Fishing Frank Pond in Essex County, New York

• Overview

  Frank Pond is an Essex County water, New York side. It sits at 1,713 feet above sea level. It measures about 26 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The nearest town is North Elba, 28 miles away. Beyond it, Tupper Lake at 29 miles and Lake Placid at 30 miles. Not far off: Split Rock Pond out at 0.6 miles, Beaver Ponds at 0.9 miles, Cheney Pond out at 1.1 miles, Lonesome Pond at 1.3 miles and Mud Pond out at 1.9 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Frank Pond

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. County-wide records name brown trout, brook trout and white sucker. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Frank Pond the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 64°F for July and 15°F for January. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Break-up comes around mid April, and the run that follows is short and strong. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near early December. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. It holds true on Frank Pond more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Split Rock Pond is 0.6 miles distant. What applies at Frank Pond may have changed since it was mapped.