What Warner Bay offers and where to find it

Warner Bay sits on the eastern shore of Lake George, roughly midway up the lake near the town of Ticonderoga, New York. It's a shallow, protected cove that opens into the main lake body, making it one of the more sheltered spots when the wind picks up across the open water. The bay holds both smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with perch and sunfish, and the shallow structure—fallen timber, weed beds in summer, and rocky points—makes it reliable for sight-fishing on calm mornings.

Access is straightforward: you can launch from the public boat launch at Ticonderoga or from several private marinas nearby. The bay itself is not heavily developed, which keeps pressure moderate compared to the main lake. Depth ranges from 8 to 25 feet in the bay proper, with the shallowest water along the northern and western edges where most of the bass activity concentrates.

Key Takeaways

  • Warner Bay is a shallow, protected cove on Lake George's eastern shore near Ticonderoga, accessible by public launch or private marina.
  • Smallmouth bass dominate the rocky structure and deeper edges; largemouth prefer the weed beds and fallen timber in the shallower northern end.
  • Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent bites, especially in summer when weed growth creates shade and cover.
  • Spring and fall offer the most predictable fishing; summer requires early starts to avoid afternoon wind and heat-driven fish movement to deeper water.

Seasonal patterns and what to expect month by month

Spring (April through May) brings warming water and active feeding as bass move from winter depths toward shallow structure. Largemouth begin spawning in the northern shallows first, typically in late April or early May depending on water temperature. Smallmouth follow a week or two later, moving to the rocky points and drop-offs around 12 to 18 feet. This is the most predictable time to fish Warner Bay—bass are aggressive, concentrated, and respond to a variety of presentations.

Summer (June through August) splits the bite into two windows: early morning and late evening. Midday heat pushes bass deeper and into shade. Weed growth becomes heavy by mid-June, and largemouth tuck into the thickest cover in the northern bay. Smallmouth retreat to the deeper rocky edges and the transition zones where the bay meets the main lake. Topwater early and late works well; during the day, switch to deeper presentations or abandon the bay for the main lake's deeper structure.

Fall (September through October) reverses the summer pattern. Cooling water brings bass back to the shallows and mid-depth structure. The bite picks up again in the afternoon as water temperature drops. Weed beds begin to thin by late September, exposing more of the bottom structure that smallmouth prefer. This is often the second-best season after spring.

Winter (November through March) sees bass move to the deepest parts of the bay and the main lake. Warner Bay itself becomes less productive; most anglers shift to deeper structure or move to other parts of Lake George. Ice fishing is possible in severe winters, but the bay is not a primary winter destination.

Structure and where bass actually hold

The northern end of Warner Bay, from the launch area to roughly the midpoint of the cove, is shallower and weedier. Largemouth bass hold tight to fallen trees, submerged brush, and the edges of weed beds here. In summer, this area is almost too thick to fish effectively; in spring and fall, it's productive for largemouth on topwater and soft plastics worked slowly through the cover.

The eastern and southern edges of the bay drop off more steeply into 18 to 25 feet of water. Rocky points and a mix of boulders and gravel create ideal smallmouth habitat. This is where you'll find the most consistent smallmouth, especially on cloudy days or when the sun is high. Drop-shot rigs, tube jigs, and small swimbaits work well here year-round.

The transition zone where the bay opens into the main lake is a travel corridor. Bass move through this area during feeding periods, and it can be productive in early morning or late evening. The bottom here is a mix of rock and sand, and depth ranges from 15 to 30 feet.

Tackle and techniques that work in Warner Bay

For largemouth in the shallows, a 6.5- to 7-foot medium-power rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line handles the thick cover. Topwater plugs, soft plastic frogs, and weedless soft plastics (creature baits, crawfish imitations) are standard. Work them slowly and deliberately; Warner Bay largemouth are not aggressive chasers in most conditions.

For smallmouth on the rocky edges, a 6.5- to 7-foot medium-light rod with 10- to 12-pound fluorocarbon works better. Drop-shot rigs with 2- to 3-inch shad imitations, tube jigs in 2.5- to 3-inch sizes, and small swimbaits (2 to 3 inches) all produce. Smallmouth here respond to a more finesse approach than the largemouth in the shallows.

Live bait—shiners, crawfish, and small perch—works in both areas, especially in spring and fall. A simple slip-sinker rig or a light jig-and-minnow combination is effective and requires less precision casting than artificial lures.

Best times to fish and how weather affects the bite

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) is the most consistent window, especially in summer. Bass are feeding after the night, and the light is low enough that they move into the shallows. Plan to be on the water by first light and fish until the sun climbs above the tree line.

Late evening (two hours before sunset through dark) is the second-best window. Bass move back to the shallows to feed as light fades. This window is shorter than morning but often more intense.

Cloudy days and overcast conditions extend the bite throughout the day. Wind can be a double-edged sword: light wind (5 to 10 knots) creates surface disturbance that helps bass feed; strong wind (15+ knots) makes the bay choppy and pushes bass deeper. When the main lake is rough, Warner Bay's protected position becomes an advantage—you can fish when other parts of the lake are unfishable.

Access and what you need to know before you go

The public launch at Ticonderoga is on the west side of town, near the intersection of Routes 9 and 74. It's a concrete ramp with parking for roughly 20 vehicles and a small fee (varies by season). The launch is well-maintained and suitable for small to medium boats. From the launch, Warner Bay is a short run north along the eastern shore—roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on your boat speed.

Private marinas in the area offer launch services and sometimes boat rentals if you don't have your own. Ticonderoga also has lodging, restaurants, and tackle shops, making it a reasonable base for a day or weekend of fishing.

Lake George has a 10-horsepower motor limit in some areas, but Warner Bay itself allows standard outboards. Check the current regulations with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation before launching. No special permits are required for fishing; a New York State fishing license is mandatory for anyone 16 and older.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between fishing Warner Bay in spring versus fall?

Spring offers more aggressive feeding and concentrated fish as they move shallow to spawn. Fall is more predictable for consistent afternoon bites as water cools, but the fish are less densely packed. Spring is faster and more explosive; fall is steadier and often less crowded.

Can I fish Warner Bay from shore?

Yes, but it's limited. The northern end near the launch has some shoreline access, and a few spots along the eastern edge allow wading or casting from rocks. A boat gives you access to the deeper structure and the full range of the bay, so most anglers use one.

What size bass are typical in Warner Bay?

Smallmouth average 10 to 14 inches, with occasional fish to 16 or 17 inches. Largemouth average 12 to 16 inches. The bay is not known for trophy fish, but it's consistent for keeper-size bass and a good spot for learning structure and seasonal patterns.

Is Warner Bay good for beginners?

Yes. The bay is protected, relatively small, and has clear structure. It's easy to navigate, and the fish are responsive enough that you can learn to read the water and practice different techniques without a steep learning curve.

What's the best lure color in Warner Bay?

Natural colors—greens, browns, and blacks—work most consistently because the water clarity is moderate and the bottom is rocky or weedy. In low-light conditions (early morning, overcast days), darker colors and those with contrast (black and white, green pumpkin) produce better than pale or bright colors.