Lake George is a 32-mile glacial lake in the eastern Adirondacks with largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and lake trout

Lake George stretches from the village of Lake George in the south to Ticonderoga in the north, sitting between the Adirondack peaks. The lake is deep — over 200 feet in places — and cold enough to hold lake trout year-round. You will find largemouth bass in the shallower bays and along the shoreline, smallmouth bass on rocky points and drop-offs, walleye in deeper structure, and perch in schools near the bottom. The lake is heavily used by pleasure boaters in summer, which concentrates fishing pressure on early morning and evening hours, and on the quieter northern sections.

Access points are scattered along both shores. The main public launch is at the Lake George Beach State Historic Site near the village, which has a fee and fills quickly on weekends. Smaller launches exist at Mossy Point (near Ticonderoga) and at several private marinas that charge a launch fee. Shore fishing is possible from state land and from the Lake George Association's public access areas, though parking is limited. The lake is large enough that you can find quieter water if you are willing to travel north or fish off-peak hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake George holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and lake trout, with different species favoring different depths and structure types.
  • The main public launch at Lake George Beach State Historic Site charges a fee and gets crowded on summer weekends; smaller launches exist at Mossy Point and private marinas.
  • Early morning and evening fishing avoids the heaviest pleasure-boat traffic, which peaks mid-day in summer.
  • New York State fishing licenses are required for all anglers; bass and walleye have minimum size limits that vary by species.
  • The northern sections of the lake and deeper structure hold more fish during warm months when shallower areas warm up.

Bass and Walleye Seasons and Tactics

Largemouth bass spawn in April and May in the shallow bays — particularly around the islands and along the eastern shore near Shelving Rock. They are most active in early morning and late evening during this period. After spawn, they move to deeper structure and are harder to locate during the heat of summer. Fall (September through October) brings them back to shallower water as the lake cools, and this is often the most consistent time to fish for them.

Smallmouth bass prefer rocky points, drop-offs, and the deeper structure around the islands. They are active throughout the summer if you fish deep enough — typically 15 to 30 feet — and respond well to live shiners or crawfish. They are less affected by pleasure-boat traffic because they stay deeper.

Walleye are present but not abundant. They hold in deep structure and are most active at dawn, dusk, and at night. Live shiners or small jigs worked slowly along the bottom in 25 to 40 feet of water are the standard approach. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable times.

Lake Trout and Cold-Water Fishing

Lake trout are present year-round because the lake's depth keeps the bottom cold even in summer. They are most accessible in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when they move into shallower water. During these periods, trolling with small spoons or live shiners at 30 to 50 feet can produce fish. In summer, they retreat to depths below the thermocline (typically 60 feet or deeper), which makes them difficult to reach from shore.

Winter ice fishing for lake trout is possible when the lake freezes solid, usually from late December through February. Jigging with small spoons or live shiners through the ice in 40 to 60 feet of water is the standard method. Check ice thickness before venturing out — the lake is large and wind can create thin spots.

Regulations and Licensing

All anglers must carry a New York State fishing license. Licenses are available online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some marinas. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are visiting for a short trip.

Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a daily limit of five fish. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish. Lake trout have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish. Perch have no minimum size but a daily limit of 25 fish. These regulations can change, so check the current DEC regulations before you fish.

Launch Sites and Access

Lake George Beach State Historic Site (near the village of Lake George) is the largest public launch and has multiple ramps, parking, and facilities. It charges a day-use fee and gets crowded on summer weekends. Arrive early or fish on weekdays if you want to avoid the rush.

Mossy Point (near Ticonderoga) is a smaller launch on the northern end of the lake with fewer amenities but less traffic. Several private marinas — including Noroton Marina and Tomahawk Marina — offer launches for a fee. Shore fishing is possible from state land and from Lake George Association public access areas, though parking is limited and some areas require a permit.

Best Times to Fish

Spring (April through May) is excellent for largemouth bass in the shallows and for lake trout in moderate depths. Water temperatures are rising, fish are feeding actively after winter, and pleasure-boat traffic is still light.

Summer (June through August) is crowded with boaters, which pushes fish deeper and makes early morning and evening the most productive times. Smallmouth bass and walleye are more reliable than largemouth during this period because they stay deeper and away from the surface activity.

Fall (September through October) brings cooler water, less boat traffic, and active fish across all species. Largemouth bass return to shallower structure, and lake trout move into fishable depths. This is often the best overall time to fish Lake George.

Winter (November through February) is quiet and productive if you are willing to fish in cold conditions. Shore fishing for perch and walleye is possible, and ice fishing for lake trout is an option once the lake freezes solid.

What Makes Lake George Different

Lake George is a deep, cold-water lake in a heavily developed region. That combination means good fish populations but also heavy recreational use. The depth supports lake trout and walleye that you will not find in shallower Adirondack lakes, but it also means you need to fish deeper structure and be willing to travel away from the main launch areas to find quiet water.

The lake's size (32 miles long) means you can find solitude if you have a boat and are willing to explore the northern sections or fish off-peak hours. Shore fishing is limited but possible from state land and public access areas. The islands scattered throughout the lake create good structure for bass and provide visual landmarks for navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lake George from shore?

Yes, but access is limited. State land and Lake George Association public access areas allow shore fishing, though parking is scarce. The main public launch area has a small shore-fishing section. Expect better results from a boat, where you can reach deeper structure and quieter water away from the main launch areas.

What is the best bait for walleye on Lake George?

Live shiners or small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) worked slowly along the bottom in 25 to 40 feet of water are most effective. Fish at dawn, dusk, or at night. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons because walleye move into shallower, more accessible depths during these periods.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake George?

A boat gives you access to deeper structure and quieter water, which improves your chances significantly. Shore fishing is possible but limited to specific access areas and generally produces fewer fish. If you do not own a boat, several marinas rent them by the day.

When does ice form on Lake George?

Ice typically forms in late December and is usually solid enough for fishing by early January. It remains through February in most years. Check ice thickness before venturing out — the lake is large and wind can create thin spots. Local bait shops and marinas can tell you current ice conditions.

What is the difference between largemouth and smallmouth bass on this lake?

Largemouth bass prefer shallow bays and shoreline structure, especially during spring spawn and fall. Smallmouth bass stay deeper on rocky points and drop-offs and are more active during summer heat. If you are fishing shallow in spring or fall, target largemouth; if you are fishing deep structure in summer, smallmouth are more reliable.