"Gordon MacPherson" wrote in message
...

I and my travel rod will be spending 4 nights at the Ampersand Boat
Club, Saranac Lake, July 23-26. I think it is a well-known small-mouth
water. Any hints as to flies, techniques etc - (I do not think size 14
chironomids are appropriate!). In the alternative is it worth trying
the Ausable at this time of year?

The Ausable almost closed down about July 9
(despite the first sprinkle of rain since May) --
no serious evening rises on the Basset Flats
four nights in a row! But for trout do not neglect
both branches of the Saranac River. I was tempted
to go into the South Branch (near Bloomingdale)
en route home but felt too tired for high water.

To catch river bass in NY I have never needed more than:
1. Cockatouche (Bill Blades streamer)
2. Tiny poppers
3. Big Muddler 1.5 inches or more
4. Any bright fly e.g. Mickey Finn.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa, Canada)