The Adirondacks offer a wide range of beautiful lakes and ponds, known for their abundant fish populations. With over 3,000 options to choose from, finding a good fishing spot can be overwhelming.
When it comes to ice fishing in the Adirondacks, there are several great locations to consider based on the type of fish you’re after or your preferred fishing methods. Lake George is particularly popular for ice fishing, boasting a variety of 12 fish species to catch.
Thanks to the region’s long and cold winters, the Adirondacks provide excellent conditions for ice fishing. If you enjoy some friendly competition, you can also take part in various ice fishing derbies held throughout the season. Keep reading to discover the best fishing spots in these mountains.
Exploring Meacham Lake: A Hidden Gem
Meacham Lake is a state campground located on its northern shore and is completely surrounded by state land. It serves as the source of the East Branch of St Regis River. The lake is shaped like a rectangle and covers an area of 1,185 acres, with a shoreline that stretches for 5.5 miles (8.9 km). It has an average depth of about 36 feet (11 meters), but reaches a maximum depth of 80 feet (24.4 meters).
Meacham Lake is home to various types of fish, including northern pike, splake, brown trout, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, pumpkinseed, fallfish, lake whitefish, brown bullhead, and yellow perch. During the open water fishing seasons, anglers often target northern pike and smallmouth bass as the main catch. However, in winter, ice fishermen frequently catch large pike and splake. Ice fishing is highly popular at Meacham Lake, with an annual ice fishing derby taking place here in February.
Tranquil Beauty: Lake Colby’s Serene Waters
Lake Colby is a popular fishing destination throughout the year, with winter being particularly productive for ice fishermen, especially at the beginning of the season. It is located north of the Village of Saranac Lake in Harrietstown and covers an area of over 286 acres with 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of shoreline. The lake has a maximum depth of 46 feet (14 meters).
Fish species that can be found in Lake Colby include:
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Rock bass
- Landlocked salmon
- Yellow perch
- Brown bullhead
- Pumpkinseed
During the winter, trout and salmon are often found suspended beneath the ice, making tip-ups a successful fishing technique. For those looking for a challenge, Lake Colby hosts an ice fishing derby in March, organized by the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club.
Serene Beauty of Blue Mountain Lake
Blue Lake Mountain Deep is a lake located in central Hamilton County. It has deep pockets along the lake bottom that can go as deep as 100 feet (30 meters). These deep pockets help maintain cold water temperatures, which are ideal for the survival of trout.
Here are some fish species that can be found in Blue Mountain Lake:
- Brook trout
- Lake trout
- Smallmouth bass
- Landlocked salmon
- Brown bullhead
- Rainbow smelt
- Pumpkinseed
- Yellow perch
Blue Mountain Lake covers an area of approximately 1,220 acres and has a shoreline that stretches for about 12.6 miles (20.3 km). It’s worth noting that most of the shoreline is privately owned.
When fishing in Blue Mountain Lake for cold-water species, the best chances of success are usually found in the deep pockets where the water is the coldest. However, during the cold season, ice fishing opens up a wider range of successful locations around the lake.
Discover the Beauty of Lake George
Lake George is a beautiful lake located in Warren County, known for its stunning scenery. It covers a vast area of 28,451 acres and has 82 miles (132 km) of shoreline. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 187 feet (57 meters). It is highly regarded as one of the top five bass fishing spots in New York State.
The lake is home to a diverse range of fish species, including:
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Lake trout
- Landlocked salmon
- Northern pike
- Chain pickerel
- Yellow perch
- Brown bullhead
- Rock Bass
- Pumpkinseed
- Black Crappie
- Smelt
Lake George boasts a plentiful supply of fish, with naturally reproducing lake trout and stocked landlocked salmon. During the winter months, ice fishers particularly target black crappie and yellow perch, as they are the most abundant species during that time.
A Tranquil Escape: Cossayuna Lake
Cossayuna Lake, located in the town of Argyle, is a small lake with an area of 661 acres and a shoreline of 8.1 miles (13 km). It has a maximum depth of 25 feet (7.6 meters). The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with stocked tiger muskies being a highlight. It also has thriving populations of largemouth bass and bluegill.
Here are some of the fish species you can find in Cossayuna Lake:
- Tiger Muskellunge
- Yellow bullhead
- Brown bullhead
- Bluegill
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Black Crappie
- Pumpkinseed
- Rock bass
- Yellow Perch
If you enjoy ice fishing, you can do so at Cossayuna Lake throughout the entire ice fishing season. However, it’s important to be aware of statewide fishing regulations, particularly regarding bass fishing. During certain times of the year, bass fishing may be catch-and-release only. Make sure to double-check the appropriate rules for the season before you go fishing.
Majestic Waters of Franklin Falls Flow
Franklin Falls Flow is a beautiful lake with a stunning view of Whiteface Mountain. It is located in Franklin and Essex County. The lake is fairly shallow, with most parts being less than 10 feet deep. It covers an area of 437 acres and has a shoreline that stretches for 8.2 miles (13.2 km).
In Franklin Falls Flow, you can find a variety of fish species. Here are some of the fish you’ll come across:
- Walleye
- Yellow perch
- Northern pike
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Rock bass
- Pumpkinseed
- Bullhead
Due to its maximum depth of 30 feet (9.1 meters), ice fishing is quite successful in this lake. In the spring, bullhead fishing near the shorelines is popular. However, during the winter months, the bullhead populations tend to move away from the shorelines.
Enjoy Ice Fishing Adventures in the Adirondacks
During winter in the Adirondacks, the snowy landscape creates beautiful scenes that are worth experiencing. Despite the freezing temperatures, ice fishing communities emerge all around as the fish remain active even under the ice.
Ice fishing is generally allowed on most lakes and rivers in the Adirondacks, except for the Indian River. The official ice fishing season takes place from December to April, as long as the conditions are suitable for fishing on the frozen water.
It is important to be aware that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has specific regulations for certain waterways during the ice fishing season. For instance, Blue Mountain Lake has its own set of rules. Before planning your ice fishing trip, it is advisable to consult the DEC website or contact their offices for detailed information. Additionally, licensed guides are available to provide expert advice on the best fishing locations throughout the Adirondacks.
Prime Time for Ice Fishing Adventures
Ice fishing can be more enjoyable when the weather conditions are favorable. Going on a day with calm winds and stable barometric pressure is ideal for a successful and fun ice fishing trip. In the Central Adirondacks, these conditions are usually found in February, making it one of the best times to go ice fishing in terms of weather.
Popular Ice Fishing Derbies in the Adirondacks
Ice fishing derbies are highly popular events in the Adirondacks region. These derbies take place annually on various lakes during the season. Here are some of the lakes where you can find these ice fishing derbies:
- Adirondack Lake
- Chazy Lake
- Lake George
- Caroga Lake
- Cranberry Lake
- Lake Pleasant
- Lake Colby
- Schroon Lake
- Loon Lake
- Tupper Lake
- Raquette Lake
Conclusion
Ice fishing in the Adirondacks offers a plethora of excellent spots to choose from. The key to finding the best spot is considering the availability of the fish you want to catch and the weather conditions. With numerous lakes and rivers to explore, each offering a diverse range of fish, your main challenge will be deciding on your personal favorite fishing spot.
