Fall 2024

Although it wasn't officially reported, our research determined that the Upper Locks were indeed open so access to Middle Saranac Lake was going to be possible. With the first day's weather forecast looking very wet, we were also hoping to grab the lean-to site. Since we were going up on a Thursday, we had high hopes. Alas, it was not to be.

DAY 1

From inside the portal as the rain falls, Isla is giving me a nervous look.

No pictures on the cruise in due to the inclement weather, but it actually started to slow down just in time for use to reach camp, and as you will see we ended up at our usual out of the way spot on Weller Pond. Same as it ever was.

I don't know how much dry firewood we will find, it's a good thing we brought some with us.

2nd mate is ready for the wet weather, check out these fancy boots!

As I recall, the rain let up for the most part so while the camp was wet, at least our stuff did not get more wet while setting up. No one wants to start out with a wet sleeping bag.

Where have we seen this before? I think it needs a little work team.

So as per usual, Day 1 is only about getting there, getting camp setup and starting to get into a relaxing mode. This year we could all definitely use a little less stress so it was welcome.

As you can see, the sun came out and graced us with it's presence by the time we hit the water some time in the afternoon. The weather would remain awesome for the remainder of our trip as well. Again, this year we needed that and were thankful for it. Except it brought out the flies!

No words needed, I don't think, except maybe "Glorious" !

Good Times! Good Times!

Looks like Roger caught a fish on Day 1! A little feisty Bronzeback. Probably the only one caught. Hate to tell you Rog', but that spoon is the wrong color.

DAY 2

After a great night of rest filled with the haunting calls of the loon and 1 crazy owl, we woke up to the promise of a bluebird day. I've taken this photo of the mist lifting off of the lake in front of camp many many times.

Time for some camp breakfast. Coffee, the morning meal of the day and this creamy Irish adult beverage. Slainte'

The sun is shining, let's go fishing! I recall the Pike were a little more elusive on this trip, especially early on, but the bass were pretty cooperative.

One of each species for the 1st Mate

Captain is on the board with a nice Largemouth Bass and our first Pike of the trip.

Looks like we at least found were the Pike are, but I think it's the nursery, that's a little guy.

Shortly after fishing this spot, we started cruising a little, making our way toward the beach for the annual visit when we were graced by the presence of the majestic Bald Eagle. We see them on every trip, but it's very cool to see them just sitting in a tree right above you. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Here's another feisty Smallmouth just before we hit the beach for a break

Stopping at this beach along the east end of the lake has become an annual tradition, as long as the weather is good . It's nice to wade in the cool water or just sit on a log and enjoy the view and soak up the sun.

Isla also needs to run and she goes all in on stick retrieval, she's all Lab for sure.

This is living man!

An executive decision was made to head back to camp and get some lunch and chill out some more before going back out on to the lake for the evening bite. Here we are on the way back into Weller Pond, and this picture is becoming as popular as Ampersand Mt.

So a little later in the afternoon we headed back out with renewed optimism to the secret spot know as the "drop off". Some years it produces very well, and with the water being warmer this year, we expected that the Pike may be a little deep still. Our lack of success in the shallow water of the creek was proving that out as well.

I don't think we were on spot lock for very long, when I had a hit that initially felt like a log or a small Pike with a lot of weeds attached. Only when it got close to the boat and realized it was hooked, did it wake up and then I knew I had a pretty nice one on.

Maybe our best pike up here, definitely my best.

Yup, the official measurement proved it was my best at 36".

After a quick photo op, I got her back in still very healthy. Maybe we'll catch her when she's 40".

Not to be outdone, the Perch King delivers.

Now we are getting serious, and no I am not taller than Roger all of a sudden, I'm just standing on the live well.

Captain captured this great shot, almost made the banner.

Another good one, what a day and what a place!

Heading back to camp with a nice sunset guided by some high tech equipment.

Either someone said something funny, or we are just happy that we are about to grill some steaks!

DAY 3

Another beautiful day weather-wise was in store for us. I am sure we had a nice camp breakfast, I think this was eggs day. By late morning it was time to head back out into the lake for more adventures.

Captain lands a decent Largemouth Bass.

The fall foliage is starting to come in nicely as well, nothing but great scenery all around us.

Awesome!

No reason why we can't visit the beach on more than one day right? Especially when the weather is like it was on this trip. This is a different beach on the Southern shore of the lake.

Truckin' Off Across the Sky is looking good! What a history this boat has had already. It continues to get upgraded with more cool equipment. I'll have to do a whole segment sometime on the evolution of this vessel.

Okay, back to fishing, the panfish are biting. Monster Pumpkinseed!

Rog' with a really nice Smallmouth Bass

Heading back to camp in time to cook some grub before it gets too dark, the sunset is reflecting nicely in Hungry Bay

Where have we seen this before? It's like she knows she is supposed to do this when we get to this spot.

DAY 4

After another great night for sleeping no doubt, what shall we do today Isla? "Just keep scratching my ear and I'm good", she says.

The weather this day was partly cloudy, which was not unwelcome at all since we were having to apply sunscreen for the last 3 days. Still no rain though so it was awesome.

Bass are still biting, where's all the Pike?

"As long as someone scratches my ear, it doesn't really matter who".

My turn I guess, Isla likes hanging out with her fishing buddies.

Looks like the Pike are starting to move into the creek finally, a few chilly nights must've dipped the water temp a little. Also looks like the sun came back out.