Fishing First Pond in Essex County, New York

• Overview

  Set in Essex County, New York, this is First Pond. The bank is 1,975 feet above sea level. Roughly 61 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. By elevation it is in the upper part of our New York listings. You are 16 miles from North Elba. Lake Placid lies 19 miles off, Mineville another 21 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on First Pond

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Reported across Essex County: brown trout, brook trout, white sucker and pumpkinseed. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On First Pond the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 62°F, the coldest about 13°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Look for the thaw near late April; the fishing lifts straight after. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late April until roughly late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. The season on First Pond follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. Boreas Ponds Primitive Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Second Pond at 0.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to First Pond locally before you travel.