Has the river's pike population really declined, or have local anglers lost their knack for northerns?

Both are true, in reality. Studies by the DEC and researchers from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry indicate pike populations have declined somewhat, possibly due to diminished weedy habitat. At the same time, however, pike seem to spend more time in the river's depths than they used to, as a result of zebra mussel proliferation and increased water clarity.

In July, start out trolling or casting in 20 feet of water instead of 8 or 10, and watch your catch rate improve.

The 1,000 Islands may be reached by taking Interstate Route 81 north to the Alex Bay or Clayton exits. Follow Route 12 along the river. Boat launches both public and private are all along the river. For a list of facilities and lodging alternatives in the area, contact the Clayton-1,000 Islands Chamber of Commerce at (800) 252-9806.

SARANAC CHAIN OF LAKES
The Adirondack region is full of good pike lakes, but the Saranac Chain of Lakes stands out as a consistent producer. Seven interconnected bodies of water are within a few minutes of the village of Saranac Lake in eastern Franklin County. They are Upper, Middle and Lower Saranac lakes, Weller Pond, Oseetah Lake, Kiwassa Lake and Lake Flower. A map of the chain may be obtained from the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce, 30 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983.

Perhaps the best all-round pike water in the chain is Middle Saranac, which spans 1,393 acres. Its average depth is only about 9 feet and there are plenty of weedbeds to hide northerns that average 2 to 4 pounds but sometimes grow to 8 or 10 pounds.

Access to Middle Saranac may be a bit tricky the first time you try it. The best approach is to launch at the state access off Route 3 about six miles west of the village. Once in the water, head upstream and west across Lower Saranac Lake. Follow the posted instructions to ease your boat through a small, no-fee lock, and continue into Middle Saranac Lake.

"Hungry Bay is probably the prime spot in the lake," said the DEC's Preall, who has fished it often.

Once on Middle Saranac, consider a side trip up the channel on the north shore, which leads to 180-acre Weller Pond. Although out of the way, it has plenty of weedy pockets that are loaded with small but feisty pike.

The Franklin County Tourism office at (518) 483-6788 will point visitors to nearby lodging.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN
Northern pike are so abundant in the bays and creek mouths along Lake Champlain's shore that generations of sportsmen on the Vermont side once enjoyed shooting big northerns in the spring -- with deer rifles!

While the statewide creel limit of five pike per day applies to Lake Champlain, the minimum keeper size is 20 inches. Most will run considerably larger than that.

Virtually the entire 110-mile length of Lake Champlain is home to at least a few northerns, but the most consistent fishing for the species is from Plattsburgh north. Kings Bay, off the mouth of the Great Chazy River, is excellent, as is the water around the abandoned railroad bridge stretching eastward from the village of Rouse's Point.

These areas may be accessed by taking U.S. Route 11 east from Malone or by following Route 87 and Route 9 north from Albany to the northern sector of the lake. Public and private marinas are available at Rouse's Point and Plattsburgh.

For advice on accommodations, try the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce at (518) 563-1000.