Lake George is 32 miles long and covers approximately
28,000 acres, offering a variety of fishing opportunities. Lake trout, landlocked salmon,
an occasional rainbow trout, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass and a variety
of pan fish are available to anglers on the lake. Lake George has a two-story fishery: 1)
A cold water fishery for landlocked salmon and occasional trout; 2) A warm water fishery
for bass, pike and pan fish.
Landlocked
Salmon (Salmo salar) Landlocked
salmon are Atlantic salmon which spend their entire lives in freshwater. The landlocked
salmon generally are found in large, cold, oxygen-rich lakes. Unlike the Pacific salmon ,
Atlantic and landlocked salmon do not die immediately after spawning, and some survive to
spawn again. This fish spawns in inlet or outlet streams in autumn. Nests (redds) are
constructed by the female in riffle (shallow, choppy) areas. Young landlocked salmon
usually stay in the nursery streams for one to two years before migrating into the lake.
While in the stream, young salmon (parr) feed on insect larvae and other small aquatic
creatures. Older salmon living in the lake feed on smelt, minnows and other small fish.
Landlocked salmon populations are present in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and the
Canadian Maritime Provinces.
The landlocked salmon population is maintained through a stocking
program in Lake George. The landlocked salmon population has been declining, and studies
are needed to determine the possible cause(s): 1) overfishing; 2) lack of enforcement of
fishing regulations; 3) declining food sources; 4) other reasons not yet known.
Lake Trout
(Salvelinus namaycush) Lake Trout are widely distributed across northern North America from
northern New England through the Great Lakes to California. Lake trout inhabit deep, cold
lakes especially those with boulder strewn or gravel bottoms. In a few northern areas
where water temperatures remain relatively low, “lakers” sometimes move into
rivers that are connected to lakes to feed. In New York these fish can be found in shallow
water near shore only during colder periods of the year. At other times they are
restricted to deeper, cooler waters.
Lake trout spawn in the fall. Areas of Lake George with a coarse
gravel or boulder bottom are chosen as spawning sites. Males usually enter the spawning
area first. Unlike other trout or salmon, no nest is built; the bottom is swept clean by
the movements of the fish. After a few days the female enters the area and several males
may spawn in groups with one or more females. No apparent changes in physical appearance
occur in lake trout during the spawning season.
The young lake trout eat insects and crustaceans. Larger trout feed
heavily on fish. The lake trout fishery is maintained through a stocking program and
natural reproduction in Lake George.
Rainbow
Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) The rainbow trout’s native range was the mountain networks of
western North America from the Aleutian Islands to northern Mexico. They were first
introduced in New York in the 1880’s. These fish have since been stocked in many
waters throughout the United States.
Rainbow trout may closely resemble Coho and Chinook salmon when found
in large bodies of water. Here, the magnificent color found in other rainbows may be only
faintly visible. A rainbow’s color can vary from overall silver to fish with a dark
back, silvery belly, and a brilliant red streak running along the lateral line from below
its eye to its tail (the characteristics for which it was named). Rainbows have black
spots on their heads, gill covers, back sides (above and below lateral line), dorsal,
adipose and caudal fins.
There are both sea-run and landlocked populations of rainbow trout.
The sea-run populations, called steelheads, are most common in the Pacific Northwest. In
New York adult rainbows living in lakes and reservoirs are often called steelheads because
of their springtime spawning runs up tributaries similar to the runs made by steelheads,
and because of their steel gray, silvery appearance.
The spawning behaviors of the rainbow are similar to those of the
Atlantic salmon, except that the rainbow spawns in the spring. Young usually remain in
their nursery stream for 2 years and up to 5 years. Then they move down into the lake to
mature. Rainbows first spawn in about their fourth year. They may spawn several times
during their lives. Young trout feed on insects and crustaceans. Larger rainbows feed on
fish. Rainbow trout are no longer stocked in Lake George, but a small population remains.
Smallmouth Bass
(Micropterus dolemieui) Smallmouth bass are more common than largemouth bass. They prefer
large, deep lakes or streams with clear water and gravel or rocky bottoms. Smallmouth bass
are generally smaller than largemouth, but their capacity for resisting capture and their
acrobatics when hooked more than make up for any deficiency in size. They rarely exceed 5
pounds in New York, and any fish over 3 pounds is very good. These fish feed on many types
of aquatic life and readily take both natural and artificial baits. They are highly
esteemed food and sport fish.
Largemouth
Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Largemouth Bass are found throughout New York, preferring the
shallow, weedy portions of lakes and rivers. Weedy areas provide both protection and food
supplies in the form of forage fish. Water areas of 20 feet or less in depth are optimum.
Largemouth Bass in New York only rarely reach a weight of 10 pounds.
Usually any fish over 3 pounds is considered a good catch; those over 5 pounds are
trophies. Largemouth eat fish, crayfish, frogs, snakes and some small mammals and young
birds if given the opportunity.
These fish readily take natural and artificial baits, and are good
fighters when hooked making them one of New York’s most important sport fish. They
are maintained through natural reproduction in Lake George.
Yellow
Perch (Perca flavescens) Yellow perch are very adaptable and occur in all parts of New York
State. They travel in schools and are commonly found near vegetation in clear, open
waters. Perch feed most actively during the day and often rest motionless at night. Adults
usually occupy deeper waters than juveniles do. Spawning takes place in the spring over
sand, gravel, rubble or vegetation.
Click here for more information on
how to clean and cook a fish.
The warm water fishery centers around the shallower bay and
shoreline areas where water temperatures, cover, and forage favor warm water species.Techniques used in pursuit of these species
include fly fishing, still fishing, trolling and spinning or bait casting. Bait fishing is
the simplest, and possibly the most effective technique. Fish deep (30’-50’) for
bass in July and August.
Many anglers utilize the plastic worm technique, with a slip sinker,
around rock shoals, submerged logs and boulders or docks. Other anglers utilize spinner
baits and crank baits for bass and northern pike. Crank baits are often the best method
around small shoals or deep cover. Try casting these baits toward the numerous navigation
buoys which mark these shoals. Bass season opens in late June. To build a better bass
fishery, anglers are asked not to take bass off spawning beds, thereby giving fry a better
chance of survival.
The cold water fishery, targeting salmon and trout, is broken
down into three seasons. Fishing techniques change with the seasons.
Try Trolling In Spring And Fall
Top water trolling is the best technique for salmon and trout during
the spring and fall. Conventional tackle is ideal. Favorite lures include streamers, plugs
and spoons to imitate smelt, the major forage species in the lake. An important tip here
is to troll fairly fast for salmon and rainbows and slower for other trout. During the
very early spring and late fall, lake trout can be found, at times, very close to shore in
shallow water.
Fish The Deep Water In Summer
During the summer, the lake develops a thermocline from approximately
35-55 feet. Controlled depth trolling for salmon during the warm summer months with
leadcore or wire line and/or downriggers in this cooler layer of water will produce salmon
and an occasional trout. Look for 50-60 degree temperatures with your fishing thermometer.
Deep water trolling, using wire lines, leadcore, or downriggers with
electronic depth finder and other gadgetry is the only way to fish for trout. Troll fairly
slowly and use lures such as flatfish, dead bait and other lures. At times, the trout lie
very near the bottom. When this situation occurs, trolling 3-4 feet from the bottom will
not catch fish. Keep your lure as close to the bottom as possible.
Techniques Differ In Winter
The winter fishery in Lake George centers around northern pike,
yellow perch, pickerel, salmon and lake trout. The warm water species are usually found in
the shallow bay or shoreline areas, while the lake trout usually are found in deeper
water. Salmon can be found scattered all over the lake.
Open water fishing ends with the first “freeze up”, usually
in late November or early December. Complete “freeze up” usually occurs by the
beginning of January and brings ice fisherman to the lake.
Northern pike and landlocked salmon are the species most sought after
from first ice through mid-February, after which these species make way for Lake
George’s famous hack perch. On Lake George, “ice out” generally occurs
during the second or third week of April.
Be Wary Of Blue Ice
Please use great caution when selecting ice fishing spots. Make
certain the ice is solid and thick enough to hold your weight and that of your equipment.
Be wary of “blue” ice. When blue water can be seen through the ice, the sun
penetrates through and warms the water below. The ice, in turn, melts from the bottom up,
creating unnoticeable irregularities and thin spots. It is wise to check with local bait
and tackle shops for specific information.
Remove Shanties Before Ice-Out
Ice fishing shanties must be removed from the lake by March 15.
Seeking to promote safety and enjoyment for anglers and boaters alike, NYS DEC enforces
this law on Lake George.
With Care Fishing In Lake George Will Get Better And Better
Fishing is an important economic benefit to the Lake George area. The
lake, because of its glacial carving and island-filled waters, presents a challenging and
unusual topography for the fisherman.
The water, due to its clarity, allows light to penetrate
exceptionally deep. Since fish do not have eyelids and are light sensitive, they seek
cover in the many dark holds of the lake. Landlocked Salmon and Lake Trout (the cold water
species) can be found at the 50-200’ levels, while Bass and Pike (the warm water
species) tend to gather in and around weed beds, particularly in protected bays, around
islands, and under docks.
Conservation Rules Enforced In Lake George
To protect Lake George’s two-story fishery, the NYS Department
of Conservation enforces rules and regulations. Following are a few reminders, but be sure
to consult your NYS sportsman’s guide for more information.
Snagging,
possession, and use of smelt (top right) and alewife (bottom right) as bait is illegal in Lake George.
Taking bass off
nests is illegal, as is fishing out of season.
Disregarding
minimum size limits is illegal, as is exceeding maximum catch allowances.
Be safe: A sturdy boat with motor is best for deep water
fishing. Keep life preservers close at hand.
Be courteous: Do not cut in front of other people’s lines
that are out and keep the wake down by reducing your speed.
Be lake-friendly: Avoid boating in vegetation, and dropping
back to let the fish line do the work in the weeds is a lake-friendly practice.
Be careful: Keep cans, bottles, plastic cups, food, beverages
and other disposable items on board and discarding them in on-shore waste containers helps
the lake.
Join LGA’s Fish & Game Committee!
LGA’s Fish & Game Committee helps preserve the two-story
fishery at Lake George and promotes responsible enjoyment of hunting and fishing in the
Lake George Basin. For more information please contact us
via the web or call the LGA @ (518) 668-3558
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