What The Narrows Is and Why It Matters

The Narrows is the section of Lake George where the lake's width drops from several miles down to less than half a mile—roughly between the towns of Ticonderoga on the west shore and Shoreham, Vermont on the east. The lake bottom rises here, the current picks up slightly, and the water temperature and oxygen levels shift in ways that concentrate fish. If you're fishing Lake George, The Narrows is one of the few places where the geography itself tells you where to cast.

The Narrows sits about 20 miles north of the lake's widest sections and marks a natural transition zone. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye all move through or hold in this area depending on the season. The rocky structure, the narrower channel, and the slightly faster water make it different enough from the rest of the lake that it deserves its own approach.

Key Takeaways

  • The Narrows is where Lake George pinches down between Ticonderoga and Shoreham, Vermont, creating a natural funnel that concentrates fish.
  • Smallmouth bass and walleye respond well to structure fishing here—rocky points, drop-offs, and the channel edges hold fish year-round.
  • Spring and fall bring the most consistent action because fish move through the Narrows during seasonal migrations between shallow and deep water.
  • Public boat launches at Ticonderoga and Shoreham give you direct access; launching from either shore puts you in fishable water within minutes.
  • The Narrows can get crowded on weekends, especially in summer, so early morning or weekday trips often mean more solitude and better fishing.

Seasonal Patterns and What Fish Do Here

Spring (April through May) is when The Narrows fishes best. Walleye and smallmouth bass move north from the deeper winter holes into shallower spawning areas, and they funnel through this narrow section. Fish the rocky points and the edges of the main channel in 12 to 20 feet of water. Live shiners or small crankbaits work well; walleye will also take jigging spoons in the deeper slots.

Summer (June through August) slows down considerably. The water warms, and fish push deeper or move to the wider sections of the lake where they have more room to roam. Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Focus on the deeper side of the channel—the eastern edge tends to hold more fish because it drops off faster. Largemouth bass move into the shallower rocky areas along the west shore near Ticonderoga, especially around downed timber.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite. As water cools, fish move back through The Narrows heading south toward deeper wintering grounds. This is similar to spring but often more aggressive—fish are feeding hard before winter. Crankbaits, spinners, and live bait all work. The bite can last from dawn until mid-morning, then slow until evening.

Winter (November through March) is slow and requires patience. Fish are deep and lethargic. If you're fishing through the ice (check current regulations), focus on the deepest parts of the channel—30 to 40 feet—and use small jigging presentations with live minnows. Open-water fishing in winter is possible but rarely worth the effort on Lake George.

Structure and Where to Fish

The Narrows has three main fishing zones. The western shore near Ticonderoga is shallower and rockier, with points and drop-offs that hold largemouth bass and some smallmouth. Fish the 8 to 15-foot range here, especially around visible rock piles and the mouths of small coves. The eastern shore near Shoreham is steeper and deeper, dropping quickly to 25 to 40 feet. This is walleye and deep smallmouth territory.

The main channel itself—the deepest part running north-south through the middle—is where fish move during migrations. In spring and fall, work the channel edges and the rocky humps that rise from the bottom. A depth finder is useful here because the bottom is uneven; you'll find fish suspended over 20 to 30 feet of water rather than on the bottom itself.

Pay attention to current. The Narrows has a slight but real current, especially after heavy rain or snowmelt. Fish often position themselves on the downstream side of rocks or points, facing into the current. Cast upstream and let your bait or lure drift naturally through the strike zone.

Access and Launch Points

Ticonderoga, New York has a public boat launch on the west shore. It's a town-managed facility with parking and a paved ramp. From there, you can reach the heart of The Narrows in 10 to 15 minutes. Shoreham, Vermont has a smaller public access area on the east shore; it's less developed but still usable and often less crowded than Ticonderoga.

If you're coming from the south end of Lake George, launching at Ticonderoga or Shoreham is faster than running the full length of the lake. If you're already on the water elsewhere on Lake George, The Narrows is a reasonable run—about 20 miles north from the main basin.

Tackle and Technique

For smallmouth bass, bring 1/4 to 1/2-ounce jigs tipped with live crayfish or tube baits. Work them along the rocky structure slowly. Crankbaits in the 2 to 3-inch range also work well, especially shad-pattern lures. Cast toward the rocks and let the bait bounce along the bottom.

For walleye, live shiners (4 to 6 inches) under a slip bobber work in spring when fish are shallow. As they move deeper, switch to jigging spoons (1/2 to 1 ounce) or live-bait rigs with a 1/8-ounce jig head. Walleye in The Narrows often bite in low light—dawn, dusk, and cloudy days produce better than bright midday sun.

For largemouth bass along the western shore, use larger baits and lures—4 to 6-inch soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater early and late in the day. The water is clearer than many lakes, so match the hatch to whatever baitfish are present.

Timing Your Trip

Weekday mornings in spring and fall offer the best combination of fish activity and solitude. Weekends, especially in summer, bring recreational boaters and swimmers that can make fishing difficult. If you can only fish weekends, plan for early morning (before 8 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 4 p.m.).

Water temperature is a better guide than calendar dates. Fish The Narrows hard when the water is 50 to 60 degrees (spring and fall) and when it's below 40 degrees (winter, if you're ice fishing). Summer fishing is possible but requires patience and a willingness to fish deeper and during low-light hours.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

New York and Vermont both allow fishing on Lake George, but regulations differ by state. If you're fishing from the New York shore or launching from Ticonderoga, you need a New York fishing license. If you're fishing from Vermont or launching from Shoreham, you need a Vermont license. Some anglers carry both to avoid confusion.

Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit in New York; smallmouth bass are 10 inches. Walleye are 15 inches. Check the current regulations before you go—these can change. Lake George has specific rules about boat operation and speed zones; the Narrows itself is not a no-wake zone, but some nearby areas are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Narrows better than the rest of Lake George for fishing?

The Narrows is more consistent because the geography concentrates fish, especially during spring and fall migrations. The wider sections of Lake George can be good too, but they require more searching. The Narrows is a better bet if you have limited time.

Can I fish The Narrows from shore?

Yes, but it's limited. The west shore near Ticonderoga has some rocky access points, but most of the best structure is in deeper water that requires a boat. Shore fishing works best in spring when fish are shallower.

What's the best time of day to fish The Narrows?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to dark) are most productive. Walleye especially bite better in low light. Midday fishing is possible but slower, especially in summer.

Do I need a depth finder to fish The Narrows?

It helps, especially for walleye and finding the channel edges. You can fish without one by working the visible rocky structure and the known drop-offs, but a depth finder saves time and helps you locate suspended fish.

How deep is The Narrows?

The channel ranges from 20 to 40 feet deep, with shallower areas along the shores. The deepest water is in the middle, and the bottom is rocky and uneven rather than a smooth slope.