What Lake George offers anglers

Lake George is a 32-mile-long glacial lake that runs north-south between the towns of Lake George and Ticonderoga, straddling the border between Warren and Washington counties. The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and chain pickerel—a solid mix for both boat and shore anglers. The water is cleaner and clearer than most Hudson Valley lakes, which means sight-fishing for bass works well in spring and fall, but summer heat pushes fish deeper and makes early morning and evening the productive hours.

Access is straightforward. The Lake George Battleground State Historic Site operates a public boat launch at the southern end near the village of Lake George; there is also a launch at Mossy Point on the eastern shore, and several marinas rent boats if you don't have your own. Shore fishing is possible from state land and parks along the lake, though much of the shoreline is private. The lake is roughly 3 miles wide at its broadest point and deep enough that you can fish structure year-round without worrying about winterkill.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake George holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and chain pickerel, with seasonal patterns that shift between spring spawning, summer depth, and fall feeding.
  • The public boat launch at Lake George Battleground State Historic Site is the main access point; Mossy Point on the eastern shore offers a second option.
  • Spring and fall are best for sight-fishing and topwater action; summer requires deeper presentations and early-morning or evening fishing.
  • The lake's clear water and rocky structure make it ideal for anglers who want to see what they are fishing for and understand the bottom.

Spring: Bass spawning and walleye movement

Lake George warms slowly in spring because of its depth and glacial origin. Largemouth bass begin moving to shallow bays and coves in late April and May, and this is the window for sight-fishing. The western shore near Shelving Rock and the northern bays hold spawning fish. Use a 6- to 7-foot spinning rod with 8-pound fluorocarbon and throw small crankbaits, soft plastics, or topwater lures near downed timber and rock ledges. Fish early morning and late evening when light is low and fish are less spooky.

Walleye also move shallow in spring, particularly around the rocky points and drop-offs on the eastern shore. Jigging with live minnows or small soft plastics in 8 to 15 feet of water produces steady action. The transition zone between shallow and deep water—where the bottom drops from 10 feet to 20 feet—is where walleye pause before moving to summer depth. Trolling crankbaits along these breaklines also works if you have a boat and a depth finder.

Summer: Depth and timing

By mid-June, largemouth bass move away from the shallows and suspend over deeper structure. The lake has several underwater ridges and humps that don't break the surface; a depth finder or a paper map of the lake bottom (available from the Lake George Association) will show you where they are. Fish these areas with soft plastics rigged on a Texas rig or a drop-shot, working the bait slowly in 15 to 25 feet of water. Early morning—first light until 9 a.m.—is when bass feed most actively.

Walleye are easier to locate in summer because they hold on predictable structure. The rocky points and drop-offs that worked in spring continue to hold fish, but they move deeper as the lake stratifies. Fish jigging presentations or live minnows in 20 to 35 feet of water, particularly at dawn and dusk. Yellow perch school in similar depths and can be caught on small jigs or live shiners; they are not trophy fish, but they are reliable and fun on light tackle.

Fall: Feeding and migration

September and October bring the best overall fishing of the year. Water temperature drops, bass move back to shallower structure, and walleye become aggressive as they prepare for winter. Topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics all work on largemouth bass in the morning and evening. The northern end of the lake and the western shore near Shelving Rock are productive, as are the coves and bays where baitfish school.

Walleye fishing improves dramatically in fall. Jigging and live-minnow presentations work throughout the day, not just at dawn and dusk. The rocky structure that holds fish in spring and summer continues to be productive, but fish are more willing to chase a lure. If you have a boat, trolling crankbaits along the drop-offs is an efficient way to cover water and find active fish. Chain pickerel, which are often overlooked, also feed aggressively in fall and will strike topwater and soft plastics meant for bass.

Winter and ice-out

Lake George typically freezes by late December, and ice fishing for walleye and perch is popular. You will need to check current ice conditions before heading out; the Lake George Association website and local bait shops post updates. Jigging with live minnows in 20 to 35 feet of water is the standard approach. The lake is large enough that you should fish with a partner and carry safety gear.

Ice-out usually occurs in late March or early April. The first few weeks after the ice clears are excellent for walleye, as fish move from deep winter holes toward the shallows to spawn. This is also when largemouth bass begin to feed after a long dormancy. If you can get on the water in early April, the fishing can be outstanding.

Access and practical details

The Lake George Battleground State Historic Site boat launch is located at the southern end of the lake, near the village of Lake George. There is a day-use fee, and the launch is open year-round during daylight hours. Mossy Point, on the eastern shore, is a smaller launch operated by the state and is less crowded. Several marinas along the lake rent boats, including pontoons and fishing boats with electronics.

Shore fishing is limited because much of the shoreline is private. However, you can fish from the state historic site grounds, from some of the public parks along the lake, and from road access points where the state owns the land. A New York State fishing license is required. The lake is open to fishing year-round, though regulations on species and size limits change; check the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website before you fish.

Gear and tackle recommendations

For largemouth bass, a 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 12-pound braided or fluorocarbon line handles most situations. Crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range, soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and topwater lures are reliable. For walleye, a 6-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon and a small jig (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with a live minnow or soft plastic is standard.

A depth finder is not essential but makes summer fishing much easier. If you are fishing from shore, binoculars and a good pair of polarized sunglasses will help you spot structure and feeding fish in the clear water. Bring a net; the lake holds some large bass and walleye, and a net makes landing and releasing fish easier and safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Lake George?

Fall (September and October) is the most consistent. Water temperature is ideal, bass and walleye are aggressive, and you can fish throughout the day rather than just at dawn and dusk. Spring (late April and May) is excellent for sight-fishing and topwater action, but requires patience and early mornings.

Can I fish Lake George without a boat?

Yes, though shore access is limited because most of the shoreline is private. The Lake George Battleground State Historic Site and a few public parks offer shore fishing. You will have more options and better success with a boat, but shore fishing is possible if you know where to look.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Largemouth bass typically run 1 to 3 pounds, with occasional fish in the 4- to 5-pound range. Walleye average 1 to 2 pounds but can reach 4 to 5 pounds. Yellow perch are usually 8 to 12 inches. Chain pickerel run 1 to 2 pounds. These are realistic averages, not guarantees.

Do I need a guide to fish Lake George?

No. The lake is straightforward to navigate, and the fish are not particularly difficult to find if you understand seasonal patterns and structure. A guide can speed up your learning curve, but many anglers fish Lake George successfully on their own.

Is the water safe to swim in?

Lake George is generally clean and clear, but water quality varies by location and season. Check current conditions with the Lake George Association before swimming. The water is cold year-round because of the lake's depth and glacial origin.