Lake George

Photos

Overview

Lake George, the "Queen of American Lakes," is a long, narrow, exceptionally clear lake at the southeast edge of the Adirondacks in Warren County, New York. It runs about 32 miles north to south, is one to three miles wide, and reaches 187 feet deep. It drains north through the La Chute River to Lake Champlain. The lake is steeped in history: Fort William Henry at the south end and Fort Ticonderoga near the outlet date to the French and Indian War. Today it pairs a busy resort village at the south end with quieter wild-forest shoreline and islands farther north.

Fishing

Lake George supports a naturally reproducing lake trout population that NY DEC describes as excellent, and DEC ranks the lake among the top five bass destinations in New York. Landlocked Atlantic salmon have been stocked annually since 1966, but DEC's 2023 creel survey found low salmon catch rates, and its 2025–2029 fisheries management plan is testing net-pen releases to improve survival. In that survey, about 70% of interviewed anglers targeted black bass.

Species

Species listed by NY DEC: lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, yellow perch, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smelt and black crappie. Brook trout can be found at the mouths of many tributaries.

Techniques

For lake trout, troll or jig deep, cold water once the lake stratifies in summer. Bass anglers work rocky points, shoals and island edges for smallmouth and weedy bays for largemouth. The water is very clear, so lighter line and natural colors often help.

Seasons

Spring and fall bring coldwater species closer to the surface and shore. Summer is peak bass season (subject to New York's bass season rules) and a time to target lake trout deep. In winter, ice anglers go after yellow perch and black crappie in the small shoreline bays when safe ice forms.

Hotspots

DEC notes that ice anglers find perch and crappie schools in small shoreline bays. Bass anglers commonly work rocky shoals and the many islands in the Narrows section.

Regulations

New York DEC freshwater fishing regulations apply: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations. Some waters carry special regulations; confirm seasons, size and creel limits with DEC before you fish. This page is not a legal source for limits.

Licensing

Anglers 16 and older need a New York fishing license. Buy one through DEC.

Access

DEC operates public launches including Million Dollar Beach (Lake George Beach) off Beach Road in the village of Lake George (two lanes, 54 car-and-trailer spaces, fee Memorial Day–Columbus Day, 6am–8pm) and Mossy Point on Black Point Road, about 2 miles north of Ticonderoga on the east shore (hard ramp, pumpout, parking for 100 cars and trailers). Lake George Wild Forest has docks at Red Rock Bay and East Point picnic areas, and a hand launch on Northwest Bay. Boats must meet Lake George Park Commission inspection and decontamination requirements to prevent invasive species. Check the commission's current rules before launching.

Boat ramps & launches

Million Dollar Beach (DEC, south end, village of Lake George); Mossy Point (DEC, north end near Ticonderoga); Rogers Rock Campground (DEC) also has lake access.

Marinas & rentals

Several private marinas operate around the lake, including Norowal Marina in Bolton Landing, which DEC used as a creel survey site.

Amenities

Million Dollar Beach has a public beach and large parking area. DEC operates island camping and Adirondack campgrounds on the lake, and picnic areas in Lake George Wild Forest.

Activities

Boating, paddling, swimming, island camping, sightseeing cruises, scuba diving on historic wrecks, and hiking peaks like Prospect Mountain, Black Mountain and Shelving Rock in the surrounding Lake George Wild Forest. Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonderoga are popular history stops.

Ice fishing

Popular in good winters, mainly for yellow perch and black crappie in shoreline bays. Lake trout regulations through the ice are specific, so check DEC rules. Never assume ice is safe. Check thickness yourself, avoid pressure ridges, inlets and areas over current, and follow local guidance.

Water facts

Length about 32 mi (51.8 km); width 1–3 mi; maximum depth 187 ft (57 m). Oligotrophic, rated Class AA-Special by New York State. Outlet: La Chute River to Lake Champlain. Approximate mapped area: 115.6 km² with about 236 km of shoreline (USGS NHD). County: Warren (the lake also borders Washington and Essex counties).

Nearby services

The village of Lake George, Bolton Landing and Ticonderoga have lodging, restaurants, bait and tackle, and fuel.

Safety & advisories

Summer boat traffic is heavy at the south end and in the Narrows. Six invasive species are known in the lake (including Asian clam, Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel), so clean, drain and dry your gear. Cold deep water is dangerous even in summer, so wear a PFD.

Nearby waters

• Bumps Pond · 5 km (NY)
• Lapland Pond · 5 km (NY)
• Greenland Pond · 5.7 km (NY)
• Edgecomb Pond · 9.2 km (NY)
• Island Pond · 11 km (NY)
• Jabe Pond · 11.8 km (NY)

More in Warren

• Schroon River (NY)
• Lake Luzerne (NY)
• Thirteenth Lake (NY)
• Brant Lake (NY)
• Schroon Lake (NY)
• Botheration Pond (NY)