What Huletts Landing offers and how to fish it

Huletts Landing sits on the eastern shore of Lake George, about 20 miles north of the village of Lake George itself, and it is one of the least crowded public access points on the lake. The ramp is a single-lane concrete launch in a small hamlet—no marina, no bait shop, no fuel dock—which means you arrive with a full tank and everything you need already loaded. The water here runs deep fast; you are in 60 to 80 feet within a quarter mile of shore, and the bottom transitions from sand and gravel near launch to rock and silt as you move out.

Smallmouth bass are the primary draw. They hold on the rocky shelves and drop-offs that run north and south along this part of the lake, and they respond well to tubes, crankbaits, and soft plastics worked slowly along the breaks. Lake trout live deeper year-round, but they move into shallower water in spring and fall, and you can reach them with jigging spoons or live shiners if you have a depth finder. The landing also sees walleye, though they are less predictable than the smallmouth.

The ramp itself is small and can get tight on summer weekends, but traffic is nothing like the main launch at the village of Lake George. You will share the water mostly with locals and anglers who know the lake well enough to find this spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Huletts Landing is a single-lane public ramp with no services, so arrive with a full tank and all your tackle and bait already on board.
  • Smallmouth bass are abundant on the rocky shelves and drop-offs within a quarter mile of the ramp, especially in spring and fall.
  • Lake trout live in deep water year-round but move shallow enough to reach in April, May, September, and October.
  • The ramp is quieter than the main Lake George launch, but it fills up on summer Saturdays and Sundays.
  • You need a New York fishing license and must follow Lake George's bass size and creel limits, which vary by season.

Getting to Huletts Landing and launching your boat

Huletts Landing is on Route 9N on the east side of Lake George, roughly 20 miles north of the village of Lake George and about 8 miles south of Ticonderoga. The ramp is easy to spot—it is marked with a small brown DEC sign—and parking is a gravel lot with room for roughly 15 to 20 vehicles and trailers. There is no attendant, no fee, and no facilities beyond the ramp itself.

The ramp is concrete, single-lane, and slopes at a moderate angle into the water. It is well-maintained but narrow, so back down slowly and be ready to pull out quickly if another trailer is waiting. The water depth at the ramp is shallow enough to launch a small boat easily, but the lake drops off steeply once you clear the immediate shoreline. High water in spring can make the ramp slightly steeper; low water in late summer can expose rocks near the toe, but the ramp remains usable year-round.

Arrive early on weekends. The lot fills by mid-morning on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, and there is no overflow parking. Weekday mornings are rarely crowded.

Smallmouth bass patterns from spring through fall

Smallmouth bass spawn in April and May on the shallow rocky areas within 100 yards of the ramp and along the shoreline to the north and south. During the spawn, fish are aggressive but also protective of beds, so many anglers avoid fishing shallow water during these weeks. Once the spawn finishes in late May, smallmouth move to the deeper rocky shelves and ledges that run parallel to the shore.

From June through August, the best smallmouth fishing happens early and late in the day. Fish move to deeper water—30 to 50 feet—during midday heat, and you need a depth finder to locate the rocky breaks where they rest. Work tubes and soft plastics slowly along the contour, or throw crankbaits that reach 20 to 30 feet and let them tick the rocks as they dive. The rocky areas north of the ramp, between Huletts and Ticonderoga, hold consistent populations.

Fall is the most reliable season. As water cools in September and October, smallmouth move back to shallower structure—15 to 30 feet—and feed aggressively. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits work well, and you can cover more water than you can in summer. The bite often lasts all day, not just dawn and dusk.

Lake trout and walleye in deep water

Lake trout are present year-round but are most accessible in spring and fall when they move into water shallow enough to reach without a specialized jigging setup. In April and May, they move into 40 to 60 feet of water along the rocky shelves. In September and October, they repeat the pattern. A jigging spoon—1 to 2 ounces—worked vertically along the breaks will draw strikes, and live shiners suspended below a float also work if you can find baitfish.

Summer lake trout fishing requires deeper jigging, often in 80 to 120 feet of water, and is less practical from a small boat without a good depth finder and experience reading structure. Winter jigging through the ice is possible but requires a separate trip and equipment.

Walleye are present but less predictable than smallmouth or lake trout. They respond to live shiners and small crankbaits worked along the deeper rocky areas, especially at dawn and dusk. Walleye fishing is often a bonus rather than a primary target from Huletts Landing.

Seasonal timing and water conditions

Spring (April through May) brings the spawn and the most active smallmouth fishing, though many anglers avoid shallow water during these weeks out of respect for spawning fish. Water temperature ranges from 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Lake trout are accessible in 40 to 60 feet of water. The ramp is usable, but high water can make it slightly steeper.

Summer (June through August) offers consistent smallmouth fishing if you fish early and late and are willing to work deeper structure. Midday fishing is slow. Water temperature reaches 70 to 75 degrees. The ramp is at its most crowded on weekends. Lake trout move deep and are harder to reach.

Fall (September through October) is the most reliable season overall. Smallmouth feed aggressively in shallower water, lake trout move back into accessible depths, and water temperature cools to 50 to 65 degrees. The ramp is less crowded than summer. This is the best time to visit if you are new to the lake.

Winter (November through March) closes the ramp to vehicle access, though ice fishing is possible once the lake freezes solid. Check local conditions before attempting to launch an ice auger or fish house.

Rules, licenses, and what to bring

You need a New York State fishing license to fish Lake George. You can purchase a one-day, seven-day, or annual license through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website or at most bait shops and sporting goods stores in the region.

Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily limit on Lake George. Lake trout have a 15-inch minimum size and a two-fish daily limit. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. These limits can change, so check the current DEC regulations before you fish.

Bring a full tank of fuel, all your tackle, and any bait you plan to use. There are no services at Huletts Landing. The nearest gas station and bait shop are in Ticonderoga, about 8 miles north. A depth finder is useful for locating structure and deep-water fish, especially in summer. A map or GPS unit helps you navigate the lake safely and return to productive areas.

Nearby alternatives if Huletts Landing is full

If the Huletts Landing lot is full, the main Lake George public ramp at the village of Lake George, about 20 miles south, has more parking and services but is significantly more crowded. The ramp at Hearthstone Point, on the west shore near the village, is another option with more facilities.

If you prefer a quieter experience and do not mind a longer drive, the northern end of Lake George near Ticonderoga has smaller access points, though they are less developed than Huletts Landing. Exploring these alternatives is worth the time if you want to avoid crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Huletts Landing?

The ramp is designed for boat launch, but you can fish from shore along the rocky areas near the landing. Shore fishing is limited compared to boat fishing, since the best structure is a quarter mile or more offshore, but it is an option if you do not have a boat.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Spring and fall, fish all day. Summer requires early morning (before 8 a.m.) or late evening (after 6 p.m.) for consistent smallmouth action. Lake trout can be caught midday if you fish deep structure with a jigging spoon.

Can I rent a boat at Huletts Landing?

No. The landing has no marina or rental services. You must bring your own boat or rent from a marina in the village of Lake George or Ticonderoga.

Is there cell service at Huletts Landing?

Cell service is spotty and depends on your carrier. Do not rely on it for emergencies. Carry a VHF radio or personal locator beacon if you plan to fish far from shore.

What should I do if I hook a large lake trout?

Lake trout can be heavy and require a steady hand. Keep your rod tip up, reel smoothly, and do not horse the fish. If it is over 15 inches, it counts toward your two-fish daily limit, so handle it carefully if you plan to release it.