Lazy Day in the ADK’s

Let's admit it,  it’s been hot.  I’m not complaining, just pointing out the facts.  For some this is the perfect time of year and for others here in the North Country, well, our blood is just a little too thick for this humidity.   So we typically have two options around here, head for the river or head to the mountains.  When Saturday morning rolled around the decision had to be made, river or mountains.  But,  then I got to thinking, why can’t I have both?  So in my usual fashion I poured myself a cup of coffee and opened my map book.  Within five minutes I found what I thought may be the perfect location.  Just an hour away from home sitting in the shadow of a beautiful mountain landscape was a small pond just waiting for me.  Welcome to Clear Pond in Duane, New York.

By 7:30am the damp stagnant air was already starting to set in.  Even at this time of morning I could tell it was going to be a hot one.  I was hoping that that little pond in the mountains would have just the relief I was looking for.  So I loaded up the truck with my fly rod and float tube and headed to Malone to pick up my fishing buddy.  We headed south on Route 30. I couldn't wait to see that sign, Entering Adirondack Park. 

Not far past the sign was the entrance to the Meacham Lake Campground.  We had arrived.  We grabbed our fishing gear and float tubes and headed for the launch.  The sky was clear blue from the brilliant sunshine.  Loons echoed across the still water.  Frogs hopped and croaked as we placed out tubes in the water. 

Even at 9:30 am the humidity was slowly starting to build.  We decided no waders on this trip so the cool mountain water was a relief to my bare legs.   I settled myself in not too far from the bank and started casting.  I had read that this pond was home to at least six species of fish but with the waters warming I was hoping to get hooked up with some pumpkinseeds.   Cast after cast I landed my fly just a foot from the shore.  Slowly I skidded my little foam fly across the surface. 

After an hour of no action I noticed that a soft breeze had arrived.  Not enough to impact my casting just enough to keep the sun's heat from overwhelming me.  It was perfect, my legs were drifting in the refreshing forest water while my top half was caressed by a woodland breeze. 

I decided to let out a bunch of line and lazily kick my fins across the open water. Some would call it trolling, I just called it an excuse to explore more of the water.  It was heaven on earth.  Just my fishing buddy and I were the only ones on this 80 acre Adirondack pond.  After three hours of lazily drifting in this mountain paradise we decided to head back to the launch.  It was at that point I realized  I hadn’t even had a nibble all morning long.  The funny thing was that I didn’t even care.  Sure a few fish would have been nice but the serenity of the mountains and the water was more than enough to keep me satisfied.  As we loaded up our gear we discussed how the fishing was.  We both agreed that the fishing was great and we couldn’t wait to go back again even though neither one of us landed a thing.

About this location:

Clear Pond is located in Franklin County approximately 20 miles south of Malone on Route 30.  This beautiful little pond sits just inside the entrance to the Meacham Lake campground. 

Overlooked by many as it sits so close to Meacham Lake, the main destination for most people.  As soon as you pull into the campground road there is a good sized parking lot that can hold at least 10 vehicles.  On the bank of the pond there is a small boat launch that is perfect for kayaks, paddle boards, canoes or, in our case, float tubes. 

The majority of the pond is 30’ deep with several pockets that are as deep as 60’.  This deep water keeps the water temperature very comfortable to recreate on even on the hottest of days.  If you wanted to have a weekend of adventure you could stay at the campground, hike Debar Mountain(trail access in the campground), paddle Meacham Lake and of course check out this beautiful body of water.  

It's the perfect place to get away from the busy world and have a relaxing Northern NY Adventure. 

Aaron Hardy

Northern NY Adventures

“Make Life an Adventure”