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.