Days Gone By – St. Lawrence Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Before the landscape was marred by ubiquitous golden arches and the once-quiet two-lane roads gave way to the bustling thoroughfares of Interstate 81, a fishing trip to the 1000 Islands Region of Ontario required an adventure in itself. For those anglers willing to make the journey, it meant an all-day drive—and sometimes an overnight stay—just to reach some of the most storied smallmouth bass waters in North America. The road was long, but the rewards were always worth it.
The Struggles and Recovery of the St. Lawrence River’s Bass Fishery
For many years, the St. Lawrence River faced significant challenges that threatened its status as a world-renowned fishing destination. Overfishing and the invasion of invasive species, notably zebra mussels, took a heavy toll on the river’s delicate ecosystem, severely impacting the bass fishery. At one point, it seemed as though the river’s waters, once teeming with life, were in peril of losing their ability to support healthy populations of gamefish.
Zebra mussels, which entered the Great Lakes and their tributaries through the ballast water of ocean-going vessels, proved to be particularly destructive. These tiny mollusks quickly adapted to their new freshwater environment, feeding voraciously on microscopic aquatic organisms that formed the foundation of the food chain. As a result, the once murky waters that had offered protection for baitfish cleared up, making it more difficult for bass to find the food they relied on. The clarity of the water, though seemingly a sign of a healthier ecosystem, ironically made life harder for the river’s fish population.
The Effects on Bass Fishing
The rapid spread of zebra mussels had a cascading effect on the river’s bass fishing. As baitfish populations began to dwindle due to the loss of their primary food sources, bass were forced to move in search of sustenance. This led to challenging conditions for anglers, whether they were charter captains, private guides, or recreational fishermen. The once-predictable fishing patterns were disrupted, and those who had relied on the St. Lawrence for consistent bass fishing faced a tough few years.
In addition to the shift in bass behavior, the river also struggled with overfishing. For decades, the combination of high demand for bass fishing and catch-and-keep practices had strained the population. As more and more fish were taken from the waters, it became increasingly difficult for the fishery to replenish itself.
A Natural Recovery
However, in recent years, a remarkable recovery has taken place. Nature has slowly but surely begun to restore balance to the St. Lawrence River’s ecosystem. A combination of factors, including improved management of fishing practices and the natural resilience of the river’s ecosystems, has helped the bass population bounce back. Although the zebra mussels continue to be present, their impact on the overall food chain has been moderated as the river has found a new equilibrium.
Anglers who have returned to the St. Lawrence in recent years have seen firsthand the positive effects of this recovery. The bass fishing is as good as it has been in decades, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass growing larger and more abundant. While the journey to recovery has not been without its challenges, the resilience of the river and its fish populations proves that with time and proper management, even the most threatened fisheries can heal and thrive once again.
A New Era for St. Lawrence Bass Fishing
Today, the St. Lawrence River is a vibrant example of how a fishery can rebound from the brink of collapse. The return of healthy bass populations has restored the area’s reputation as one of the premier fishing destinations in the world. Anglers once again find themselves enjoying a world-class experience on the river, with a chance to reel in the bass of a lifetime. What was once a region struggling under the weight of environmental and overfishing pressures is now thriving, and the future of St. Lawrence River bass fishing has never looked brighter.
A few years ago, Tom Banditelli, a seasoned bass angler from Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, and his group of loyal fishing companions began to witness a remarkable shift in the St. Lawrence River’s bass fishery. This change was subtle at first, but it soon became undeniable: the river’s waters were clearer than ever, and the signs of ecological recovery were everywhere. With the improved water clarity, subsurface vegetation was growing earlier in the season, creating an abundant habitat for baitfish and gamefish alike.
As vegetation flourished, so did the bass. The river that had once struggled under the weight of invasive species and overfishing was showing signs of revival, bringing hope and excitement to local anglers. For Banditelli and his friends, this shift marked a return to what they had long cherished: consistent, high-quality fishing in one of the most iconic bass fisheries in North America.
A Lifelong Angler’s Perspective
Banditelli’s connection to the St. Lawrence River spans more than five decades. Though he still oversees his auto body and tackle shop businesses, he now spends more time than ever on the river, in part as a co-owner of Caiger’s River Side Resort, located just three miles east of the 1000 Islands Bridge near Mallorytown, Ontario.
His long history with the St. Lawrence gives him a unique perspective on its changing fortunes. Having experienced both the good and the bad over the years, Banditelli is now witnessing the very best of times for bass fishing on the river. His firsthand knowledge of the river’s ebbs and flows, coupled with his dedication to preserving its health, makes him a true advocate for the area’s ongoing recovery.
Bigger Bass and Stronger Populations
One of the most significant changes Banditelli has observed in recent years is the increased size of the bass being caught. “Last year, we started to see bigger bass consistently listed on our catch-and-release board at Caiger’s,” he shared. “Even first-time fishermen were reeling in fish between three and four pounds. When we saw some of the pictures on their digital cameras, we knew there were even bigger ones out there.”
This resurgence of larger bass is not just a coincidence but a sign of the health of the river’s ecosystem. As the river’s waters have cleared and the bass population has flourished, it has created optimal conditions for bigger, stronger fish. The days of struggling to catch a decent-sized bass are fading into the past as anglers now find themselves routinely landing fish that are larger and more abundant than ever before.
Professional Tournaments Bring in Big Fish
In the competitive world of professional fishing tournaments, the St. Lawrence River continues to shine, delivering some of the biggest catches in recent memory. In a summer catch-and-release bass tournament in the 1000 Islands Region, recreational angler Rich Balliet stunned fellow competitors by doubling up on consecutive casts—a rare feat in any fishing tournament. Such occurrences reflect the healthy state of the river’s bass population.
But it’s not just the smallmouth bass that have been thriving. Last May, during the annual catch-and-release pike tournament, every boat brought in their three-fish limit. The smallest fish weighed more than six pounds, and the heaviest topped 11 pounds. Local guide Doug Amos noted that this was the most pike, and the heaviest pike, he had ever witnessed in any tournament in the area. This remarkable result speaks volumes about the vitality of the St. Lawrence’s aquatic ecosystem and the incredible potential of the river as a destination for serious anglers.
Monster Smallies for Many Bass Fishing Anglers
From the start of the bass season in late June through to its closure in October, anglers have enjoyed consistently impressive catches. Many have reported landing smallmouth bass between four and five pounds, with some even exceeding that weight. First-time fishermen, too, have been drawn into the excitement, catching fish that rival those of more experienced anglers. Winning boats in two Pennsylvania bass club tournaments reported limits of five-pound fish, underscoring the healthy population of quality bass in the river.
“We hoped that the signs of recovery we saw two years ago would lead to something greater, but we never expected the incredible fishing we saw last year,” said Banditelli. “It was by far the best fishing I’ve had since I first started fishing here back in high school.”
Catching Smallmouths While Big River Fishing
The rebound of the smallmouth bass population can largely be attributed to the growing success of catch-and-release angling. By preserving the fish that are caught and allowing them to return to the river, anglers have ensured the health and longevity of the fishery. But another key factor has been the bass’s newfound ability to feed on zebra mussels—an invasive species once thought to threaten the ecosystem. The bass have adapted, turning the very invasive species that once posed a risk into a reliable food source. This has likely contributed to the increase in both the size and numbers of bass being caught in the river.
Ideal Water Levels to Target Bass
Along with the recovery of the river’s fish populations, one of the contributing factors to the successful fishing season has been the unusually stable water levels throughout the year. According to Amos and other local guides, the water levels remained close to springtime levels for the duration of the season—something that hasn’t happened in recent memory. This made it easier for anglers to safely navigate deeper waters, even in areas where low water levels in past seasons would have made it difficult, if not impossible, to target smallmouth and largemouth bass.
With these ideal conditions in place, anglers have had access to the best parts of the river, and the consistency of the water levels has allowed the bass population to thrive, leading to the fantastic fishing experiences of recent years. The combination of a balanced ecosystem, effective conservation practices, and favorable conditions has made the St. Lawrence River an extraordinary destination for anglers seeking big fish and even bigger stories.
Finding The Bass on the St. Lawrence River
As anglers have continued to experience success with smallmouth bass, it’s become increasingly evident that the St. Lawrence River’s bass population is not only thriving but diversifying. While smallmouths remain the focal point for many, the number of largemouth bass is on the rise. During the previous summer, larger smallmouth bass were consistently found in the drop-offs and rocky areas of the river, usually at depths between eight and twelve feet. These areas are prime hunting grounds for bass, where they can ambush baitfish and enjoy shelter from predators.
On the other hand, largemouth bass have found comfort in the shallow waters near bull rushes and submerged timber, where they can often be found lurking, waiting to strike. These areas provide ample cover and a steady supply of food for the largemouth, making them ideal spots for anglers to target. Whether casting deep into rocky drop-offs or near the thick vegetation along the banks, the St. Lawrence offers something for every bass angler.
Other Species for Great Fishing on the St. Lawrence River
Original Article By Doyle Dietz
About The Author
Doyle Dietz and his wife Betty reside in Orwigsburg, PA. He currently serves as outdoors editor of the Pottsville Republican and Herald and the Shamokin News. He is a member of PA Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Mason-Dixon Writers’ Association and is blackpowder editor for The Browse Line, a publication of the PA Deer Association.
