"Tupper Lake is an established, traditional pike fishing destination. But some of our best pike waters are what we refer to as 'developing fisheries,' or new pike waters that have emerged during the last 10 to 15 years," Preall said. "Most often, these are formerly managed trout waters where pike were introduced and are now thriving. The most notable of these are the Saranac Lake and St. Regis Lake chains in Franklin County, and Upper and Lower Chateaugay Lakes in Clinton County."

The Saranac Chain, which includes the Lower-Middle-Upper Saranac lakes, combine to create 45 miles of large, shallow bodies of water containing thick, large weedbeds for excellent northern pike fishing.

Look for pike in Pope Bay and the weedbeds in the southwest portion of Lower Saranac, Hungry Bay in Middle Saranac lakes, and the abundant weedy bays of Upper Saranac.

The boat launch by the Saranac Inn is one-half mile from Route 30. Blue Line Sports on Main Street can help with visiting anglers' fishing needs.

The St. Regis Chain of Lakes is excellent for small-boat pike fishermen, offering about eight miles of pike water. Marked shoals and the deep water and structure of the northwest portion of Upper St. Regis are excellent for the fish of summer. The navigable channels between the lakes and weedbed pike habitat make the entire chain pike-friendly.

Small boat access to Upper St. Regis Lake is from a small town launch at Upper St. Regis Landing. Lower St. Regis Lake is accessible at the Keese Mill Road car-top launch site, or at the trailhead parking for St. Regis Mountain.

McDonald's Adirondack Challenges can provide fishing supplies and lake information.

Upper and Lower Chateaugay lakes also contain a growing northern pike population, which took hold here a number of years ago. The best pike spots in the Upper Lake are the weedy areas at each end, particularly the lake's south end. In the Lower Lake, look for pike in the narrows at the southern end of the lake. Twenty-pound pike are now being caught in this "developing fishery."

The boat launch for Upper and Lower Chateaugay lakes is on Route 374, one-half mile north of the Hamlet of Merrill. This is a remote area, so come prepared with a full day's supplies.

Weeds, openings in weeds, and prominent weedlines are the key to locating northern pike in July. For summer pike, the very best weedbeds are those adjacent to deep water. Traditional strategies include trolling minnow- or perch-pattern plugs as well as spinners and spoons. Suspend a live minnow, sucker or shiner below a bobber or work the edges by casting sinking crankbaits to reach the deeper pike of summer.

Early morning and evening typically produce the best summer action. Slow summer pike fishing can trigger desperate measures. Rodger Klindt, a DEC fisheries biologist, recommends jig-fishing deeper holes while drift- fishing the edges of weedbeds.

Biologist Rich Preall noted that some of the most successful summer pike fishermen troll with big live baits or chartreuse lures over points of land in 20 to 30 feet of water in a 50- to 60-degree temperature zone.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Great Sacandaga Lake is easily accessible off Extension 27 of the New York State Thruway. For fishing and travel information, call the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-676-3858.

The other Region 5 lakes mentioned are easily reached via Route 30 north or Interstate Route 87, the Adirondack Northway. The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce at (518) 798-1761 can help plan your trip.

For more pike fishing information, log on to either www.dec.state.ny.us or aswww.adk.com/recreation/z-fish. Or call the DEC's Region 5 Office at (518) 897-1200.