Great Sacandaga Lake (BS)

[Icehole_NJ]

Guys,

Thanks for the advice...I will def bring a spud bar and rope.  I'll check back tomorrow night to see if conditions get any better.  Don't know if you guys got snow last night, but it looks like some colder weather is coming soon.  Hoping it thickens the ice like a lot of people I'm sure!!! 

Thanks again for the info!!!

[fullThrottle]

Someone posted this shanty going down on the lake. 

[bbrown009]

Yep, air boat just went past my house on return trip from checking on it. Ice around the edges look like the spring "needles" that we see in April.  A week of melting surface water infiltrating down through has weakened things a bit. Literally watch your step.

[hunts2long]

Talked to DEC as they were topping off the air boat. He said the ice is not in very good shape. Good ice in one spot, poor ice in other spots. They are saying 1 to 2 inches of snow tonight so those poor spots will be hard to see. Give it a couple days and it should get better. Be Safe...h2l

[bbrown009]

2” to 3” of heavy snow fell over night at 32 degrees, still snowing lightly. Headed to mid 30s today. We did not need this insulating cover. With any luck it will turn to slush before the cold snap so it can all freeze up. You will be walking blind today, be careful!

[hunts2long]

The ice has broken up down to Sport Island, out in the middle...Be careful...h2l

[GitRDone]

I guess the motorcycle racing that was supposed to happen this weekend by sport island must be cancelled then?

[SSmokinn SS]

I guess the motorcycle racing that was supposed to happen this weekend by sport island must be cancelled then?

Yes it’s currently rescheduled for the 25th.

[blorenzon]

Good morning everyone,
I'll be in Broadalbin over the weekend and I was planning to fish in the channel in front of Lakeside Tavern + the bay above it.
Any info on ice conditions in that area? I understand there ice had cracked around Scout Island 10 days or so ago.
Thanks in advance!
 
P.S. this is my first post, but I've been following this thread for a while. Thanks everyone for the great info

[hunts2long]

15/20 trucks parked in the parking lot at the campsite this morning. Most are set up out from the beach area. Be safe....h2l

[tipup28]

How's the ice inches wise?

[hunts2long]

There is ice but some areas are better than others. MUCH better. There are sections of the lake that were open water last weekend. If I were coming from out of the area I would try to fish where I see others fishing, or at least getting onto the lake. They have been fishing off of Northampton campsite quite a bit and there is good parking and access to the lake...h2l

[thor94]

I was fishing the north end Saturday-Sunday.  It was fishable, but not great.  3-5” in various spots and slushy. I was pretty close to shore.  I’m sure its gained over the last few days.

My brother is on the south end, and was drilling 7-8 this weekend.  That was close to shore as well.  Bays have been decent for a while, can’t say what the middle looks like. 

[Iceman12020]

Anyone have a report of ice conditions out from Wally's and how much snow remains on the lake?  Hopefully dropping the shanty this weekend.

[adkice22]

Regarding Northampton -- what species do people fish for in that area of the lake? I am new to ice fishing and have not fished Sacandaga yet.  I ask because I would like to set up my tip ups with the right leaders and hook sizes and get the right bait for the type of fish near there.  Sacandaga is only about an hour from home so it's close.  Also is it a good spot spots for numbers?  I am looking to get more chances to learn -- how to set the hook, hand line, read my fish finder, etc.  Thanks.

[piscesman]

anyone fished towards Brooks Bay?? Never fished there in winter only summer. Thanks...
      Kim

[ActiveTrapChecker]

Let’s play “fact or fiction”

I have access on the north side, in Conklinville. I’ve been told that ice tends to be a little on the sketchy side compared to other parts of Sacandaga.

Fact or fiction?

[FLAGGGG1114]

Let’s play “fact or fiction”

I have access on the north side, in Conklinville. I’ve been told that ice tends to be a little on the sketchy side compared to other parts of Sacandaga.

Fact or fiction?

I have a camp in Day on the north shore, Ive been told the same thing.  Due to the current from the river, Ive heard the ice gets sketchy up there.  I dont know from personal experience, because of what ive been told, I never wanted to find out. 

[fullThrottle]

Let’s play “fact or fiction”

I have access on the north side, in Conklinville. I’ve been told that ice tends to be a little on the sketchy side compared to other parts of Sacandaga.

Fact or fiction?

.

I’d say so. It’s definitely got current all season. Flowing water makes ice sketchy, it could be a foot thick in one spot and a couple inches 10 feet away. Definitely more forgiving when we have a good amount of ice build up.  - few other spots to look out for are Sinclair point ,  around the bridge, the south east side of scout around the channel.

[ActiveTrapChecker]

.

I’d say so. It’s definitely got current all season. Flowing water makes ice sketchy, it could be a foot thick in one spot and a couple inches 10 feet away. Definitely more forgiving when we have a good amount of ice build up.  - few other spots to look out for are Sinclair point ,  around the bridge, the south east side of scout around the channel.

Thanks for the information. Funny part is the other private access I have been granted is just east of Scout Island.

[ActiveTrapChecker]

I have a camp in Day on the north shore, Ive been told the same thing.  Due to the current from the river, Ive heard the ice gets sketchy up there.  I dont know from personal experience, because of what ive been told, I never wanted to find out.

Thanks for the info. Certainly will keep my eyes out for the current. Would never deter me but will certainly my keep me and my spud on my toes...

[hunts2long]

There were areas of open water on that arm of the lake last week. In the last 5 days the lake has gone down ONE foot. There is current so be very careful...h2l

[fullThrottle]

There were areas of open water on that arm of the lake last week. In the last 5 days the lake has gone down ONE foot. There is current so be very careful...h2l

.

How much ice is currently on the lake  ? Should have some thick ice by now.

[hunts2long]

I just talked to guys coming off the lake at the campsite. They said they were cutting 8 inches in spots to 12 inches in others. Not much slush and about 6 inches of snow. They didn't catch anything...h2l

[piscesman]

I can definitely say FACT!!!! 1st winter there from buying our camp my wife and dog went for a walk, of all places, in the center. We didn't know about the area. Well the dog went through the ice and when my wife tried to get her out she went through!!!! My wife kept her composure and grabbed the edge of the ice. She instructed the dog to climb out over her back. The dog made it and it was now my wife's turn. She used the cuffs of her jacket to dig and roll from the water. Meanwhile I'm in our unheated camp checking things out with our 7 month old son 1/2 mile away!!!!! The wife walks in all wet and cold with the dog. Went to our neighbors and heated up. A tragedy diverted to say the least. Stay safe...……………
      Kim

[ActiveTrapChecker]

I can definitely say FACT!!!! 1st winter there from buying our camp my wife and dog went for a walk, of all places, in the center. We didn't know about the area. Well the dog went through the ice and when my wife tried to get her out she went through!!!! My wife kept her composure and grabbed the edge of the ice. She instructed the dog to climb out over her back. The dog made it and it was now my wife's turn. She used the cuffs of her jacket to dig and roll from the water. Meanwhile I'm in our unheated camp checking things out with our 7 month old son 1/2 mile away!!!!! The wife walks in all wet and cold with the dog. Went to our neighbors and heated up. A tragedy diverted to say the least. Stay safe...……………
      Kim

All I can say is I’m glad they both returned to you, albeit cold and wet

[lowaccord66]

Yes, there seemed to be a lot of 14-15 inch walleyes this past summer. We had a year like that a few years ago. It got better for a few years after that. The spawn can be very hit and miss, depending on Springtime water levels. It would still be a good thing if the state could dump a couple of 5 gallon buckets of fry once in awhile....h2l

Are their any private stockings or is that not a possibility?

[hunts2long]

Piscesman, glad the wife and dog made it out. What general area of the lake was that? Just so people have an idea of the ice condition in that area. Thanks...h2l

[hunts2long]

Are their any private stockings or is that not a possibility?

The only stocking of walleye are those that are put in by GSLFF. I still do not understand why the state doesn't stock, they use too, years ago....h2l

[fullThrottle]

Yeah they stock the eyes and the trout