Saranac Lake Fishing Adventure

September 11-15, 2021

Another year in the books. Hard to believe, I know I know .... I say that every year. As the banner photo shows, once again Roger came all the way from S.C. to spend a few days in the mountains. I'm very glad we have been able to keep the band together so far. We went a week or two earlier than most years and the weather was very nice. I believe we had one day that was overcast and may have rained just a little based on a few pictures showing us with rain gear on top; but we still had shorts on the bottom.

DAY 1

Gateway to freedom

We once again reserved one of our favorite out of the way spots on Weller Pond. The weather that first day was picture perfect with crisp blue skies and high white clouds. The lake was very quiet for a beautiful fall Saturday. I would have expected more boats for sure, but I am not complaining.

As usual the surrounding mountains reminded us of why we come up here.

This poor guys was on his way out. Why you Binoc'n me bro?

As we passed through the narrow channel to Weller Pond, the scenery gets even more wild and the peace and quiet start to set in. We arrived at camp to find that the Widow Maker had been taken out as we had suspected. Which also meant there was plenty of firewood and natural chairs and tables to be had.

The 4th member of our party wasn't much help un-loading the boat, I think she had other activities in mind after the long ride in.

Isla has grown since our Spring trip and loves the water more than ever, she is all Lab for sure.

The first day has always been dedicated to absolutely nothing. No pressure to catch fish or accomplish much except get camp setup and as long as the weather is good, we don't even rush to get that accomplished. This year was no different, we enjoyed the solitude and scenery of the lake and even cruised over to a popular beach to feel the sand between our toes. Isla had no problem with that plan. Hey, this thing looks familiar, a floating bar ... excellent!

The sunsets on Middle Saranac never disappoint and this year was no different. On the way back to camp that first day the sky turned many shades of red, orange, and purple before the sun set for good and the wild northern darkness set in.

DAY 2

I am sure we had a good camp breakfast to start the day, looks like we did setup the tarp shelter in the event of rain. I think Jon wants to go fishing. It is 10 O'clock after all.

A very nice Middle Saranac pike and the Captain is on the board. Full disclosure, Jon caught three within about 1/2 hour and I am guessing Roger and I were just hanging out with the puppy.

Confirmed

A little while later we cruised over to another empty site that we always like to visit since we can beach the Grumman to get on shore. This is right about when a mouse, who Jon had mentioned he thought might be on the boat decided to jump ship. It was mayhem for a short while but very funny watching Jon try to evict him. That little rodent leaped into the cold lake and swam to the bank and disappeared. We like to think he made it through a wild Adirondack winter after living in a boat in a barn in Schenectady all his life up to that point.

Looks like we headed into the creek mouth in the afternoon and it looks like the weather was improving as well. The Captain continued his luck and Roger brought back memories of the perch (panfish) king.

Fine, I'll sit still for the picture just please don't put that thing near me again

Where have we seen this before?

Okay Captain, why don't you drive the boat for a while :)

It would appear I am getting skunked, not for lack of trying I am sure. Here's Roger and I looking very serious as we drift through the creek channel toward the "drop off" as dusk approaches. Prime time baby!

Isla could care less, she is keeping our rain gear safe and warm however

That's a sleepy pup.

DAY 3

It's a new day and the sun is shining, more importantly it's Monday and we are not at work and we have the whole lake to ourselves!

I know a puppy who is ready to go fishing or swimming or just hanging out with her pals.
Hey look who finally caught a fish.

Okay guys, pressure is off, I'm good, pass me a cold one and let's go to the beach.

Just what Isla was waiting for as you will see - here

Now this is living man!

We enjoyed the afternoon sun as long as possible before heading back out on to the lake and eventually back to camp. I have seen this view hundreds of times but it's never the same. The scenery and wildness never gets old for me.

Looks like we stopped at the creek mouth for a few more casts and of course the Captain still had the hot hand.

This looks like the corner where Jon may have gotten hooked on catching Esox Lucius way back in 1999

Another great night and great campfire in the North Country ..... well it got great after we fed it some more.

DAY 4

We woke up to a very calm lake with just a little bit of mist to filter the morning sun's rays. This view from our camp in the morning is another I've seen hundreds of times but never get tired of - awesome

A view of our setup from behind where the widow maker used to be, you can see why we were slightly nervous that it would one day fall and crush the tent.

So we ventured out on to the lake once again. I think I know why the depth finder on the left side of the boat stopped working.

Umm, Isla, can I get in to my tackle box please? Isla, you awake? Nope

I believe these are from a fairly new spot for our fall trip, a bay that we normally can't fish because of the weeds, now that we have the trolling motor we can move in between the weed patches and fish some interior open water and it paid off.

Hey look who woke up from her nap. She's a good pup!

This view is also one I've enjoyed many times, I especially like it on a Tuesday.
DAY 5

Yup, time to pack up an head home girl.

Conclusion:

Each year I think I appreciate this trip more. Life has brought us all challenges along the way and I consider us blessed to be able to continue this tradition. I do not take it for granted and I look forward to it every year.

P.S. We went back in November again - click here for that trip report

Click any of the links below to see the original decade of Saranac adventures

1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
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