Ogdensburg
Each June, when the icy waters are finally warmed by early summer wind, anglers armed with bow and arrow take to the river in boats of all shapes and sizes, some powered, some not, just for the love of a good fight....and for the $1,000 prize money that comes from landing the biggest carp, alive during the annual two day carp competition. Since bow hunting is considered a crossover sport, either a hunting or a fishing licence can be used. The season opens in May; visitors pay under $25 for a five day pass.
The Oswegatchie River empties into the St. Lawrence River at Ogdensburg and offers good smallmouth opportunities. St. Lawrence River boat launches are available on the city's waterfront and at the Lisbon Public Beach.
The shoals at the Ogdensburg International Bridge are a favorite walleye and muskie spot. Smallmouth bass can be found around Galop Island during the summer. In winter the frozen river at Ogdensburg sprouts suburbs of ice shanties, the occupants jigging for northern pike and yellow perch.
State Parks
Jacques Cartier State Park
251 Old Mills Rd.
- three miles off Route 12
Morristown
375-6371
open May-Oct., 98 sites
Eel Weir State Park
County Road 79
- seven miles south of Ogdensburg
Ogdensburg
393-1138
open May-Sept., 32 sites
