Fishing French Lake in St. Lawrence County, New York

• Overview

  You will find French Lake in St. Lawrence County, New York. Land around it is rolling bush. At roughly 15 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Nearest place of any size is Hannawa Falls, 11 miles away. Further out sit Potsdam (15 miles) and Canton (17 miles). No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on French Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Open biodiversity records for St. Lawrence County list rock bass, smallmouth bass and pumpkinseed. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On French Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 14°F in January and 66°F in July. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about early December in a typical year. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On French Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Barney Pond sits 2.8 miles off and takes the overflow. For French Lake in particular, ask before you travel.