Hey all, I'll be traveling up to the St. Lawrence (Massena for a while then down to Clayton area) this summer in late June. I have a fishing kayak and will be primarily chasing Smallies but probably will do a fair share of largemouth fishing as well. Looking for any tips/info that might help me out.

Will there still be pre-spawners? (I much prefer that over bed fishing). I'm used to big waters (having fished Erie many times) and know that weather, boat traffic, and current can really throw a wrench in things).

 

Thanks in advance!

I haven’t fished the St Lawrence in many years, but unless it’s a very late spring, most of the bass should be post spawn at that time. Early spawners should be back on the bite by then.

Be prepared for ultra clear water. The St. Lawrence has 10’+ of visibility, and I’ve been on the river when I could make out the bottom over 40’ deep. It’s about as clear as it gets. 

13 hours ago, Scott F said:

I haven’t fished the St Lawrence in many years, but unless it’s a very late spring, most of the bass should be post spawn at that time. Early spawners should be back on the bite by then.

Thanks for the heads up. Honstly, I'm good with post spawners too. I'd just prefer not to bed fish if I don't have to.

1 hour ago, Jar11591 said:

Be prepared for ultra clear water. The St. Lawrence has 10’+ of visibility, and I’ve been on the river when I could make out the bottom over 40’ deep. It’s about as clear as it gets. 

Appreciate the tip. I love clear water but I've never fished it quite that clear. looking forward to the challenge.

I was at the St Lawrence in Clayton in the summer a few years back but at the time it was tough to fish in the current on my kayak. I didn’t have pedals yet just a paddle. There was a small bay that I could fish but didn’t get much. There’s a much larger bay but it’s right by the start of and island and the current is about 4mph and I couldn’t get there through the current. With my new kayak (Bigwater 132PDL) I would with no issues.

 

We ultimately ended up going down the road to Goose Bay and targeting largemouths in the weedy bay. Spinnerbaits and Trigs were my most productive lures but I got a few on a jig too.

 

Make sure you do the tours of Singer Castle and Boldt Castle while you’re up there too. You can get a boat to Singer castle and when you leave there you can go to Boldt. It’s an experience.

Out of Massena fish the little cuts and channels from Croil Island to the dam (down river)