Can’t complain about Champlain

Despite dreary conditions, FLW Series anglers anxious to fish bassing hotbed on day two

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Large thunderstorms skirted the middle section of Lake Champlain on Thursday morning as pros and co-anglers fishing the Wal-Mart FLW Series BP Eastern Division event readied their gear and tackle for day two of fish-catching fun.

Despite the drizzle, rain and impending storms, which were closing in on the Plattsburgh area, anglers anxiously awaited another fun day on the bass factory known as Lake Champlain.

“I’m ready to go; there’s nothing I can do about it,” said Gain pro Koby Kreiger (currently in fourth place) of the weather. “When you’re at a place like Champlain where big smallies are eating you up all day, a little rain doesn’t seem to bother you as much.”

Most of the rain should pass through this morning, leaving a much warmer and balmier day for anglers to enjoy. Wind forecasts are up higher today, though, making long runs difficult.

The superlong runs to the south for largemouths didn’t seem to pay off for pros as much on day one of the Eastern Division event as they have in the past.

BP pro Guido Hibdon of Gravois Mills, Mo., did take the day-one lead with largemouths, but indicated he was staying pretty close to the launch site. Other leaders in the top five are making “short” runs of about 20 to 30 miles to their fish. And in case you’re wondering, a 20- to 30-mile run on Champlain is considered short.

The day-two weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. today at the Dock Street Landing located at 2 Dock St. in Plattsburgh.

Thursday’s conditions

Sunrise: 6:21 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 58 degrees

Expected high temperature: 86 degrees

Water temperature: 70 degrees

Forecasted winds: S at 10 to 15

Day’s outlook: chance of rain 30 percent