IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
New York => Ice Fishing New York => Topic started by: buz23 on Jan 04, 2016, 05:16 PM
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We're getting close. If the wind dies down tonight could be frozen tomorrow morning. Lots of snow geese the last couple of days, haven't seen too many this season up til now.
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Some lake edges are freezing around town so the future looks decent
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I took a ride around toga today. Zero ice. Not even shore ice. Lake was very rough. I would be very surprised if it froze over night. Dont think the water temperature is cold enough. I could be wrong but doubt it. I also have been seeing snow geese. What a messed up waterfowl hunting season this year was.
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I was out fishing on Ballston lake yesterday. The water temps in the narrows on Ballston were still 40*. At the northern, shallow end, they were 37*. There was a tiny bit of shore ice there this morning. Round lake had 0 ice on it today as of noon...and if round lake isnt crusting over, its going to be a while before saratoga does.
Saratoga will not freeze tonight. The water temps on that lake are still too warm. It will take more then one 5* night to lock it up at this point. The lake will not freeze this week.
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Ballston lake and round lake locked up completely last night. It was down to 0.. Colder then they forecasted.
(http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj136/sxryder46/Mobile%20Uploads/512E7AFE-DCC9-4C29-B714-5897191162A2_zpsmywhorks.jpg) (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/sxryder46/media/Mobile%20Uploads/512E7AFE-DCC9-4C29-B714-5897191162A2_zpsmywhorks.jpg.html)
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Nice!
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Toga did lock up mostly last night. Some open water in spots. I dont think i ever saw a lake have no ice and lock up in 1 night...ducks and geese are here. Awesome to watch
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Yeah I just drove around the lake. Crazy. Sadly it's not enough ice on that lake to hold out with the warmer temps we have coming in a few days so chances are by he weekend toga will be back to the starting point almost. However the smaller lakes I'm sure have a thick enough crust at this point to stay together through the warmer temps until colder temps come back.
Either way, is it spring yet? Lol
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Yeah I just drove around the lake. Crazy. Sadly it's not enough ice on that lake to hold out with the warmer temps we have coming in a few days so chances are by he weekend toga will be back to the starting point almost. However the smaller lakes I'm sure have a thick enough crust at this point to stay together through the warmer temps until colder temps come back.
Either way, is it spring yet? Lol
I agree. Most is good skim ice but it will make ice into tomorrow. I passed you on the east side of the lake near Stewarts.
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Toga did lock up mostly last night. Some open water in spots. I dont think i ever saw a lake have no ice and lock up in 1 night...ducks and geese are here. Awesome to watch
Doesn't surprise me. I fished Toga New Year's Eve with the boat and the water temp had dropped to 40 from the snowfall and after dark was down to 39 in spots. Sunday the 27th it was 44. The lake level had come up a good two feet also since Sunday.
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As predicted. Ice looks fragile, hope the wind doesn't come up. Saw an eagle cruising off Brown's beach early this afternoon, and two lonely geese standing out on the ice wondering where the water went.
If you don't weigh more than a goose you could be fishing! (Sounds like a test of a witch "She changed me into a newt".)
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Wind made quick work of majority of the ice on toga. Now its just the edges and south end that have ice. Fish creek too. I was going to be very surprised if that lake locked in 1 day and stayed. Conditions must of been perfect the other night. Ice was clear and smooth. Going to be a while now with forecasted temps. 2 weeks at least is my guess. Unless you launch the boat. Lots of open water
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Bummer is lonely still locked up
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Wind made quick work of majority of the ice on toga. Now its just the edges and south end that have ice. Fish creek too. I was going to be very surprised if that lake locked in 1 day and stayed. Conditions must of been perfect the other night. Ice was clear and smooth. Going to be a while now with forecasted temps. 2 weeks at least is my guess. Unless you launch the boat. Lots of open water
Looks like I have somewhere to put my boat still by this weekend.
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Does anyone know if you can park at the new park that they opened this year on the right, going out into the lake from the boat launch? Or did they block it off at the top? Thanks!
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Drove into the park today to check out the ice situation so its not blocked off currently
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Looks like I have somewhere to put my boat still by this weekend.
Just gotta break ice at launch and in channel then you free man for majority of lake. Will be more open more each day.
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Does anyone know if you can park at the new park that they opened this year on the right, going out into the lake from the boat launch? Or did they block it off at the top? Thanks!
It's not new this year. Two years ago it was open all winter. They were doing work last year and closed it, apparently now open again with upgrades.
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Just gotta break ice at launch and in channel then you free man for majority of lake. Will be more open more each day.
I wouldn't be going until next Tuesday and looking at the weather, with 50* and rain on Sunday I'm guessing I won't have any ice to worry about at the launch.
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I just left the Saratoga lake boat launch. There is about 2.5" of ice. I couldn't break the ice throwing a 3lb rock as hard as I could.
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Nice, how's the rest of the lake looking?
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Nice, how's the rest of the lake looking?
Read the thread. Lake is mainly open water
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Read the thread. Lake is mainly open water
The lake was 90% locked up today at 11am. The only open water I saw was from mannings cove to the kaydeross.
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some nice gills at the north end
;D ;D ;D
RAT
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Thanks for the update SS. ;D
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Water must be right at that temp. Lake was locked then it opened and must of tighten back up over night because i parked in the old cliffs restaurant yesterday and you could see a ton of open water. Was only froze south of snake hill and north near launch. I couldnt see ice in mannings cove. Good news i guess. Im not really in ice fishing mode quite yet. Still shooting ducks and geese. How cold it get here last night? I was in niagara falls yesterday and today and wasnt cold really. No wind either.
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Water must be right at that temp. Lake was locked then it opened and must of tighten back up over night because i parked in the old cliffs restaurant yesterday and you could see a ton of open water. Was only froze south of snake hill and north near launch. I couldnt see ice in mannings cove. Good news i guess. Im not really in ice fishing mode quite yet. Still shooting ducks and geese. How cold it get here last night? I was in niagara falls yesterday and today and wasnt cold really. No wind either.
It was below 10* wensday night in round lake...its 16 right now
There was some cracks in the ice that was letting water ontop that was making it look like open water on black ice...but the lake is locked up.
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Wow it was way warmer near great lakes. News out ther said water is between 34-44 degrees. Id imagine the 44 degrees was the great lakes
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And the award goes to the brave soul about 1/4 mile out from Brown's beach this morning. If you are a member, give us an ice status.
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What's the targeted species when hitting the Saratoga Lake hard water? I know there is a lot of pressure on bass during the summer but have heard more Walleye stories this past summer than i had the previous 3 summers combined.
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And the award goes to the brave soul about 1/4 mile out from Brown's beach this morning. If you are a member, give us an ice status.
it was me about 2.5 to three inches. But sketchy had the ice bar my way around. Rain and wind is going to kill it Sunday. So stay safe!!
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What's the targeted species when hitting the Saratoga Lake hard water? I know there is a lot of pressure on bass during the summer but have heard more Walleye stories this past summer than i had the previous 3 summers combined.
Walleyes are there but few catch them, although there are few sharpies that do quite well. Pike have become scarce the last few years. I'd say pannies are targeted by most ice anglers on Saratoga; perch, gills, sunnies, crappies. I fish small jigs hoping to catch those but also catch a lot of rock bass, lm bass and snot rockets.
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Those pickeral are pain in the butt. They eat my best jigs. Im getting good at learning what fish is what just by looking at my flasher though. I keep my drag loose on toga because of those pickeral. Its always my good jigs they take.
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walleyes are still there for sure. Good ones too.
This year during a bass tournament my buddy caught a near 8lb walleye. He threw it in the livewell and called me on the way to the weigh in, asking me if I wanted it because it was the biggest walleye he has caught. I asked how big it was and he didnt measure it but it was just under 8lbs on his scale. I told him just to let it go, as thats a nice big breeder...so at the weigh in he pulled it out of the livewell and guys flocked over to him. The guys were trying to get the fish from him, and they got pissed when he threw it back. They put so much pressure on him he didnt even get a picture with the fish, and he regretted it shortly after.
a lake like that needs those big breeders to go back.
sadly, Their are hardly any northerns left in that lake. I havent heard about a northern over 30"s being caught in years.
Has anyone else?
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Last northern I have caught over 30" (35" to be exact) was the last northern I have seen pulled out if there: May 2014. Pickerel were overwhelming all open water season 2015, from April to October
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walleyes are still there for sure. Good ones too.
This year during a bass tournament my buddy caught a near 8lb walleye. He threw it in the livewell and called me on the way to the weigh in, asking me if I wanted it because it was the biggest walleye he has caught. I asked how big it was and he didnt measure it but it was just under 8lbs on his scale. I told him just to let it go, as thats a nice big breeder...so at the weigh in he pulled it out of the livewell and guys flocked over to him. The guys were trying to get the fish from him, and they got pissed when he threw it back. They put so much pressure on him he didnt even get a picture with the fish, and he regretted it shortly after.
a lake like that needs those big breeders to go back.
sadly, Their are hardly any northerns left in that lake. I havent heard about a northern over 30"s being caught in years.
Has anyone else?
Five years ago I caught a 36". Another fellow caught a 38". Saratoga Bait & Tackle Tournament. Two fellows came in last minute with a 42" and 40".
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walleyes are still there for sure. Good ones too.
This year during a bass tournament my buddy caught a near 8lb walleye. He threw it in the livewell and called me on the way to the weigh in, asking me if I wanted it because it was the biggest walleye he has caught. I asked how big it was and he didnt measure it but it was just under 8lbs on his scale. I told him just to let it go, as thats a nice big breeder...so at the weigh in he pulled it out of the livewell and guys flocked over to him. The guys were trying to get the fish from him, and they got pissed when he threw it back. They put so much pressure on him he didnt even get a picture with the fish, and he regretted it shortly after.
a lake like that needs those big breeders to go back.
sadly, Their are hardly any northerns left in that lake. I havent heard about a northern over 30"s being caught in years.
Has anyone else?
A buddy of mine caught a 41 incher 2 summers ago bass fishing... complete fluke and we usually never see pike caught, a few over the past couple years and they're usually under 30 inches.
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Do they still host pike tournaments on Saratoga? It seems to me that with the declining numbers over the past couple decades they would try to prevent any chance of killing off breeding mothers.
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Do they still host pike tournaments on Saratoga? It seems to me that with the declining numbers over the past couple decades they would try to prevent any chance of killing off breeding mothers.
no pike and walleye tournaments anymore,from the bass clubs I think the troopers still have their 5 to six boat tournament. But been working with the Dec guys they think because of the water fluctuations in the spring is the cause of the pike decline.
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Five years ago I caught a 36". Another fellow caught a 38". Saratoga Bait & Tackle Tournament. Two fellows came in last minute with a 42" and 40".
These were general tourneys, several species, through the ice.
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Was just looking at web cam looks like south shore is showing some ice left. Now let hope for a cold week ahead
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Almost all the ice is gone. The South end still has a sheet from 200-400 yards wide. If the wind dies down, maybe we can be fishing later this week. I haven't been up to Fish creek to see the situation there.
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It's been cold enough to refreeze but the wind just won't die down. Situation pretty much as reported several days ago. A big sheet around the south end is still holding. From the bridge out to the lake appears frozen but how much ice?? Fish creek is frozen but there are funky looking patches.
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I was told Saratoga bait n tackle has moved. Can anyone confirm this? If so what is the new location and new phone number if they changed that as well. Thanks!
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I was told Saratoga bait n tackle has moved. Can anyone confirm this? If so what is the new location and new phone number if they changed that as well. Thanks!
Moved to Schuylerville / Rt 29 next to Subway.
Same phone number.
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Yes Saratoga Tackle has moved (we had to with the rent increase Stewart's wanted being one factor).
We're now at 111 Green St., Schuylerville, NY - actually off Rte. 29 & corner of Green st. beside the Subway shop before you hit town. It is a few miles from Saratoga. Our phone number is the same 518-584-3952 and currently running hours of Mon-Fri 7-7, Sat 6-5, Sun 6-3 for the winter.
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My friend and I are interested in fishing this lake this year. We are both from the Albany area and neither of us have fished it in the past, only heard good stories. Any information would be great. I know no one likes to give their fishing spots away. But it would be much appreciated. ;)
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Thanks rayban. As soon as the ice cooperates I will be at the new shop.
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Any updates on Toga conditions? What about Lonely?
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Fished out in front of Brown's Sat and Sun - 4" of clear, black ice out to 300 yds, then it starts thinning - fishing was terrible, two of us 4 hours Sat and 4 hours Sun - total 6 keeper gills and a couple throw-backs - served to "scratch the itch", but really not worth it.
Some guy fishing tip-ups outside of us came in and asked if we had a rope incase he broke through - told him we'd call Rescue Squad.
Should be better this weekend.
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we had a plowing job on Saratoga today. The lake is WIDE open. At the south shore marina today the wind was pounding the existing ice there and was tearing it up pretty good.
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Fished off browns beach last night, had 6 inches everywhere I drilled but not go out past where broken up ice had refrozen together. Beyond that in the middle of southern basin is still OPEN water so be careful out there. No walleye, pickerel and bass were hungry. .. could only get out to about 10 FOW
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Anyone know if there is parking at south shore marina this year
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Don't know but last year there was parking at Brown's Beach as well so you should check out both. I know South Shore will charge you to park, not sure about Brown's.
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Thanks rayban will check out Browns beach I think Town of Stillwater took that over and probably free to park good thinking
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Parking is free at Brown's Beach, the Town of Stillwater did a good job last year keeping the lot open - let's just make sure that everyone "carry's out, what they carry in" - don't abuse the privilege and we'll continue to have free access.
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Good ice at Fitch. 6-6.5 inches. Fished there today. I would say Fitch is locked up,fellas.
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Good ice at Fitch. 6-6.5 inches. Fished there today. I would say Fitch is locked up,fellas.
It was open water yesterday just on the edge of all the pushed up ice chunks.
I would be careful out there still.
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How far out? The area just past the broken up/refroze ice was open yesterday mid day when I went by there. Anything from shore to 200 yards out has stayed frozen for about a week now,anything past the ice cube line and you best be spuddin or you will be swimming.
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Anyone look at or fish lake Lonely yet? I fish hard there during the summer caught a decent amount of northerns never ice fished it tho
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I will be on toga tomorrow am. I will report conditions. Should be making ice now.
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Anyone look at or fish lake Lonely yet? I fish hard there during the summer caught a decent amount of northerns never ice fished it tho
Look at the conditions board for Lake LONELY. INFO THERE.
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Fished off fitch today. 6" of good ice all the way out to the broken up chunks. Didnt venture past that so not sure thickness past that point. Blue gil bite was ok. Some slow times and had times with aggressive fish. Ice is noisy. Making ice for sure. Ice is clear in spots so you can drill around plant structure.
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Has anyone been out off of Browns beach just wondering how the ice is before making the haul down any info would be greatly appreciated
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Has anyone been out off of Browns beach just wondering how the ice is before making the haul down any info would be greatly appreciated
I haven't fished south end yet but there was dozen guys out or so today. Sound end should be good to go. I would be careful crossing the broken ice that refroze. Not sure how safe past that. 2 guys were out past that but doesn't mean its 100% safe. Use caution.
Checking ice thickness with rocks must be the thing to do now. Fitch rd entrance had big rocks all over from guys "testing" the ice. We removed the ones we could. Someone will trip on them. Same for toga boat launch and round lake boat launch. Buy a spud instead of throwing big rocks all over the place. Especially at the launches
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Tuesday afternoon off Fitch rd just outside those ice jams was wide open. You couldn't pay me to walk past those ice chunks right now...those guys must be walking on thin ice...literally.
Yeah I saw the rocks at round this week...I figured they are kids doing that.
How was fishing today?
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We're the ice was brokeenough up on the south end was solid as a rock 7 inches where ever you walked... then after you went past the break 2-3"
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Fished off fitch today. 6" of good ice all the way out to the broken up chunks. Didnt venture past that so not sure thickness past that point. Blue gil bite was ok. Some slow times and had times with aggressive fish. Ice is noisy. Making ice for sure. Ice is clear in spots so you can drill around plant structure.
Basically what I reported yesterday. 🤔
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I caught lots of tiny perch in Fish creek Friday morning, jigging in 16-21FOW. A bonus - I caught a little walleye (about 8"), the first little guy I have seen in years. Back in the early 80's it was common to catch them when jigging for perch. No bluegills or bass or anything else but perch for me so far.
There's a good 6" in Fish creek, except for an area off the launch and extending down the creek a couple hundred yards from where the bubblers on the opposite side had a large area open a few days ago. I didn't wander out there to check the ice thickness but it definitely looked thinner.
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Any quads out this past weekend? Looking to go out from the southern end but I like to move up lake and want to know if ice is good up towards mannings. Thanks.
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I was out on south side directly across the lake from snake hill. Was on 3-5" of ice until 4 massive cracks opened up right at the big booeid off spot in the middle. We were physically on an iceberg with 4 of my tip ups over a 6" crack on another iceberg. One of my buddies tip ups was just about under water when we cleaned up.
With this warm weather coming I would not trust my machine on the southern part of the lake around the shore the first 200 yards was rock solid but definitely spotty.
Tight lines.
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Was there 2 weekend's ago and had 5_6inches of ice in mud bay
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Any quads out this past weekend? Looking to go out from the southern end but I like to move up lake and want to know if ice is good up towards mannings. Thanks.
No on the quad lucky to be walking around. Lake is dropping and making weird cracks and splits. Far from ready for a machine.
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Where is Mud Bay? Grew up on Saratoga lake and have never heard of it. Agree with fisherbone would not trust any machine on the southend, not sure I trust going out at all this weekend.
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Even Fitch rd where the ice is pretty thick?
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I was off fitch today. Bite sucked and so did everything else. Auger broke, my best jig rod broke and then to top it off I dropped my phone in the hole. I had a rod above me sitting on the metal bars on shanty. Rod fell off and hit the phone out of my hand and down the hole it went..it gone. This is just my opinion so use your own judgement but quads would be fine off fitch. Ice is thick enough for few hundred yards out, I have yet to cross that sketchy party where it broke up(looks sketchy but prob is fine) and most other guys haven't passed it either from what I see, no need to really unless you plan on crossing the lake. Even the holes that have been previously drilled are refroze pretty good. I wouldn't be driving all over the lake bout around fitch 200 hundred yards is safe. 8" of ice
Not sure why one would need a quad if fishing fitch but whatever, to each their own. Again use your own judgement with quads.
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Just throwing this out there. I fish toga very regularly and do well. I mostly jig panfish, but woukd like to fish strictly for walleyes a few days a week. I'm mostly a catch and release guy. I have private access on the south side of snake hill and in rileys cove. Looking for someone to fish with that targets the eyes more than I do. I know the lake pretty well and would like someone to chase some eyes with......shoot me a PM if anyone is interested. Im also willing to share spots at other lakes where I have private access.
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Is Fitch rd the boat launch or is tht fish creek
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Is Fitch rd the boat launch or is tht fish creek
Fitch rd is not the state boat launch. that is fish creek
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I walked passed broken stuff the other day sketchy but was 6 on other side I found 3 then 2 then went back lol did catch a 20 in walleye which made my day
I was off fitch today. Bite sucked and so did everything else. Auger broke, my best jig rod broke and then to top it off I dropped my phone in the hole. I had a rod above me sitting on the metal bars on shanty. Rod fell off and hit the phone out of my hand and down the hole it went..it gone. This is just my opinion so use your own judgement but quads would be fine off fitch. Ice is thick enough for few hundred yards out, I have yet to cross that sketchy party where it broke up(looks sketchy but prob is fine) and most other guys haven't passed it either from what I see, no need to really unless you plan on crossing the lake. Even the holes that have been previously drilled are refroze pretty good. I wouldn't be driving all over the lake bout around fitch 200 hundred yards is safe. 8" of ice
Not sure why one would need a quad if fishing fitch but whatever, to each their own. Again use your own judgement with quads.
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Where is Mud Bay? Grew up on Saratoga lake and have never heard of it. Agree with fisherbone would not trust any machine on the southend, not sure I trust going out at all this weekend.
Mud bay is on Lonely, he must be talking about Lake Lonely
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Thanks Steve
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I was on 8" of ice this morning (an area which has not thawed since the original freeze.
There was a truck parked on the ice close to shore off Fitch today, so at least near shore the ice is thick.
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I was on 8" of ice this morning (an area which has not thawed since the original freeze.
There was a truck parked on the ice close to shore off Fitch today, so at least near shore the ice is thick.
the lake is so low im pretty sure he is parked on land...
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Anyone been around stony point or snake hill yet this yr? looking to go for some eye's. havent been on saratoga in awhile. is there still a decent amount of walleye in there? Any tips for them in toga? do they hang around a certain depth in there? Anything would be helpful. I know the lake really well but never fished for walleye's on it.
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The perch I have been catching have been puking up 1" bluegills, could lead to a strategy.
Good luck getting walleye info for Saratoga. They are there, but those who know are tight lipped. You're going to have to explore and figure it out yourself. The only ones I've caught in recent years have been by accident. You will have better luck if you fish low light or dark conditions.
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Anyone been around stony point or snake hill yet this yr? looking to go for some eye's. havent been on saratoga in awhile. is there still a decent amount of walleye in there? Any tips for them in toga? do they hang around a certain depth in there? Anything would be helpful. I know the lake really well but never fished for walleye's on it.
you better wear a life jacket and wet suit if you want to go over to snake hill right now.
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thanks for that around snake hill. I know about the tight lips on walleye info on toga. was just wondering if guys have still been catching them.
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thanks for that around snake hill. I know about the tight lips on walleye info on toga. was just wondering if guys have still been catching them.
not this year.
All the walleye spots are under unsafe ice right now. The only safe ice is a good 200-250 yards out from shore. After that, pray to god.
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love ice fishing toga. been itching to get some eyes. what was the latest thickness? was planning on going out friday night. guess i'll be down in the weeds by browns beach from the sounds of it.
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I was out today 100 yards or so past the break up off of Brown's and had 5 inches. There were guys that walked out further but am unsure of what they had for ice. The wind was brutal and almost took the clam six pack for a flight...at the same time,a guy next to us in a single man, while sitting in it was hit by the wind. He went sliding on the ice face down and the shanty took off like a sail. I hope this guy is alright and got all of his gear back. I did ask, but it was hard to hear with wind howling as I braced the cleats in the ice as I held onto the straps. :%$#!:
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And you can probably kiss most of the ice goodbye after this week of warmth. :-\
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Tuesday I was on 4" out from rileys cove. Fished all the way out to the drop off. Another guy came out and went another 200 yards or so. Not so sure after this weekend and early next week. There were a lot of cracks that I imagine will open right up. As fpr the eyes.....you still have a shot at some. But like stated before. ...getting to some of the better areas is tricky without private access.
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I was off Fitch rd and there is plenty of ice jigged up a couple dozen pannies but released them all!!
Just wondering but is it just me or hasn't this lake gotten dirty?? I mean all the bottles and cans and shoes and on the bottom and personal human discharge all summer long coming from the sand bar/Bay Area grossed anyone else out??
I have a Aqua view. And it's sad and gross how dirty the bottom of the lake is in the " party area".
Sad as I grew up on this lake!!!!!!
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I fished between the kayak/canoe park and the bridge this morning. Really discouraging. I didn't mark a fish in the first 15 holes I drilled, and not a single one in less than 13'. Maybe they SONAR'd the weeds in the bay. I drilled 45 holes thru 7-8" of ice and still had 2 bars on my Fuel drill.
I did find a few small perch out deeper, 18 to 30', but even the little ones were picky today.
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Went out of Rileys Cove today, walked about 2/3s of the way to Snake hill and had a consistent 5 inches until the end where it dropped to 4 inches and then straight to about an inch near the pressure ridge near snake hill. Thank god we spudded... the 5 inches is good to about 1/2 way across and then it goes to 4 for awhile. The bite was terrible and there is a lot of spring holes. Be CAREFUL if you make a trip out to deeper water, make sure your spudding and constantly checking the ice.
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Mud bay is on Lonely, he must be talking about Lake Lonely
makes sense. TY
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Had a good day on the water yesterday. When photobucket comes back up I'll post pictures of what we got. :tipup:
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How's the ice out there? Soft or still strong?
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(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z152/ryannaylor/20160129_130334.jpg) (http://s194.photobucket.com/user/ryannaylor/media/20160129_130334.jpg.html) a19, 21 and 23 1/2 that weighed 4.17lbs 30 perch and 11 gills. Best day I've had, but I got lucky. I've put a lot of time on toga and never caught an eye through the ice and It finally happened.
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Your pm inbox should be full by end of day. Lol. Nice haul.
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Nice catch fishyfishes. If I may ask did you get the walleye on jig o tip-up?
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Very good day on toga for you. Where's the gills pics?? Can't leave them out of the spotlight...Congrats!
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nice haul bud :clap: :clap:
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Thanks all...they were caught on :tipup: but I did mark them jigging but couldn't get them to commit. The third one I caught I marked in the center of my spread, vanished, seconds later I had a flag. As for the gills, there wasn't any room. Haha they're in the bucket in the bottom left in the picture. Like I said before, I got lucky.
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Thanks all...they were caught on :tipup: but I did mark them jigging but couldn't get them to commit. The third one I caught I marked in the center of my spread, vanished, seconds later I had a flag. As for the gills, there wasn't any room. Haha they're in the bucket in the bottom left in the picture. Like I said before, I got lucky.
good job buddy. Thats slamming them for Toga.
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Thats a great day on toga.
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Great catch fishyfishes... :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Awesome day on Toga.. congrats dude! Those perch are no slouches either some real good ones.
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Is the ice around fish creek / boat launch good thinking about hitting it tomorrow ?
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Has anyone made it over by stony point any information on the ice would be greatly appreciated
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Had a first today. Had a guy walk out with his 5 year old stop and talk to me. He said they were catch perch no smaller than 11 inches yesterday and pointed what looked to be out passed my :tipup:. I didn't think he was about to do what he did. He had his kid start reopening holes right in between my spread, 20ft. from my first :tipup:.and then started setting his own. Normally I would say something, but I'm not about to start with a kid there. I'm not one to tell someone how to raise their children, but that's not teaching him respect, common courtesy etc. I sure would raise my own that way. Just saying. My buddy did ask him if he need an extra seat,we had one.
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Had a first today. Had a guy walk out with his 5 year old stop and talk to me. He said they were catch perch no smaller than 11 inches yesterday and pointed what looked to be out passed my :tipup:. I didn't think he was about to do what he did. He had his kid start reopening holes right in between my spread, 20ft. from my first :tipup:.and then started setting his own. Normally I would say something, but I'm not about to start with a kid there. I'm not one to tell someone how to raise their children, but that's not teaching him respect, common courtesy etc. I sure would raise my own that way. Just saying. My buddy did ask him if he need an extra seat,we had one.
Last year, I was camping for the weekend on Fish Creek. I went out on Friday morning. On Sat. morning, two guys came along and told me to move, as I was on their spot. I ignored them. Caught a huge pike right in front of them. They fished all around me, acting like I was doing something wrong. They caught nothing. They even accused me of removing their "mark" which claimed the spot for them. Their mark was supposedly some blue food coloring. Yeah. Right! I removed that. How would one remove that? JERKS!
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If you think fishing toga can be bad with guys and claiming "their spots" try hunting the lake. Talk about crowding and guys with no common courtesy. Doesnt matter what time you get there, and set up, someone will always set near you. Ruins the hunt. I stopped hunting saratoga due to all the new duck commanders that think they own the lake.
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Was out yesterday on the South End and it was a very slow day. Marked a lot of fish but none were hungry. Usually can at least get a few to bite. 4 to 5 inches of ice then much thinner over the deeper water. Large pressure ridge running from Snake Hill to China Town. This ridge seems to form just about every year.
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If you think fishing toga can be bad with guys and claiming "their spots" try hunting the lake. Talk about crowding and guys with no common courtesy. Doesnt matter what time you get there, and set up, someone will always set near you. Ruins the hunt. I stopped hunting saratoga due to all the new duck commanders that think they own the lake.
happens down here Too. Had two guys crowd me on the deleware. One guy told me what was I doing there, he has been fishing that spot for five years since he moved up here and never saw me before. I told him I have fished and lived here for over thirty and never saw him. One guy i know was on a trout lake called Big pond, and as he was setting up guys came and told him that place was reserved. My son has a lesson in safety and respect before we go afield.
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Hats off to the guy that drove out from Browns beach past the old break line and parked to fish in a Chevy Cruze car. I guess 5 inches of ice is good enough!
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Lol I don't even bother fishing my eye spots in the winter ESPECIALLY on weekends forget it. You'll have a crown in a hurry chasing flags. I had three guys on four wheelers last year watching me from far away they all proceed to drive over and drill a few dozen holes with the power auger right next to me. rediculous
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I have a few better places to go that are much quieter ;)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/Furslayer1/06b42e80-81ee-4ef9-90ac-ef308029b5e3_zpsz1nfdxse.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/Furslayer1/media/06b42e80-81ee-4ef9-90ac-ef308029b5e3_zpsz1nfdxse.jpg.html)
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(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/Furslayer1/photo_zpsgbtpzr95.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/Furslayer1/media/photo_zpsgbtpzr95.jpg.html)
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I'm suprised your still above the ice and not under it from where you are catching those.
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hahaha shhhhhhh........!
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Hats off to the guy that drove out from Browns beach past the old break line and parked to fish in a Chevy Cruze car. I guess 5 inches of ice is good enough!
Yep We saw that too. Just kept shakin my head. Gotta be young kids with no brain. I was young to but never stupid enough to drive my vehicle on any ice.
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I have a few better places to go that are much quieter ;)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/Furslayer1/06b42e80-81ee-4ef9-90ac-ef308029b5e3_zpsz1nfdxse.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/Furslayer1/media/06b42e80-81ee-4ef9-90ac-ef308029b5e3_zpsz1nfdxse.jpg.html)
Every now and then on Saratoga you catch a walleye that is past its prime. Long, lean, big head. I'll bet that was one hell of a fish a few years ago.
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Not on Saratoga though.
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Not on Saratoga though.
nice saratoga fish ;D
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Fished off Brown's beach this morning, and was surprised to find 10" or more of ice in the broken up area about 100-200 yds out. Not much happening, except my LX-7 failed. There had been a slight flicker in the display, and then all of a sudden, no return signal. Unit still alive, all functions work, transducer clicking, but no return signal shown. I'm thinking maybe a wire to the transducer is broke, although I haven't been rough with it at all and there is no visible damage on the cable.
Sent it back today. Not anywhere as much fun fishing without it. Cost $132 for repair (blanket fee no matter what's wrong).
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Wow nice job.
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Sounds like a bad battery. ....save yourself the money and hook it to a friends battery and see what happens
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Looking for an update on the ice conditions. We had hoped to continue the angler survey from the open water onto the ice. Any update would be appreciated, thanks.
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I think the ice is very hazardous for DEC ATV's.
Seriously, no one out this morning. although the south end looked like it iced up overnight from being really wet yesterday.
Last time I fished Fish creek there was about 8", probably a little less now.
I'm not sure I would go out past the iceberg band - it froze late and could be only 4" or less by now - guys were fishing out there last weekend.
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2 weeks ago the lake was laced with spots of open water beyond that band. Last week I had almost 7 but yards away only 4. I'm definitely not taking any chances yet. I might try Sunday morning but not until after light.
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The lake came up some water bleeding from the sheet. The crack 30 yds out split some and is wet. 40 again today and tomorrow. I can't see the shore holding on much longer
the pressure crack is open. I myself would stay off the new ice its to inconsistent.
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Be smart guys...these ice conditions are not worth going for a swim.
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There were a couple guys on the south end one guy set up in the 20-22 ft range. Other people will see that then their roaming around where they don't belong and someone will go swimming and that will be the end of parking at browns. Stay inside the rough ice the outside of it is not that safe! Yes some guys know what there doing but have to think of the guy on the bank that doesn't have a clue..
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I spuded off browns this morning . Spud was going through in 2 hits 30 feet from shore. It needs a while before I will be back out there
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I fished off Brown's beach this morning. Lots of guys out, but I didn't see a lot of action. I got a few small perch.
I got a chuckle out of a guy just of Brown's with his gas auger. Took a minute of work to drill a hole. I was taking 5 seconds with my Clam plate and fuel drill.
The ice is about 1-2" thinner than it was before last weeks rain. On the way back in fairly shallow water I passed a crack both sides of which moved when I walked. If it weren't so shallow there I would have been very very careful.
I also saw some trash on the ice, which I tried to pick up but some of it was frozen in. If we want to maintain this wonderful access we need to take care to keep things clean.
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Anyone venture over towards stony point just wondering what condition the ice is in any info greatly appreciated
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There are a couple big polynyas (open areas) beyond Stony Point toward the middle of the lake, be careful.
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There are a couple big polynyas (open areas) beyond Stony Point toward the middle of the lake, be careful.
thanks bud I will stay out of that area maybe by next week
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I will be on the hunt for some gils and perch tomorrow on toga.
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Be real careful tomorrow guys, half an inch of snow at my house near the lake, will make it tough to see cracks and ice thickness.
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Pretty quit thread I would think ice must be getting safer?
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I did go out Tuesday - only one on the ice at the South end - wasn't much fun fishing in the show showers, and the perch were nowhere to be found (at least where I looked). I did find a few gills, bass and snotrockets.
No change in ice, and I doubt there has been any change since then. Temps have been averaging about 32 degrees each day. It should gain an inch or two this weekend, however.
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I spent the night out there last night and it was making ice all night and this morning when I left.
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How's fish creek look? Going to hit fish307 and might stop on the way back
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The ice in the creek has been fine as long as you stay away from the bubblers around the docks opposite and downstream from the launch ramp. There was a large area out there that froze late and is thinner than the rest of the creek, which was 8" 2 weeks ago. I would be real careful under the bridge, too.
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I am coming up to Saratoga. next weekend for some icefishing & the beer festival...where is a good spot I can get out on the lake ? I have a wheeler or sled I can bring or just walk out if need be ...baitshops? Any info will be helpful ... thanks guys :icefish:
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If you have a wheeler you don't want to launch off the boat launch - the State Park Police watch over it and don't allow them or snowmobiles launched there. Lee's Campground is right after the boat launch and for a small fee you can launch there. People also go out across from Fitch Rd. There is usually access enough along the shore line to get a wheeler out. Brown Beach on the south end would also be accessible. Been plenty of people on the lake but not sure many have been going out in vehicles - this past week the edges were a bit funky but firming up. Unsure what the next week will bring but sure people will be updating.
For bait shops (mine included, Saratoga Tackle in Schuylerville) there are several depending on the direction you are coming from. Wiggley Worm in Burnt Hills, Fish307 in Lake George, Bob's Bait in Corinth would be the closest full service ones. All are listed on Ice Shanties bait shop map.
Hope that helped.
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I set the view on the lake cam to the east shore just south of Snake Hill. I'll try to rotate the view back and forth between the main body of the lake and the east shore for the remainder of the ice season. One shanty out there and about 6-7 people as of 1pm.
Steve
Saratogalakecam.com
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I've done most of my fishing at Schroon this year, but with this "lovely" weather coming in, I might stay south for the weekend, hows the ice near Browns?
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thank you for the headsup on the saratoga lake cam lakesteve.
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Fished on the south end today. 5 inches of good ice and making more. Wind was pretty brutal today. I can only imagine what it will be like this weekend. Fishing was poor for me only managed a couple keeper gills. Strange part is I was fishing in 6-8 fow and I had more walleye show up on my aquavu camera than I did gills. The Walters would come right up to my lure and literally headbutt it but never attack. I tried everything in the tackle box but they would not eat! Anyone else have this "problem" fishing togas clear water shallows during the daylight hours?
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Fished on the south end today. 5 inches of good ice and making more. Wind was pretty brutal today. I can only imagine what it will be like this weekend. Fishing was poor for me only managed a couple keeper gills. Strange part is I was fishing in 6-8 fow and I had more walleye show up on my aquavu camera than I did gills. The Walters would come right up to my lure and literally headbutt it but never attack. I tried everything in the tackle box but they would not eat! Anyone else have this "problem" fishing togas clear water shallows during the daylight hours?
Yup! I was out farther in a Shappell flip over. I got some nice perch and got some weird "headbutts". Would see big red blob on vexilar and Nada. At least you got to see them on camera.
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Hey thanks rayban for the heads up on baits shops . & places to get out ...I am not sure where we are staying yet ...just want to get out there... Thanks Dewey
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I counted at least 30 people out there as of about 10am braving the cold. As of 2pm everyone is gone. Wind picked up and nobody could stand it anymore.
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There was a benefit fishing tournament from 7 to 2 out in front of Brown's today seemed to be a pretty good turn out
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Is it crazy to try Toga today? I am thinking to brave the cold off of the boat launch! I'll be in a Red Eskimo
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Fished on the south end today. 5 inches of good ice and making more. Wind was pretty brutal today. I can only imagine what it will be like this weekend. Fishing was poor for me only managed a couple keeper gills. Strange part is I was fishing in 6-8 fow and I had more walleye show up on my aquavu camera than I did gills. The Walters would come right up to my lure and literally headbutt it but never attack. I tried everything in the tackle box but they would not eat! Anyone else have this "problem" fishing togas clear water shallows during the daylight hours?
Had the eyes do the same thing one time this year. See them on the vex, no bump even. Went through some lures then tied on a small perch diamond jig with a fathead, and nailed two eyes a little over twenty. May have been dumb luck, or might be worth a try.
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Fished on the south end today. 5 inches of good ice and making more. Wind was pretty brutal today. I can only imagine what it will be like this weekend. Fishing was poor for me only managed a couple keeper gills. Strange part is I was fishing in 6-8 fow and I had more walleye show up on my aquavu camera than I did gills. The Walters would come right up to my lure and literally headbutt it but never attack. I tried everything in the tackle box but they would not eat! Anyone else have this "problem" fishing togas clear water shallows during the daylight hours?
Welcome to walleye fishing mid season lol!
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Just a question why cant people put there wheelers or sleds off a state launch.Sounds like horse hockey to me we should do what we can to turn that around!
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its is listed as a state park and no motorized vehicles allowed in the state park. You have too use lee's trailer park or the south end marina
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Grafton is a state park!!!! Wheelers & sleds are allowed!!!!! Where does ENCON put there machines on Saratoga ??????????????
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Had the eyes do the same thing one time this year. See them on the vex, no bump even. Went through some lures then tied on a small perch diamond jig with a fathead, and nailed two eyes a little over twenty. May have been dumb luck, or might be worth a try.
good call on the fat heads usually seals the deal gor me too
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Grafton is a state park!!!! Wheelers & sleds are allowed!!!!! Where does ENCON put there machines on Saratoga ??????????????
No sleds or quads allowed on any of the ponds in grafton. Sleds are ok on designated trails but atv's are strictly forbidden. I personally don't agree with it but that's the rules. As for Saratoga where all machines are allowed on the ice I don't see why one couldn't go from the state launch parking area, down the ramp, and onto the hard water? Then again it is New York State and nothing surprises me anymore.
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Grafton is a state park!!!! Wheelers & sleds are allowed!!!!! Where does ENCON put there machines on Saratoga ??????????????
The couple times I've seen ENCON on the ice with machines at Toga they parked at Southshore marina and went from there and I saw their vehicle and trailer when I came back in.
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hearthstone is a state park when the ice is safe they plow it for ya.Different rules how come.
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Hearthstone is a DEC campground, run by a different state agency than NYS Parks, Rec. & Hist. Pres.
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A surprising number of guys out on the south end around noon today. Must figure tomorrow's gonna be no good weatherwise.
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A surprising number of guys out on the south end around noon today. Must figure tomorrow's gonna be no good weatherwise.
I was one of them. Not much action 1 perch 13 inches buddy lost one decent walleye in the hole. Probably would have done better with an early start but we waited till about ten when temp got above 0. 7 inches of ice 14 -16 FOW
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I was one of them. Not much action 1 perch 13 inches buddy lost one decent walleye in the hole. Probably would have done better with an early start but we waited till about ten when temp got above 0. 7 inches of ice 14 -16 FOW
Agree. I was loser that was too lazy to take transducer out of hole when trying to land Walter. I thought ice would be thicker given the cold weather we had over weekend, but the 7 inches or so is solid. As usual, you have to move around out there to find the bigger fish.
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Fishing is a sport where we learn something new every time out. Hopefully you wont make that mistake again. That's why my transducer cable is now tied to the unit so no play and when I pick up unit transducer is free from the hole I don't have to try to grab the cable
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I will be coming up to saratoga this weekend for the beer festival & ice fishing ...Hopefully the ice will still
be good with all this rain we are getting today... :)
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I'll be out there tomorrow as well. I think the ice should be held up fine so far today there has not been much rain.
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I live 1/3 mile from the lake and its 50 degrees and raining hard here at 2:30pm.
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I had always been told that as long as your sled is registered and insured you could access Toga from the state launch. However no wheelers are allowed since you can't legally operate a wheeler on any state land it good ole NYS.
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Anybody been by fish creek today? Just wondering how bad it's looking w the rain..any info appreciated
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How did everything hold up with the rain and 50 degree weather?
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Hopefully the ice will still be good for this weekend ...I got a room at the Nest motel at browns beach for 3 nights ...They said I can get on the ice from there ...Looking forward to this coming weekend... The beer festival is on sat. :) still gives me time to hit the ice...stay on top guys see you this weekend... :icefish:
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How did everything hold up with the rain and 50 degree weather?
Down by Brown's it isn't bad. There is a 2-3" puddle on the way out, but once past that the ice is either bare or has < 1"water/thin ice on top. Thickness is fine everywhere I checked, >6" I'd say.
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A friend of mine just told me that the commissioner was just at Brown's. From what I understand, he said he's going to start charging people to park if they don't start respecting the property (i.e. parking on the lawn, leaving trash etc.). There's a bent post that they use to tie down the picnic tables too. My friend said something about shanty, so we may see him on here with something to say. I hope this access doesn't get ruined because of other people's lack of respect. :-\
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A friend of mine just told me that the commissioner was just at Brown's. From what I understand, he said he's going to start charging people to park if they don't start respecting the property (i.e. parking on the lawn, leaving trash etc.). There's a bent post that they use to tie down the picnic tables too. My friend said something about shanty, so we may see him on here with something to say. I hope this access doesn't get ruined because of other people's lack of respect. :-\
Only a matter of time, don't know how many beer cans I picked up last year
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I will be fishing there for the first time this weekend ...I will do my part & pick up the ice & grounds of any trash...
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fished yesterday north of snake hill.. used the quad to get out... shoreline ice had a lot of water on top of it out to about 150 yards then hard black ice, >7 inches everywhere we drilled. Fishing was slow
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looking for pointers on the walleyes in there for next week hoping to at least catch one for the season rock beds or points will be helpful thanks
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Looking to venture out tomorrow for the first time this year. With this warming trend do you think its still safe tomorrow? Never ice fished Toga.
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Where are you looking to go out at? Use caution and common sense but public spots like browns beach and off fitch road will be fine tommorrow. Many out fishing those locations today
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This is my 1st time venturing out to Toga so it sounds like you helped me narrow my options. Thanks.
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anyone still been catching any eyes on toga? if so was wondering if anyone been catching them in the shallows yet? been skunked the last 3 trips. been fishing around 12 to 25 fow. Did well with the crappies though. got dozen on sunday from 12 to 16in.
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Is there enough ice to fish? Drove past today and saw 2 guys off Fitch - none anywhere else. Looks like you're gonna at least need a plank or tall boots.
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Is there enough ice to fish? Drove past today and saw 2 guys off Fitch - none anywhere else. Looks like you're gonna at least need a plank or tall boots.
I drove by the south end and Brown's. The shoreline is shot at Brown's and the south end looked very sketchy. I also saw those guys, chessie. They were in or near the spots that I have been hammering the gills and craps for the last week. Stay on top everyone, but it you can't stay on top grab a fin on your way down. Seriously, don't take stupid risks. No fish is worth it.
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Well, I feel fortunate to have gotten this weekend in. That leap from the shore to the hard ice wasn't bad today, but it's not gonna get any easier. I can summarize my season with a couple pic's.
One of the reasons I fish is because I like to eat fish
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn38/Chessieman1/IMG_0994_1_1_zpsd8r02exn.jpg) (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/Chessieman1/media/IMG_0994_1_1_zpsd8r02exn.jpg.html)
And this is the other reason - showed him how to use the flasher and bait a tear drop - training ended and catching began - an ice fisherman is born.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn38/Chessieman1/IMG_0093B_1_zpsqchwtkxf.jpg) (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/Chessieman1/media/IMG_0093B_1_zpsqchwtkxf.jpg.html)
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nice pics the smile on this rookie fisherman says it all. lots of good eating right there.
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Kinda off topic but the weather is changing...does anyone know how much it costs to dock a boat seasonally here just looking for a rough number thanks guys
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One guy with brass balls off of fitch right now haha... lots of open water spots throughout the mainlake
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One guy with brass balls off of fitch right now haha... lots of open water spots throughout the mainlake
Ummm,yeh...that was yours truly. :P
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Kinda off topic but the weather is changing...does anyone know how much it costs to dock a boat seasonally here just looking for a rough number thanks guys
My impression from hearing talk over the years docking at Lee's Campground is the least expensive on the lake. Point Breeze & the marina across from him supposedly have grumbled about it (this according to someone who works at Lee's - don't really know first hand). No idea the actual fees but I'd start with Lee's and then check the other two. There is also South Shore Marina on the south end. Some complaints/grumblings over the years about fees there but more about launching, especially on weekends, not sure about docking. There are sometimes issues on the south end in early spring with water levels making it difficult to get out, not a problem usually on the north end.
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My impression from hearing talk over the years docking at Lee's Campground is the least expensive on the lake. Point Breeze & the marina across from him supposedly have grumbled about it (this according to someone who works at Lee's - don't really know first hand). No idea the actual fees but I'd start with Lee's and then check the other two. There is also South Shore Marina on the south end. Some complaints/grumblings over the years about fees there but more about launching, especially on weekends, not sure about docking. There are sometimes issues on the south end in early spring with water levels making it difficult to get out, not a problem usually on the north end.
But there are times that you are blocked in at the north end by the rowers. Now that one of the rowing teams owns the house in between Stewarts and the STATE launch they take it all over a few different times throughout the summer. :pinch:
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anyone been out on the lake fishing at all? was wondering if the shorelines tightened up at all
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Drove by Fitch this afternoon and there was three guys out there
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A number of guys off Fitch this morning. The ice has moved close to shore, access looks easy. South end is shot, Fish creek is shot, access from the Canoe/kayak launch looks very sketchy. Maybe the last chance this year.
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A number of guys off Fitch this morning. The ice has moved close to shore, access looks easy. South end is shot, Fish creek is shot, access from the Canoe/kayak launch looks very sketchy. Maybe the last chance this year.
Saw the same just a short while ago. I'd just suggest being careful anywhere you go this weekend.