Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Minna Anthony Nature Center on Wellesley Island

The islands are elongated parallel to the river, with blunt upstream ends and gentle downstream trailing slopes. Evidence of the glaciers can be seen throughout the region in the form of glacial furrows, glacial erratics, and potholes. A glacial pothole is a semi cylindrical hole gouged out of the bedrock by the scouring action of rocks and pebbles in the floodwaters of retreating glaciers. The best known (and largest) example of a pothole in the Islands is Half Moon Bay on Bostwick Island. Several smaller examples of potholes can be seen along the Eel Bay Trail portion of the Minna Anthony Nature Center on Wellesley Island. An example of a glacial furrow can be found in the road cut on Route 12 just outside of Keewaydin State Park. Here the bedrock of Precambrian gneiss has been scoured and polished by boulders at the bottom of the glaciers. Glacial erratics are boulders from elsewhere that were carried by the ice and then dumped as the glaciers melted. These can be found throughout the region.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

along the St. Lawrence River

The former industrial site will become a focal point in the Mohawks’ cultural restoration program, funded by a $19 million settlement in 2013 with GM, Alcoa and Reynolds for pollution of tribal fishing and hunting grounds along the St. Lawrence River. The program partners young apprentices with tribal elders to preserve the Mohawk language and pass on traditional practices such as hunting, fishing, trapping, basket-making, horticulture and medicine.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Thousand Island Park

 You can ride on a tour boat or rent a houseboat in Alexandria Bay New York. Watch hulking ocean-going freighters pass along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Go scuba diving to look at underwater shipwrecks. Attend vesper services by boat. Take a shuttle boat to shop at the Boateak on Bluff Island or a ferry to dine at an inn on Wolfe Island. Stay overnight at a B&B on a boat or an island. Camp in a cabin on Canoe Island or a tent on Mary Island, and island-hop between campsites in Canada's St. Lawrence National Park.
  You can visit North America's largest freshwater maritime museum, see first-rate theater at a playhouse beside the water, visit a nature center on Wellesley Island, reminisce in the Victorian homes and ambiance of Thousand Island Park, relive the past on Wolfe Island, and enjoy the local Thousand Island salad dressing and River Rat cheese.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Singer Castle on Dark Island, is located on the St. Lawrence Seaway


Singer castleWhen we pull up to the dock there is a gift shop and Singer Castle Guides forming groups for to take you around. You walk up a fairly steep incline to these gigantic medieval wooden doors passage ways and guest quarters. The great room has a large rock fireplace, grey rock and granite walls, with real suits of armor in the corners,mirrors place on the end walls make the room look twice its size.
Singer Castle 's has a huge medieval entrance with Knights of Armor in a great room with a granite and marble fireplace. A small and beautiful staircase leads up to the dining rooms and servant areas with large windows frames with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River .You can see the St.Lawrence Seaway and the grounds from these windows.
The Drawing Room features elk, caribou, deer and moose mounted on the four walls. A picture on one of the walls tips back so the host could watch from the secret passageway. Different grates were hidden in the walls and were used by servant's to watch the millionaire guests, and as rumor has it to signal to the owner what cards the players had when playing poker.

Monday, October 3, 2016

Drift fishing rivers for walleye

Fishing with a jig tipped with a minnow, leech or a whole worm takes walleyes in just about every lake or river. If you have a fish finder to locate the walleyes and to see the depth of the water is also a big help. Another way is to watch where the other walleye fishermen are fishing and drift along with them. Drift fishing rivers for walleye is the best way to have good luck when fishing.
These steps required to get a walleye to see their bait and potentially bite. Walleye fisherman need to stay informed on what baits and speed is necessary to catch them. The diet of walleye shifts very rapidly depending on what is available for them to eat.

Monday, September 26, 2016

St. Lawrence River Smallmouth bass

You can try a 3/4 ounce spoon , but heavier spoons can be used to help you stay on top of deep fish in wind or current also spinners are good to use.They are extremely good baits for deep smallmouth.You should fish submerged islands or humps and shoals, try tipping them with a live worm or night crawler. You need to vary your retrieve cast and let the bait fall on a tight line, then bounce the spoon off the bottom and let fall again.
You should watch your depth finder for rock ledges that drop off quickly from about six to twelve feet. Look for fish along rocky structures with and without light weed lines. You can use a live worm and light sinker. Cast the bait and let it bounce along the top of shoals.  You are likely to catch several bass in the same locations especially near rocks and drop offs to deeper water. You should fish along and over the top of weed beds. You can try jigs tip with a worm or minnow. Try a plastic worm it is a good strategy because even the most slow moving bass will respond.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Lake of the Isles has outstanding habitat

Lake of the Isles has outstanding habitat values for resident and river-based fisheries resources. The extensive beds of aquatic vegetation, high water quality, shelter from strong winds and wave action, and undeveloped shoreline areas, create highly favorable conditions for spawning and nursery use by many warm water fish species. Included among these are bowfin, northern pike, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, rock bass, pumpkinseed, bluegill, black crappie, and yellow perch. Several uncommon species, such as yellow bullhead and chain pickerel are also found in the area. Lake of the Isles is a major concentration area in the river for many of these species, and is especially renowned for its largemouth bass population.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds is great you take a elevator down to the bottom of the falls. They give you a poncho to wear and sandles.Once there you walk to the bottom of the falls and the wind and power from the falls is amazing you have to go there for the thrill and you will get soaked from the water.
They also offer the Maid of the Mist boat cruise which will take you to the whirlpools and bottom of Niagara falls. The water flow on the American side of the falls is much less in strength because of Goat Island,  whereas Horseshoe Falls has no obstruction to divert it. The view of Niagra and Horseshoe falls is breathtaking. Be prepared to get soaked and keep your cameras covered.
Whirlpool Rapids is down river a bit and you can take a power boat ride through the rapids its great fun. At the bottom of Niagra falls, the water travels 15 miles over many gorges and whirl pools to enjoy. The guides will tell you of the great history of Niagara falls and how they were formed.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Cornwall Brothers Store Museum

Alexandria Township Historical Society and Cornwall Brothers Store Museum. Located on the River at 36 Market Street, Alexandria Bay NY.
The Cornwall Brothers Store Museum is owned and operated by the Alexandria Township Historical Society.  Located at 36 Market Street in Alexandria Bay on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the 1866 historic stone building celebrated its Sesquicentennial anniversary during the summer season.  Exhibits on the first floor include “Rediscovering Fitzgerald and Lee”, a pictorial history of Alexandria Bay’s renown boat builders, a time line of the Cornwall Family history and ‘Round the Houses Races”, the story of the elite group of ARCA car racing enthusiasts who gained national attention during the races held on village streets from 1936-1940.  The second floor of the museum showcases a variety of exhibits depicting life during the early years in the Thousand Islands.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

St. Lawrence River has outstanding bass fishing

St. Lawrence River has outstanding bass fishing for residents and bass fishinermen.When you visit this part of New York make sure you fish the Lake of the Isles. The Lake of the Isles in upstate New York is one of the largest inland bay fishing spots on the St. Lawrence River. This lake area is
unique in the area because of its limited excess to the St. Lawrence River.
There are large beds of lily pads and weed banks  with very clear water that offers fine bass fishing.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

smallmouth was initially reported as 8.15 pounds

The fish was caught around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning August 28, 2016 in the St. Lawrence River near Cape Vincent. At the time the conditions were calm with overcast skies and 70-degree air temperature and a water temperature of 74 degrees. Patrick saw a large fish arch in 35 feet of water on his Humminbird fishfinder and was able to mark the arch and drive back over it, enabling him to catch the fish using the dropshot technique. Cape Vincent, New York sponsored by the Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce.
Patrick’s smallmouth was initially reported as 8.15 pounds. The tournament scales were sent out for a recertification due to the possibility of a state record fish. After getting the recertified scales back, Patrick’s fish actually was found to weigh in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces. This tied the New York state smallmouth record set in 1995 by Andrew Kartesz. The fish measured 21 1/2 inches long and had a girth of 20 3/4 inches around. After weighing, measuring and photographing the fish, it was successfully released back into the river alive to continue to grow.?

Thursday, August 25, 2016

DEC modifies freshwater sportfishing regulations

DEC modifies freshwater sportfishing regulations approximately every two years as part of DEC’s commitment to enhance fishing opportunities and protect the State’s freshwater resources.
The proposals include:
• Reduce the daily limit from five to three northern pike for St. Lawrence River and define boundary between Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
• Close two short sections of Fish Creek and Indian River in St. Lawrence County to fishing from March 16 until the opening of walleye season.
• Close a section of the Grasse River in St. Lawrence County to all fishing from March 16 until the opening of walleye season.
• Clarify that St. Lawrence River tributaries in Franklin and Clinton counties are exempt from Great Lakes regulations.
• Several non-substantive regulation modifications are also proposed to remove duplicate regulations and to make structural changes designed to allow for easier modification of regulations in the future.
“I encourage anglers to review what is being proposed and provide input during the public comment period,” he said.
DEC assessed the status of existing freshwater sportfish populations and the desires of anglers in developing these proposed regulations.
Many of the proposed changes are the result of an effort to consolidate regulations and eliminate special regulations that are no longer warranted or have become outdated.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Asian carp

Charter fishing groups want federal officials to act further to prevent an invasive species from entering the Great Lakes as they fear dire consequences to their businesses.
A coalition of charter boat captains from the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River is asking Congress to do more, saying additional action is needed to stop the spread of Asian carp.
“While we are pleased with the steps taken so far to prevent Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan, it’s not enough. We need permanent solutions as fast as possible,” Denny Grinold, owner of Fish N Grin Charter Service in Michigan, said in a written statement issued Tuesday. “We keep hearing Congress is getting Asian carp fatigue, but our livelihoods depend on keeping these invasive fish out of the Great Lakes and the only fail-proof solution is separating the two watersheds.”

Friday, July 15, 2016

Asian carp in the Great Lakes.

Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program is asking the public to be on the lookout for Asian carp in the Great Lakes.
First brought to North America in the 1960s and 1970s, the voracious eaters have out-muscled native fish species in the Mississippi River and its tributaries, while migrating closer to the Great Lakes.
If Asian carp become established in the Great Lakes, it's feared the negative impact on the Ontario's sport fishing, and other commercial and recreational activities on the lakes, could reach several billion dollars, annually.
Asian carp consume up to 40 per cent of their body weight each day, leaving little food for native fish. Grass Carp, a variety of Asian carp, also destroy wetlands.
Asian carp also reproduce any quickly, allowing them to dominate habitats, according to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
“There have been some reports of grass carp, but they're not currently established in the Great Lakes,” said Sarah Chadwick, a spokesperson for the federation.
An established population would mean that the fish are reproducing in the Great Lakes, she said.
The most recent Asian carp report is a 29-kilogram fish caught in the St. Lawrence River.
Since 1992, the federation has partnered with the provincial and federal governments on programs to fight invasive species, including Asian carp.
That includes a new push to educate the public about how to identify Asian carp, and encourage them to report sightings to the Invading Species Hotline, 1-800-563-7711, or by contacting the nearest Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office.

Monday, July 11, 2016

spawning lake sturgeons

Environmental Conservation is encouraging anglers to be aware of spawning lake sturgeons in New York’s Great Lakes waters, Great Lakes connecting channels and in tributaries of the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes and Oneida Lake.DEC staff received numerous reports of lake sturgeon caught by anglers targeting walleye at this time of year.“Due to ongoing restoration efforts by DEC and our partners, encounters between anglers and lake sturgeon are becoming increasingly common,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “We ask for anglers to help protect these impressive fish during this critical period in their long recovery.”Lake sturgeons are listed as a threatened species in New York, therefore, there is no open season for the fish and possession is prohibited. Anglers should not intentionally target the fish. If an angler catches a sturgeon, they should move to another area or change fishing gear to avoid catching another. Anglers who do unintentionally hook one should follow practices to ensure that the fish are returned to the water unharmed. These include: avoiding bringing the fish into the boat if possible; using pliers to remove the hook; always support the fish horizontally — do not hold a sturgeon in a vertical position by their head, gills or tails; never touch the eyes or gills; and minimize the time out of the water and return them to the water immediately once they are freed from fishing gear.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

pike family, muskellunge

 Members of the pike family, muskellunge are apex predators. They’re distributed primarily throughout northern Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Great Lakes region, northward into Canada and the St. Lawrence River drainage. Typical fish run 28 to 48 inches, weighing upward of 30 pounds, although fish approaching 60 inches and over 60 pounds have been recorded.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Lake sturgeon

"Lake sturgeon are listed as a threatened species in New York, therefore, there is no open season for the fish and possession is prohibited," DEC said. "Anglers should not intentionally target these rare fish. If an angler catches a sturgeon, they should move to another area or change fishing gear to avoid catching another. Anglers who do unintentionally hook one should follow practices to ensure that the fish are returned to the water unharmed including:
* "Avoid bringing the fish into the boat, if possible.
*"Use pliers to remove the hook; sturgeon are almost always hooked in the mouth.
*"Always support the fish horizontally. Do not hold sturgeon in a vertical position by their head, gills or tails.
*"Never touch their eyes or gills.
* "Minimize their time out of the water and return them to the water immediately once they are freed from fishing gear."

Friday, June 24, 2016

legislation in the Canadian Senate

Both Mr. Runciman and Mr. Brown have introduced legislation in the Canadian Senate, and in the Canadian House of Commons, that would exempt U.S. pleasure boaters from reporting when they enter Canadian waters as long as they don’t disembark, anchor, moor, make contact with another vessel or import goods.
The proposal would also exempt Canadian pleasure boaters from reporting to their own customs officials when they return to Canadian waters, as long as they met the same conditions while in U.S. waters.Mr. Runciman said the Canadian law as it is now written is unreasonable.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Maid of the Mist

They also offer the Maid of the Mist boat cruise which will take you to the whirlpools and bottom of Niagara falls. The water flow on the American side of the falls is much less in strength because of Goat Island,  whereas Horseshoe Falls has no obstruction to divert it. The view of Niagra and Horseshoe falls is breathtaking. Be prepared to get soaked and keep your cameras covered.
 

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Asian carp. Not good news.

The men contacted biologists from the Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks.  They came quickly he said, and were greatly surprised, adding it was if they didn’t want to see it, but were glad it was caught.The biologists were not happy because it turned out to be an Asian grass carp, an invasive species which grows and reproduces rapidly and is a voracious eater.  It’s the first Asian carp found in the St Lawrence.
Grass carp is one of four species of Asian carp, which have been wreaking havoc in American waters and pose serious threats to native species.
The grass carp species eats vegetation and can destroy the habitats of native fish where they lay eggs and where young fish can hide from larger predators.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Lake Ontario Counties

For walleye, some of the best action is around the horn near Henderson Harbor and around the mouth of the Black River. With the Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby going on at the time, anyone targeting walleye will need to fish there if they want the best chance to win. In fact, the winner was an 11 pound, 14 ounce ‘eye caught from there on opening day.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

The St. Lawrence River

“It’s definitely the sheer amount of fish you can catch there, and it has everything - large mouth bass, small mouth bass, walleye, pike, muskie, trout, perch, etc.. And  it allows for  multiple different ways of catching these fish. It suits everybody’s fishing abilities and skills.”
The St. Lawrence River covers a vast stretch of our area, from Kingston to Gananoque to Brockville. Lenny recommends staying in the Kingston – Malloryrown stretch for your best fishing.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Freshwater fishing in St. Lawrence

Freshwater fishing in St. Lawrence County and across New York state kicks off May 7 with the opening of the fishing seasons for walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskellunge.
Anglers can take advantage of the black bass catch-and-release season now underway in many waters throughout the state. Bass anglers should check the New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide to ensure that the water they desire to fish is open to catch and release angling. The regular season for black bass opens June 18.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

gobies

gobies are rife throughout the Great Lakes. In New York waters, they're found in great numbers in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. In recent years, the bug-eyed, minnow-sized fish have made their way into Central New York into the Oswego, Seneca and Oneida rivers. They're in Cross Lake, Onondaga Lake -- and most recently, in Oneida Lake.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Western New York fisheries

No major changes are listed for Western New York fisheries, but two entries on page 4 involve minimum length limits. The minimum size limit for muskellunge caught in the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River is set at 54 inches; the walleye length limit for Honeoye Lake has been raised from 15 to 18 inches.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River

Geologists tell us that the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River were created eons ago, by a combination of deep underground plate movements and glacial activity. The eastern most lakes, Erie and Ontario, along with the St. Lawrence River, are thought to be mostly formed by glacial movement. Imagine a wall of ice and snow, hundreds of feet high, grinding its way down to half past New Jersey, then slowly retreating north, melting along the way. That glacier carved out the 1000 Islands, some large and some very small. It also left shoals. They are nowhere and everywhere, none exactly the same, and all can be dangerous.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Gulf of St. Lawrence

The St. Lawrence forms part of the international border between the U.S. and Canada, and several cruise lines offer extended itineraries that include ports of call in both countries. Heading west past Montreal, smaller ships extend to the breathtaking 1,000 Islands, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago and other small towns and cities along the Great Lakes. Heading east, many ships sail beyond the river and the Gulf of St. Lawrence into the Atlantic Ocean to include ports of call in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Maine and even -- on a handful of itineraries -- Newfoundland.