The St. Lawrence River & 1,000 Islands

The number of fish we caught on that first trip can only be described as LOTS, but nothing compared to what we would experience in the years to come. Each year we learned more and more about the area, and traveled greater distances from our base in Alexandria Bay, New York. We bought maps, did research, talked to locals, and put together a game plan and pattern that would serve us well for years to come.

In 1976 the entire club ventured up to Alexandria Bay for a week of fantastic Smallmouth Bass action; a club tournament and an inter-club tournament with the “Thousand Island Bassmasters”. This became an annual event each June, and we all enjoyed a great time. We kicked butt for three years in a row, and the “Thousand Island Bassmasters” stopped competing with us. I guess it was just too embarrassing??

I made a few good friends in the area… Walt Adams for instance. One of the nicest, most generous and mechanically talented gentlemen it has ever been my pleasure to meet. We became good friends, and fished together every chance we got. One year I left my Skeeter HP150 bass boat in his yard and ran up and down the highway every weekend for three months. Those were the “good ole days”. Walt passed away a few years ago, and I have missed him since. Sue and Steve Keeler, sister and brother who operate “Van’s Marine”, right on the water there. And Roger and Debbie Moyse, who own and operate “Otter Creek Inn”, right beside the public boat ramp in Alex Bay. Back then they owned the “Maple Crest” motel. There were a few others, but I have long since lost touch with them. SHAME… They were the great days of my youth!

I stopped going to the area in 1986, after a messy divorce and my retirement from BASS clubs and fishing tournaments. My fishin’ partner and I started venturing to other areas, like the Florida Keys, Northern Quebec, Australia, and other fishin’ hot spots. I had all but forgotten about the wonderful times and great fishing I had experienced in the Thousand Islands area. Not to mention the grand scenery, historic importance and the friends I had made there.

Recently, my two nephews Kevin and Eric Mackereth, asked me to take them on a little fishing trip somewhere near. Neither of them fishes a whole lot, and they just wanted to get out with their famous uncle and enjoy a good time fishing and a few laughs. I couldn’t think of a better place to take them than the “Thousand Islands”.

A quick call to Debbie, at “Otter Creek Inn” and I secured accommodations for June of 2003. After being pestered for two weeks, I made up a list of things to take for the two nephews and picked out some of my less expensive rods and reels for them to use. They were like two kids on Christmas Eve and couldn’t WAIT to hit the road. We packed up and moved out one early Monday morning for the seven hour drive north. With boat in tow and tackle and gear piled high, we looked like a circus train on a mission.

About five miles from our final destination, we encountered a burned out bearing on the boat trailer, and had it not been for the generous help and assistance from Roger, we would have been in REAL trouble. You can bet I will carry a complete hub and bearing assembly with me from now on! We finally limped into the motel parking lot around six in the evening, a loss of about four hours of fishing time.

A new day dawned bright and early on Tuesday, and the nephews and I set out on our big adventure. We fished all of my old haunts and secret “Hot Spots” and caught fish at every location. Life was GOOD! We caught LOTS of bass and pike for the entire week, and the guys were elated. We boated several Largemouth Bass in the 3 to 4 pound class, and I caught one on a BOOYAH Spinnerbait that went 5 lbs. 12 oz. The boys had never experienced such great fishing before. One afternoon, Kevin hooked a BIG fish. “What should I do?” he asks as the 8# test Silver Thread line peeled from his reel. We chased the brute around Goose Bay for 20 minutes, and each time we got it close, it would take off again, peeling line from the reel with little effort. After about 30 minutes I got a glimpse of a nice set of “bugle lips” and a flash of “gold” color. Kevin and I finally boated the 32 inch, 25 pound Carp. He was disappointed, but I reminded him of what a thrilling fight he had just experienced, and that even I had never caught a Carp that huge. I am sure he began to appreciate the moment more, as we took photos of his prize and released it back into the water. To me, ANY fish is a worthy adversary and deserves the respect given to any of God’s creatures. If Carp would only “JUMP”… They would be the most popular game fish in the entire country. I can see it all now… C.A.S.S., The Carp Anglers Sportsman’s Society and “Carp Pro Shops”! Uncle Josh “Dough Balls”? What a HOOT! But the lowly Carp is one of the most popular and sought after gamefish in England and Western Europe.

But back to our story! We didn’t bother to obtain a Canadian license on this trip, simply because we were only going to be there a few days and there is plenty of water on the US side to keep anyone busy. I would however recommend you purchase both a New York and a Canadian license, especially if you are not familiar with the location of the International Border. The OPP are not very sympathetic or understanding and the border zigs and zags amongst the islands. And there are no “Signs” to alert you as to your location.

St. Lawrence River - TRIP CHECK

Location: The Thousand Islands region covers a lot of area, and is situated on the border between the US/New York and Canada. From the South, East or West… Take I-81 North until you see a sign that reads “Last Exit Before Paying Toll”, exit I-81 here and take State Rte 12N to Alexandria Bay, or State Rte 12S to Clayton.

When to go: Bass season normally opens on the third Saturday of June. And specifically targeting and catching bass before the opening day is a crime. There are LOTS of Northern Pike and Rock Bass to keep the early visitor happy and active though, and… Well… You can’t help it if a bass jumps on that Tube Lure you are casting for Rock Bass or the Spinnerbait you are using for Pike? Summer time is great topwater fishing for bass and pike. Fishing a rubber mouse over the many weed beds and lily pad fields can produce some great action. Largemouth Bass can be found in the weedy coves and Smallmouth have begun to go DEEP. Fall is the best time to temp one of the giant Musky into chomping on you lure. The creeks will hold lots of Largemouth and Pike.

Where to fish: In spring, the shallow, weedy coves, feeder creeks and Lake of the Isle tend to warm soonest. When the water temp in the river reaches 54 degrees or so, the Smallmouth will stack up at the head and foot of most of the islands close to the main channel. Pike will be abundant in the bays and creeks. In summer the Smallmouth go deep (60 feet or more) and do not return to shallow water in the fall. Pike fishing is good, and the toothy critters LOVE a nice topwater offering. Fall is the time to fish the shoals and rocks, and weed bed edges for Musky, and the creeks will contain good numbers of Pike and Largemouth Bass.

What to fish: Some of my favorite lures, and the species I use them for, include…

Smallmouth Bass… 4in. Tube Lures; Salty Spider Jigs; 4in. Salty Sinkin’ Worm; White Spinnerbaits; Suspending Rogue Minnows; Rebel Crawdad Crankbaits; Zara Spook; Rebel Pop-R; Tiny Torpedo

Largemouth Bass… Moss Mouse; Johnson Silver Spoon w/White Twin-Tail grub trailer; Zara Spook; 5in. Salty Sinkin’ Worm; Suspending Rogue Minnow; White Terminator Spinnerbait; 6in. Salty Lizard

Northern Pike… White Terminator Spinnerbait; Floating & Suspending Rogue Minnow; Chartreuse-Pearl 6in. Lizard or Worm; Zara Spook; Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon w/White Twin-Tail grub trailer; Williams Wobbler Spoon w/White Twin-Tail grub trailer; Jitterbug; Moss Mouse

Where to stay: As with all tourist areas, there are many, many choices for accommodations. From luxury hotels to small cabins along the bays. Plush homes on the islands to campgrounds. NOW… My idea of “roughing it” is a motel with a black-and-white TV and no cable, and I have an dislike for parting with my money. Also… I like CONVIENCE! I don’t want to have to lug all my gear a mile both ways from the boat to the room and back. I also need handy electrical outlets for my battery chargers, and I want a dock in a “No Wake” zone, so my boat doesn’t get beat up.

“Otter Creek Inn” – Years ago I stayed at the “Maple Crest Motel”, owned and operated by Roger and Debbie Moyse. They now have the “Otter Creek Inn” located right beside the public boat ramp in the heart of Alexandria Bay, New York. The “Inn” is situated in Otter Creek (DUH) which is at the back of the main bay in Alex Bay. It is secluded and quite, with very little boat traffic in a “No Wake” zone. Rooms are spacious and clean, most with refrigerators, and all feature individual heat and air conditioning, cable color TV and HBO; there is ample parking for boat trailers; Ice; great docking facilities with electrical outlets and even picnic tables. Situated just two blocks from beautiful downtown Alexandria Bay, and is the areas “most affordable motel”. Roger and Debbie will go out of their way to provide you with whatever you need, and will do their best to see to it that you have a comfortable, trouble free and enjoyable stay at “Otter Creek Inn”. Tell them the “Fishin’ Gypsy” sent you! PHONE: 315-482-5248

Information:
Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce – 315-482-9531

Guides

Silver Isle Charters - Located right at the Otter Creek Inn, Capt. Roger Moyse will provide you with everything you need… A large, safe and comfortable boat, the very latest in electronic fish finding and safety equipment, all tackle needed, expert knowledge and even a shore lunch. He will be happy to guide you for Bass, Northern Pike, Musky, Lake Trout or Walleye. His real specialty is “Musky Hunts” and they are “World Class”. He has guided many clients to “Trophy” Musky action. PHONE: 315-482-5248

Chic Melfi Guide Service – Climb aboard Chic’s 26’ “Pursuit” walk around cabin boat and you will be in for a fantastic fishing experience. He specializes in Bass, Pike, Walleye and Lake Trout. His Musky fishing excursions are first class and productive, with many fish boated that could only be described as “Trophy Class”. Bring you food and drink, and Chic will furnish everything else you need. PHONE: 315-482-7606

Tackle Shops: No trip to the 1,000 Islands, or even Canada for that matter, would be complete without a stop at the “1,000 Islands Bait Store”. Situated just a stones throw from I-81 on State Rte. 12S, it is your fishing headquarters for the area, and the last chance for US Gas prices before entering Canada. You can secure you New York fishing license there; purchase topo maps of the river; stock up on gas and ice; purchase tackle and live bait (they have a GREAT selection of live bait); and catch the latest fishing information and tips. They have a huge selection of lures that are effective in this area and will be glad to advise you on which lures to purchase, based on time of year and species of fish targeted, as well as what color and size to use. PHONE: 315-482-9903

Where to Eat: At last… My FAVORITE subject! There are oodles of restaurants, pizza parlors, snack shacks and bars in downtown Alexandria Bay. I have been in and eaten in most of them. My very favorites include…

Coleman’s Smoke House – Located on Market Street, just a half block off the main drag of James Street, is without a doubt, my favorite place to chow down in A-Bay. The “Florida Keys” atmosphere makes me a little homesick for my favorite islands and the service is friendly and fast. And the ribs, chicken, and seafood dishes are prepared with that southern flare. Even when we eat at another area restaurant, we still go to Coleman’s for Dessert… YUMMMM! PHONE: 315-482-7427

Cavallario’s Restraunt – Located right on Church Street (the main street into Alex Bay), just a half-block from James Street. A great atmosphere, impeccable service and fine cuisine make this one of the areas best. Steaks, seafood and pasta dishes are prepared by their resident chef. PHONE: 315-482-9867

Hudson’s Family Café – Located just about 3 miles south of Alex-Bay, on Route 26, and right on Brown’s Corner’s, just come out of the bay on Church Street and go straight at the light. If you go hungry here… It’s your own fault! Open early for breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the true Café tradition. Home cooked food, and plenty of it, home made desserts, reasonable pricing and friendly service make this a special place to dine. PHONE: 315-482-3120

Casa da Pasta – I don’t include this restaurant as a recommendation, but rather as a WARNING! If I have ever had a WORSE dining experience, I don’t remember it! No choice of salad dressing… You take “Italian” or nothing! I had to practically BEG to have some lousy canned, sliced mushrooms put on my spaghetti (the waitress had the cook “HIDE” them under the pasta so the manager wouldn’t see them), and the meatballs were not quite as good as the ones in a can of Chef Boy-R-Dee. To add injury to insult, the price was anything but reasonable, and if you went by the quality of the food, they would have to PAY YOU to eat there. We re-named it “Casa da Barff”!

Marina’s and Fuel: Stop at “Van’s Marine” located in the heart of the bay, right across from the town’s public dock. They have a full line of marine fuels and oils, parts, service and a friendly greeting for you. It is the handiest place to “fuel up” in the area too. Tell Sue or Steve that the ole “Fishin’ Gypsy” sent you.

Conclusion: After several years absence, I found the fishing, scenery, peacefulness and beauty still very much intact at the 1,000 Islands. I didn’t have the time or opportunity to visit all of my old haunts and fishin’ “Hot Spots”, but the ones I did venture to proved to be as productive as always. You can bet that I will be going back on a regular basis now. If Smallmouth Bass, Musky, Northern Pike and Walleye are your choice to pursue, you deserve to treat yourself to a trip in the beautiful “Thousand Islands Region”. And no trip to the area would be complete without a visit to “Boldt Castle”, located on “Heart Island” directly across the river from A-Bay. The love story associated with this national landmark, the tragedy and the splendor are well worth the time to visit. Being restored to it’s original condition by the “Thousand Islands Bridge Authority” it is a sight to see.

Tight Lines,
Will Whitehead
"Pro Staff" Director