With nearly 32 miles of crystal-clear water, rocky shoals, quiet coves, and deep northern basins reaching almost 200 feet, Lake George is one of the premier fishing destinations in the Adirondacks. Anglers come for its abundant lake trout, strong salmon action, trophy bass, and endless opportunities across every season, including ice fishing in winter.
Before you cast your line, remember: anglers 16 and older must carry a valid New York State fishing license. Once that’s taken care of, you’ll be ready to launch into one of the most beautiful and productive fisheries in New York.
Where to Launch
Lake George offers multiple DEC-maintained and town-operated launches, making it easy to explore both the southern and northern basins.
Million Dollar Beach (Lake George Village)
A popular DEC hard-surface launch with two lanes, ample parking, and easy access to southern-basin bays. Ideal for targeting bass, perch, and salmon. A day-use fee applies in peak season.
Northwest Bay Brook (Bolton Landing)
A DEC hand launch offering quick access to Northwest Bay, one of the lake’s top spots for bass. Quiet shoreline, great structure, and fewer crowds.
Hague Town Beach (Hague)
Town-operated hard-surface ramp with parking. Convenient for exploring Silver Bay, Rogers Rock, and the deep northern basin.
Mossy Point (Ticonderoga)
A high-capacity DEC launch with space for up to 100 trailers. Excellent access to lake trout, bass, and deep-water salmon.
Rogers Rock Campground (near Hague)
Within a DEC campground, offering a year-round hard-surface ramp and access to clear, deep waters known for lake trout and bass.
Many anglers also enjoy shore fishing near Lake George Village, Hearthstone Point, Diamond Point, and Shelving Rock.
Top Fishing Spots Around the Lake
Lake George’s varied shoreline offers outstanding opportunities for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Southern Basin Hotspots
- Dunham’s Bay – Shallow, weedy, prime for pike, perch, and largemouth.
- Kattskill Bay – Popular for shoreline casting, deep-water trolling, and mixed species.
- Warner Bay – Bass, perch, and northern pike.
- Harris Bay – Bass, perch, and northern pike.
- Assembly Point – Deep waters supporting salmon and trout.
- Diamond Island – One of the lake’s best deep-water trout and salmon locations.
Central Basin & Islands
- The Narrows – Islands, points, and drop-offs shelter smallmouth bass, panfish, and crappie. Trout often hold deeper nearby.
- Harbor Islands – Secluded bass and panfish fishing along rocky edges.
- Long Island – Bass along the shoreline, trout off deeper drop-offs.
- Dome Island – Deep waters ideal for lake trout and salmon.
Northern Basin
North of the Narrows, the lake opens into deeper, colder waters. This region is famous for lake trout, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon. Many anglers say the northern basin offers the best salmon action on the lake.
Additional Productive Locations
- Huddle Bay – Largemouth bass and perch.
- Silver Bay – Outstanding deep-water salmon and trout.
- Shelving Rock Bay – Rugged shoreline, good for trout and smallmouth.
- Ticonderoga Area – Excellent bass fishing.
- Sandy Bay – Shallow, and perfect for panfish.
What You’ll Catch on Lake George
From deep-water fish to family-friendly catches, Lake George holds a wide variety of species.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the lake’s most abundant game fish and thrive in deep, cold water.
Where & When:
- Found in deep pockets, especially during summer.
- Productive months: January–June and September–December.
- Top spots include the waters east of Dome Island, near Tongue Mountain, Paulist Fathers/St. Mary’s on the Lake shoreline, and Northwest Bay.
Techniques:
- Trolling with downriggers is most effective.
- Jigging with white tube jigs also works.
- Live bait (shiners, suckers 2–8 inches long).
- Artificial lures: Speedy Shiners (orange/black, blue-silver, chartreuse-silver, cop car, wonderbread), Live Target Smelt, and Flatfish.
Regulations:
- Minimum length: 23 inches
- Season: Year-round
- Daily limit: 2
Landlocked Salmon
A favorite cold-water species offering surface action in spring and fall.
Where & When:
- Near the surface in colder months.
- Move deeper in summer; often suspended mid-lake.
- Strong in April, May, June, October, and November.
Hotspots:
Techniques:
- Light-tackle trolling just below the surface.
- Spoons and spinners for consistent strikes.
- Live shiners (2–8 inches).
- During fall, look for crimson-colored spawning salmon near tributaries.
Regulations:
- Minimum length: 18 inches
- Season: Year-round
- Daily limit: 2
Bass (Smallmouth & Largemouth)
Lake George consistently ranks among the top five bass fishing destinations in New York State.
Where & When:
- Peak season: June–November.
- Smallmouth: rocky shallows (Narrows, Canoe Islands, Dick’s Islands, Sunken Island in Hague).
- Largemouth: weedy bays, submerged structures, docks.
Techniques:
- Top lures: Keitech Swing Impact, Yamamoto Senkos, Whopper Plopper (90 & 130), prop baits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits.
- Live bait: minnows or nightcrawlers.
- Fluorocarbon works for stretch; braid requires steady reeling to avoid pulling hooks.
Regulations:
- Open season: 3rd Saturday in June–Nov 30
- Minimum length: 12 inches
- Daily limit: 5
- Off-season (Dec–mid-June): catch-and-release, artificial lures only
Yellow Perch & Sunfish
Perfect for beginners and families.
Where & When:
- Found in deep open water or nearshore shallows.
- Popular year-round, especially during ice fishing.
- Perch often school; where you find one, you’ll find many.
Techniques:
- Small minnows, worms, nightcrawler pieces.
- Small jigs or tiny crankbaits.
Regulations:
- Daily limit: 50
- Season: Year-round
Northern Pike & Chain Pickerel
Powerful predators known for explosive strikes.
Where & When:
- Shallow, weedy bays (Dunham’s, Huletts, Warner Bay).
- Pike can grow up to 3–4 feet.
Techniques:
- Large minnows, spoons, flashy spinnerbaits.
- Bucktails for big, aggressive fish.
Fishing Regulations
A few key Lake George rules and items to note:
- Lake is stocked annually with landlocked salmon.
- Ice fishing is permitted.
- Smelt regulations: May 16–March 31: daily limit 25, no minimum size; April 1–15: use/possession prohibited; no dip-netting
- Tributaries: fishing prohibited from 10pm–5am between April 1–May 15.
- Watercraft registration: All vessels 18 ft+ or powered by 10 hp+ must register (day-use or seasonal).
Fishing Seasons: Best Times to Go
Spring (April–June)
One of the best times to fish. Cold water boosts lake trout and salmon activity. Bass season opens in late June. Fewer boaters mean quieter fishing.
Summer (July–August)
Fishing slows during the heat of the day.
Bass thrive in early mornings and evenings. Panfish and perch stay active and are perfect for kids.
Fall (September–November)
Cooling temperatures increase action for lake trout, salmon, and bass. Ideal time for scenic trips and steady bites.
Winter (December–March)
Ice fishing is popular once the lake freezes, usually mid-January. Target lake trout, perch, pike.
Gear Guide for Beginners
A few essentials for success on Lake George:
- Rod & reel: 6–7 ft medium-action spinning combo
- Line: 6–12 lb monofilament; 15 lb for trout or pike
- Hooks: Size 6–8 for beginners
- Sinkers & bobbers: Keep bait at the right depth
- Fishing net & pliers
- Bait: Worms, minnows, leeches, or artificial lures
- Tackle box: Keep everything organized
- Apparel: Weather-appropriate layers and sun protection
Check the weather before heading out. Fish bite more readily on overcast, stable days. Be patient and switch up your bait or technique if the bite slows.
Plan Your Fishing Trip on Lake George
From trolling the deep waters of the northern basin for lake trout to casting along quiet island coves for smallmouth bass, Lake George offers year-round fishing for every skill level. It’s easy to see why so many anglers return year after year.