Black Lake, NY Forum

The last few weeks went by super fast it so hard to believe its over. The fishing was hit and miss. The best fishing was very early morning while the lake was still resting as my grand children say ,before it got to hot, and in the evening after dinner. We caught several large perch along tin island
and back in lonesome bay. we nailed bass like crazy one morning along the rock ledges on the front side of Jennies island. the biggest being just over 4 pounds. did not catch another bass after that. 7 pike my 9 year granddaughter caught the biggest. 28 inch. she was pretty pround. The kids caught hundreds of bluegills (throught out the three weeks) fishing from shore even in the pea soup as the lake churned with the waves. We went through many dozens worms fishing for catfish in orchard bay caught maybe 8 biggest 16 inches real fat. lost a few surface lures Which are probably still hanging in the trees. We did find the last week the crappie were liking the fat head minnows the best. The only fish kept were a few crappie for one fish dinner and they were good! As usual we had a awsome family vacation. You can't beat the relaxation and company at Black Lake can't wait to get back in the fall for a long weekend .
Good Luck to all

Nice report. Thanks.

Thanks for the report, glad that you had a good time!

Great time had by all it sound's, we had about the same with the bass, we were there from the 13 to the 20, the best fishing was in the morning as the sun came up on top water with a pop-r on rocky points, I did this for 5 days, the biggest smallmouth was about 5lbs, then we would find some AC for the day time till after supper then we went back out till the flying bugs would come out and get some nice largemouth with black worms, it wasn't a bad week but it wasn't the best we had. Better luck next year. WOW now we have to wait till then

Wow 68 degree today! The fish must be hitting like crazy with the cool down. Sure beats the 90 plus with the heat wave.

Wish I could say so, atleast they arent biting like crazy in the North end if the lake where were stayin.....goin to spend our last 2 days fishing only south of the bridge.The weather is perfect though.

Hi we are arriving at black lake for the first time sat july 27 we will be staying at Indian Point. We are looking to get on some bass and suggestions or tips would be greatly appriciated on where,what depth and what your catching them on this time of year? Also how is the algea bloom this year/water clarity thanks in advance Darrin...

Can anyone tell me how bad the algae bloom is? water color? thinking about a trip soon. Thanks

The latest report on samples submitted by CSLAP Volunteers from the Black Lake Association, Inc. tested positive for two types of Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae): Aphanizomenon and Microcystis. One of the three localized blooms--Microcystis had very high levels of Toxin associated with the bloom. The Toxin identified as Microcystin and was at the highest level ever measured in Black Lake--109 micrograms per Liter.

People should avoid fishing in these bloom areas and definitely should NOT eat fish taken in these areas. If you or pets are exposed to algae you should wash the affected area or pet with copious amounts of clean water. If you experience any gastrointestinal upset or skin rashes or eye irritation you should seek medical help immediately.

The algae blooms are NOT generalized all over the lake but are specific to certain areas, i.e., they are localized. If you avoid these areas, it is safe and fun to recreate, boat, fish, swim in non-algae areas of Black Lake. Because one cannot tell by looking at algae whether it is a harmful type or not it is best to stay away from all algae-thick areas. These are usually in quiet bays and near shorelines of mainland or between mainland and islands.

The one bloom that has been confirmed with high toxins is north of the Rt. 58 causeway and between Booths Island and the main shore. For further information go to these DEC links: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html and http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html .

Sincerely,

Rich Henderson, Director, Black Lake Association