Fishing Mile Pond in St. Lawrence County, New York

• Overview

  Mile Pond is set in St. Lawrence County, New York. The ground round it is pine and birch. Surface area runs to about 10 acres — small enough to read in one session. For supplies, Hannawa Falls is 19 miles out. Kingston is the closest city, 75 miles away. Other water nearby: 1.2 miles away is Allen Pond, 1.2 miles out stands Parmeter Pond, 1.9 miles away is Tracy Pond, 2.2 miles out stands Slouch Pond and 3.8 miles away is Orebed Ponds. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Mile Pond

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Records held for St. Lawrence County cover rock bass, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Mile Pond to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 66°F and January near 14°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and early December closes it again. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. It sets the rhythm of the year at Mile Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Allen Pond sits 1.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the current arrangement for Mile Pond.