The eastern shore of the lake is where the majority of fish will spawn.

Long-lining stickbaits after dark and jigging the dropoffs at dusk can be deadly.

To find Silver Lake, follow U.S. Route 20 west from Canandaigua through the village of Avon and the intersection of Route 246, which leads south to the village of Perry and the Silver Lake outlet. There is a state-operated boat launch on West Lake Road.

Silver Lake has a maximum depth of 37 feet and a mean depth of 25 feet. For a contour map of the lake, contact the DEC’s Region 9 office in Allegany at (716) 342-0645.

For more information on Silver Lake, contact the Wyoming County Tourism Promotion Agency at (716) 493-3190.

NORTHERN REGION
St. Lawrence River
Rocky bottoms, crystal-clear water, plenty of cover and food all make the St. Lawrence River one of the top bass-fishing destinations in northern New York.

Bass are plentiful in this river, and anglers have plenty of shoreline pockets to explore. In summer, the river is alive with boats and ships coming through, so it can be a challenge to find some quiet water.

But with a little patience, you’ll get your fish. If you plan on venturing past the center of the river, be sure to get a Canadian fishing license. It’s worth having if conditions aren’t in your favor and you’re forced to the other side.

For most anglers, baits of choice include live minnows and crayfish on weedless rigs worked over the rocks. Or try your luck with crankbaits and spinners.

Access to the St. Lawrence is off I-81 via routes 12 and 12A. Public launches are provided at several state parks, as well as at marinas at Clayton and Alexandria Bay.

Although VHS (viral hemorrhagic septicemia) poses no threat to humans, it can be devastating to fish populations.

For more information, contact the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce at (315) 482-9531, or visit www.alexbay.org

EASTERN REGION
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain offers Empire State anglers a unique setting when fishing for bass. Lake Champlain on the Vermont border is not only a scenic waterway, but it holds some remarkable bass.

The lake’s southern portion is shallow and full of weeds -- the perfect site for pitching a topwater bait into pockets of open water in hopes that a big bucketmouth will devour your offering.

Lake Champlain’s northern end features plenty of rocks, some clear water -- a perfect location for smallmouths. Focus on the area around the islands in the northern section. These pockets of rocks and boulders will produce some fine smallmouths.

Tube jigs and plastic worms seem to be the baits of choice for fishing Lake Champlain. Casting stickbaits and crankbaits can be effective as well.

Vermont allows anglers to fish on their side of the lake as long as their regulations are adhered to. Three bays that are off-limits are Malletts, Missisquoi and the Inland Sea.

For more information and local accommodations, you can contact the Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce at (518) 563-1000.