. They also offer tackle, lures, and seasonal gear specific to Black Lake’s bounty.
Boat Launches and Public Access
Accessing Black Lake’s waters is easy with these public black lake NY boat launches:
- Wellesley Island State Park: Located on Wellesley Island, the park provides two boat launches with ample parking, offering direct access to the lake. Launching fees may apply.
- Eel Weir Campground: Found near the eastern shore, this campground features a public boat launch with limited parking. A day-use fee might be required.
- Tibbetts Island Boat Launch: Conveniently placed on Tibbetts Island, this launch offers easy access to the lake’s northern areas. A park pass may be necessary, so check park regulations beforehand.
