Adirondack vacations refresh the spirit and body !!

Dawn back lights the mountains on the eastern horizon with a reddish glow.

Through the morning mist a canoeist glides towards some islands in search of small mouth bass. Somewhere in the distance is the hum of an outboard motor as an angler trolls for landlocked salmon. The only other sounds are the cries of the blue jays or the call of the loon.

This idyllic scene is often repeated in the heart of the Adirondacks at Blue Mountain Lake, Indian Lake, or the nearby bodies of water. Although the area is easily reached by major highways, it remains unspoiled, natural, and peaceful.

My recent column on planning your spring or summer vacation obviously struck a responsive chord judging from the number of comments I received. Since outdoor activities are definitely limited by the weather we might take the time to plan ahead for the coming seasons. This week we offer the suggestion of Blue Mountain Lake and Indian Lake, another area that is special to me.

Fishing is one of the great attractions of the area and I’ve been lucky to have some of the locals give me advice on how and where to catch fish in these lakes. John Monthony operates Lakeside Boat Livery on Indian Lake, five miles south of Indian Lake village. John is an avid sportsman himself and thanks to him I was able to experience some excellent bass and landlocked fishing. He has a complete line of rentals, supplies, and launching ramp. Contact him at (518) 648-5459.

Joe Cummins is a fourth generation Adirondack guide who operates Blue Mountain Lake Guide Service. I’ve fished with Joe several times and learned a lot from him. It would be almost impossible to find a more personable, knowledgeable, or harder working guide. In addition to fishing he also guides for small and big game hunting, rafting and back country ski touring. He has a fully equipped, secluded hunting lodge at the base of Blue Mountain. For more information call (518) 352-7684.

Blue Mountain Lake offers landlocked salmon, lake trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass. During the early season the landlocks will be scattered but the summer they are usually suspended over the deeper areas in the western part of the lake. Smallmouth bass abound all along the rocky shorelines of the many islands. Evenings are an especially good time to cast crankbaits or use live bait for bass.

One of the reasons that catch and release fishing is so popular at Blue Mountain Lake is that it gives anglers and vacationers an excuse to eat at Potter’s Resort. My friends Bing and Laura Faxon who operate Potter’s offer a wide variety of delicious items all served in the atmosphere reminiscent of one of the Adirondack Great Camps. They also have motel and cottages right on the shores of the lake for relaxation amidst the splendid scenery. Call (518) 352-7331 for information.

Blue Mountain Lake not only offers fishing and boating but you can canoe through Utowanna and Eagles Lakes and the Marion River to Raquette Lake. Blue Mountain dominates the landscape and invites hikers and climbers. Other attractions include the Adirondack Museum and the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

Just a short drive down the road is the village of Indian Lake. In addition the big lake that gives it it’s name, there are also Algonquin and Abenakee Lakes. Smith’s Cottages near the north end of Indian Lake at the hamlet of Sabael offer great view and convenience to excellent fishing.

In addition to landlocked salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass, Indian Lake offers some big northern pike. Lakers are found in the two deeper areas near the north end while salmon will be suspended at mid depths. The islands along the eastern shore are the prime spots for catching some good sized smallmouth bass. Abanakee Lake is prime largemouth and northern pike water.

There are state campgrounds at Lake Durant near Blue Mountain Lake, at Lewey Lake at the south end of Indian Lake, and on the islands of Indian Lake. Reservations are handled by the state system at 1-800-456-camp.

Throughout the area there are countless miles of hiking trails, mountain vistas, and many smaller lakes and ponds containing bass or trout. Indian Lake is the Headquarters for many rafting companies that offer spring and summer trips down the Indian and Hudson Rivers.

Despite the quiet natural setting, the area offers a wide variety of services to suit every need. A wide variety of accommodations and restaurants cater to every taste. Of course one of my favorites is the Bear Trap Inn at the western edge of Indian Lake.  Roxanne Eichler is the genial host and serves great steaks, among other things. Be sure to save room for a slice of Roxanne’s super peanut butter pie!

By now you get the idea that there is a lot to do in these areas. There is also year-around fun ranging from winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling, spring and summer whitewater rafting, fall hunting, fishing, and hiking and of course the summer fun and relaxation.

Drop a line today to the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 724, Indian Lake, NY 12842, or call (518) 648-5112 and ask for their free booklet. If you can’t make a longer vacation, at least plan a getaway weekend. It’s only a couple hours driving time, but it’s a world away from the hassle of everyday life.

Leo Maloney, Outdoors Columnist
Saturday, February 2, 1998
Reprinted with the kind permission of the Oneida Dispatch. All rights reserved.

Copyright© 2001, Indian lake Chamber of Commerce, all rights reserved.