What the LaChute River offers anglers near Ticonderoga
The LaChute River runs north from Lake George through the small town of Ticonderoga and into the Champlain Canal system. It is a narrow, meandering stream that most anglers overlook because they are focused on Lake George itself, but that oversight works in your favor. The LaChute holds smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish in water that sees a fraction of the pressure you'll find on the lake. The current is gentle enough that you can fish it by canoe or kayak, and several public access points let you reach productive sections without a long carry.
What makes the LaChute worth your time is its structure. The river winds through wooded banks with fallen trees, root systems, and overhanging branches — exactly the cover that holds bass and pickerel. The water is stained rather than clear, which means fish are less spooky and will hit lures more aggressively than they do in the transparent shallows of Lake George. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons, but the river produces year-round if you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- The LaChute River holds smallmouth bass and chain pickerel in wooded, current-fed water that receives far less fishing pressure than Lake George.
- Public access exists at the Ticonderoga town boat launch on the lake side and at several informal pull-offs along Route 74, though parking is limited at each.
- Canoe or kayak access opens up the middle and upper sections where most anglers never fish, and the gentle current makes paddling upstream manageable.
- Fallen trees and root wads create the best holding structure; cast along these features rather than in open water.
- Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) produce the most consistent action, though summer evenings and early mornings can be productive.
Access points and how to reach them
The most straightforward entry is the Ticonderoga town boat launch on Lake George itself, located at the foot of Montcalm Street near the downtown area. This launch is public and free, though parking fills quickly on weekends. From the launch, you paddle north into the mouth of the LaChute, which opens into the lake. The river proper begins where the current picks up and the banks narrow — roughly a quarter-mile from the launch.
If you want to avoid the lake entirely and fish the river directly, look for informal pull-offs along Route 74 as it parallels the river north of town. These are not marked as official access points, but locals use them to drop canoes and kayaks. Parking is tight — usually room for one or two vehicles — and you should ask permission if you see a house nearby. The river is narrow here, and the current is more pronounced, which concentrates fish in deeper pools and behind structure.
Wading is possible in sections, particularly in late summer and fall when water levels drop, but the bottom is soft and the banks are often steep. Most anglers find canoe or kayak access more productive because it lets you cover more water and reach the bends and overhanging trees where bass hold. A small canoe or kayak is ideal; a large boat will be difficult to maneuver in the tight turns.
Seasonal patterns and what to fish
Spring (April and May) is when the LaChute is most reliable. Smallmouth bass move shallow to spawn, and they hold tight to the woody cover along the banks. Fish crankbaits and soft plastics in the 3- to 5-inch range, working them slowly along fallen trees and root systems. The water is cool and the fish are aggressive, but they are also territorial, so expect strikes to be decisive. Pickerel are active too, and they will hit the same lures — often with more violence than the bass.
Summer (June through August) slows the action. The water warms, and fish move to deeper holes and the shadiest overhanging cover. Early morning and evening are your best windows. Fish topwater lures at dawn, then switch to soft plastics and crankbaits that run deeper as the sun climbs. The middle of the day is nearly dead, so plan your trip around the low-light hours.
Fall (September and October) rivals spring for consistency. Bass fatten up before winter, and they feed aggressively. The water cools, and fish move back into the shallows and along the banks. Crankbaits, spinners, and soft plastics all work. The foliage is at its peak, and the river is quieter than it is in summer, so you may see fewer anglers and more fish.
Winter is possible but requires caution. The river does not freeze solid, but ice forms along the banks and in slow sections. If you fish in winter, stick to the lower sections near the lake, where current keeps the water open. Pickerel are more active than bass in cold water, and they will hit small jigs and live shiners.
Tackle and techniques that work
Smallmouth bass in the LaChute respond well to crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range, particularly shad-pattern and crawfish-pattern lures. Cast them along the banks and let them dig into the structure. Soft plastics — 4-inch worms, 3-inch shads, and small crawfish imitations — are equally effective and allow you to fish more slowly and deliberately. Rig them on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig heads so they stay in the strike zone as they drift through the current.
Chain pickerel are less selective. They will hit almost anything that moves, but they prefer larger lures than bass do. Spinners in sizes 2 and 3, small spoons, and larger soft plastics (4 to 6 inches) all produce. Pickerel have sharp teeth, so use a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to avoid bite-offs.
Topwater lures work well in low light, particularly in spring and fall. Small poppers and walking baits create commotion that attracts both bass and pickerel. Fish them slowly and deliberately — the LaChute is narrow enough that a loud, fast retrieve will spook more fish than it attracts.
Use 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line on a medium-light spinning rod. The water is stained, so visibility is not a concern, and monofilament absorbs shock better than braid when you are working tight cover. A 7-foot rod gives you enough reach to cast under overhanging branches without being so long that it becomes unwieldy in a canoe.
What to watch for and common mistakes
The biggest mistake anglers make on the LaChute is fishing open water. The river is narrow and wooded, and fish hold tight to cover. Cast to the fallen trees, root wads, and undercut banks. If you are casting to open water, you are wasting time. Spend 80 percent of your effort on the structure and 20 percent on everything else.
Current is your friend, not your enemy. Fish hold behind fallen trees and in the slack water beside bends because the current brings food to them. Cast upstream of these features and let your lure drift naturally into the holding zone. This is more effective than casting downstream and retrieving against the current.
The river can rise quickly after heavy rain, and the current becomes strong enough to sweep a canoe downstream if you are not paying attention. Check the weather before you go, and avoid the river for 24 hours after significant rainfall. In summer and fall, water levels are more stable, and the river is safer to navigate.
Respect private property. Much of the land along the LaChute is privately owned. Do not wade onto private banks, and do not leave trash. The river remains accessible because locals tolerate anglers; that tolerance ends if anglers become a nuisance.
Nearby alternatives if the LaChute is not producing
If the LaChute is slow, Lake George itself is a short paddle away. The lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, lake trout, and landlocked salmon. The fishing is more technical and the pressure is higher, but the lake is larger and offers more options. Focus on the rocky points and drop-offs along the eastern shore, where structure concentrates fish.
The Champlain Canal, which the LaChute feeds into, holds walleye and pike in its deeper sections. The canal is wider and more open than the river, and it requires a larger boat, but it is worth exploring if you have the equipment. Access is available at several public launches in the Ticonderoga area.
If you want to stay on moving water, the Poultney River, which enters Lake Champlain south of Ticonderoga, offers similar conditions to the LaChute — narrow, wooded, and less crowded. The drive is about 20 minutes, but the fishing can be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a New York fishing license to fish the LaChute?
Yes. The LaChute is in New York, and you need a valid New York State fishing license. You can purchase one online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website or at most tackle shops in Ticonderoga. A one-day license is available if you do not want to commit to a full year.
Can I fish the LaChute from shore, or do I need a boat?
You can fish from shore in a few spots, particularly near the town launch and along Route 74, but a canoe or kayak opens up much more water. The river is narrow and winding, and most of the best structure is only accessible by water. A canoe is worth renting if you do not own one.
What is the best time of day to fish the LaChute?
Early morning and evening are most productive, especially in summer. The low-light hours concentrate fish in the shallows and along the banks. Spring and fall are less time-sensitive — fish feed throughout the day, though early morning and late afternoon are still your best bet.
Are there size or bag limits on the LaChute?
Yes. New York has specific regulations for smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and other species. Check the current New York State fishing regulations before you go — limits and seasons change, and regulations vary by body of water. The DEC website has the most current information.
Is the LaChute safe to canoe in spring when water levels are high?
The LaChute is generally safe, but high water can create strong current and sweep debris downstream. Avoid the river for 24 hours after heavy rain. Wear a life jacket, stay alert for fallen trees blocking the channel, and do not paddle alone. If you are inexperienced with moving water, fish the lower sections near the lake where current is gentler.