The Mecca of Smallmouth Bass Fishing
- Small Fry Ry
- May 16, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 10, 2023
St. Lawrence River Bronzebacks/
The St. Lawrence River is an awe-inspiring body of water that stretches over 700 miles from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, and the region of 1000 Islands located in the heart of the river is an absolute gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. It is the mecca of smallmouth bass fishing.
Planning
I planned my trip to the St. Lawrence River with the benefit of my brother's experience staying in 1000 Islands for the past few years. The area's popularity and amazing fishery have led to an abundance of information and resources available online. The top bass circuits (Bassmaster and Major League Fishing) hold professional tournaments and provide National coverage of each event. With my brother's help and resources online the planning was easy.
Getting There
Getting to the island was quite challenging as the nearest airport, Syracuse, is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away. However, there is a smaller airport in Clayton that may be more convenient for some travelers (unfortunately, my airport did not fly into it). As 1000 Islands comprises of literally thousands of islands, you will need a boat to get to your specific island (if you're staying at an Airbnb or similar accommodation). While there is a hotel in Clayton, staying on the island is highly recommended for a more immersive experience.
Location
The 1000 Islands region is made up of over 1,800 islands, each with its own charm and character. Visitors can explore the islands by boat, kayak, or paddle board and witness the spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. The region's natural beauty is simply breathtaking, with crystal-clear water, towering cliffs, and lush forests that provide a home for a wide range of wildlife.
I personally stayed on Grenell Island, which is a small island community that is rich in history and has a tight-knit feel. The island is a beautiful mix of dense forest and open meadows, with several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding islands. I found the people on the island to be amazing and extremely personable. During my stay, I was fortunate enough to be there on a Sunday when one of the neighbors was hosting Sangria Sunday, a weekly gathering where island residents come together for drinks, appetizers, and good company. It was a great opportunity to get to know the locals and experience the warm and welcoming community on the island.
Aside from the natural beauty, the region is also steeped in history, with many historic sites and landmarks, such as Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, that offer a glimpse into the region's past. Visitors can also take part in various activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, the St. Lawrence River and 1000 Islands region are truly amazing and offer a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.
Food
Being on an island, we only ate out once in Clayton. We had a boat which was cool to pull into town by boat instead of a car. We ended up eating at The Channelside, a popular dining destination because of the waterfront seating on the St. Lawrence River. The restaurant offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating available and stunning views of the river.
The menu at Channelside is focused on contemporary American cuisine, with a variety of seafood, steak, and pasta dishes on offer. One of the highlights of the menu is the fresh seafood, which is caught locally and prepared in a variety of creative and flavorful ways.
The restaurant's interior is warm and welcoming, with a rustic yet modern design that incorporates natural materials such as wood and stone. The outdoor seating area is particularly popular, with tables situated right on the riverfront and offering stunning views of passing boats and picturesque islands.
We ordered several dishes at Channelside, including the Channelside Mac-N-Cheese, St. Lawrence Perch Fry, and the Hanger Steak. The mac-n-cheese caught our attention as it had the restaurant's name in the title and it did not disappoint - loaded with baby scallops, shrimp, and chorizo, it was a deliciously decadent take on the classic comfort food. As we were on the St. Lawrence River, the St. Lawrence Perch Fry was a must-try dish, and it lived up to our expectations - the mild and tender fish was perfectly fried and served with a side of french fries and coleslaw. The Hanger Steak was a generous 10oz. portion served with a flavorful chimichurri sauce, making it a standout dish as well. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Channelside and would give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Fishing
Although I didn't land any trophy-sized bronzebacks, the fishing on the St. Lawrence River is truly amazing. It's easy to see why smallmouth bass fishing is widely regarded as some of the best in the world. With water clarity in some areas reaching over 20 feet, the St. Lawrence is a uniquely clear and pristine river system. The river boasts a thriving population of smallmouth bass, with many reaching impressive sizes - 5-6 pounds is not uncommon, and 3-pounders are almost standard. The river's rocky shoals, deep pools, and swift currents provide an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass to thrive, making it a popular destination for anglers from around the world, particularly in the Thousand Islands area. For our fishing, we primarily used a dropshot rig with a flatworm, but occasionally had success with a hair-jig as well.
Just in July of 2022, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jay Przekurat won the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with an unbelievable record breaking four-day total of 102 pounds and 9 ounces. Which beat an amazing 100 pound and 5 ounce total by Elite Pro Cory Johnston.
“That was my goal going into today — to catch 28 and break 100 pounds. I knew (Przekurat) was going to catch 24 to 25 pounds, so I did all I could out there. I left it all out there.” -Elite Series Pro Cory Johnston
Cost
My trip cost $600 for airfare and $250 for food and drinks during my 3-day stay. Fortunately, I was able to stay with my brother for free. However, for anglers who don't have a place to stay and need to hire a guide, this trip could be quite expensive.
Overall Recommendation
If you have the opportunity to fish the St. Lawrence River, I highly recommend taking it, particularly in the 1000 Islands area. This region offers a variety of unique experiences beyond fishing, including:
·Alexandria Bay: This charming village in the heart of the Thousand Islands is a popular destination for boaters and offers a range of activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Visitors can also take a scenic boat tour of the islands from here.
Clayton: Located on the American side of the river, this quaint village is home to several museums and art galleries that showcase the region's history and culture. The Antique Boat Museum is a must-see, with a collection of over 300 classic boats.
Boldt Castle: Situated on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands, this historic castle was built by a millionaire in the early 1900s as a tribute to his wife. Today, visitors can explore the castle and beautiful gardens, which offer stunning views of the river.
Overall, the trip is worth the expense, especially if you can find affordable accommodations or stay with a friend or relative. The St. Lawrence River is a unique and beautiful place to visit, with excellent fishing opportunities and plenty of other activities to enjoy.
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