Eighth Lake, Fishing – Articles, Species and Tips

Commonly targeted fish species in Eighth Lake include brown trout, lake trout, brown trout, and yellow perch. Whether casting lines from the shoreline or navigating the lake’s waters, Eighth Lake stands out as a key component of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, beckoning fishermen to discover its beauty and abundant fishing prospects.

Eighth Lake, positioned at the inception of the renowned Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondack Park, emerges as a destination for fishing enthusiasts, located approximately 15 miles northeast of Old Forge. The lake sits north of New York State Route 28 in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest. This strategically located water body serves as the starting point of the Fulton Chain, spanning across a scenic landscape and culminating at the Old Forge Dam in the town of Old Forge.

As the outflow from Eighth Lake gracefully traverses a 1-mile-long natural channel, it feeds into the interconnected Seventh Lake and Sixth Lake, contributing to the richness of this network. The lake’s average depth of 39 feet and maximum depth of 81 feet create an engaging underwater terrain, providing a habitat for various fish species. The shoreline extends over 4 miles.

The interconnected nature of the Fulton Chain, with outflows and channels connecting Eighth Lake to Seventh and Sixth Lakes, contributes to the overall appeal of the region for fishing enthusiasts.

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Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species:

Spring (March to May)

As spring revitalizes Eighth Lake, anglers fishing for brown trout can diversify their fly choices with patterns like Woolly Buggers and Elk Hair Caddis, complementing the effectiveness of Stonefly Nymphs. Rainbow trout enthusiasts may find success with surface imitators like Adams or Blue Winged Olive flies, ideal for areas with moderate water flow.

Implementing a float setup, including a sensitive float, leader, and tippet, proves effective for trout in spring, especially in slower sections of the lake. When pursuing panfish such as pumpkinseed sunfish, employing small jigs or soft plastic grubs on light tackle, comprising a sensitive rod, reel, light line, and appropriately sized weights, enhances the chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

Summer (June to August)

In the summer season at Eighth Lake, anglers seeking fishing for lake trout often delve into the deeper waters, employing downriggers and trolling fishing techniques to cover expansive areas efficiently. Downriggers enable precise depth control, allowing lures like spoons or plugs to be presented at optimal levels, enticing lake trout residing in the cool, deeper sections of the lake.

Strategic trolling patterns, such as “S-turns” or zigzagging, can mimic the erratic movements of prey, increasing the chances of enticing these cold-water predators. Yellow perch, maintaining their prominence in the summer landscape, become a focal point for anglers. 

Deploying top rigs proves effective, with live bait rigs offering a classic approach. Anglers can present lively minnows or nightcrawlers, enticing yellow perch scattered throughout the lake’s varied habitats. 

Slip bobbers become valuable tools, allowing anglers to precisely target specific depths along weed lines, drop-offs, or submerged structures where yellow perch tend to congregate. Additionally, inline spinners add a dynamic element to the approach, creating vibrations and flashes that can trigger aggressive strikes from these spirited panfish.

For species like black bullhead, the focus shifts towards deeper holes. Anglers can present cut bait or worms near these submerged areas, where black bullheads often seek refuge and forage for food. Drop-offs, underwater structures, and areas with varying depths become prime locations for targeting black bullheads during the summer months.

Understanding the lake’s topography and identifying specific underwater structures through the use of fish finders or lake maps becomes crucial in pinpointing the locations where lake trout, yellow perch, and black bullhead are most likely to be found during the summer season at Eighth Lake. 

Fall (September to November)

During the fall, the draw of lake trout persists, captivating anglers who find success through a combination of trolling and casting near rocky structures. This approach takes advantage of the lake trout’s inclination to frequent these areas during the season, presenting anglers with strategic opportunities to entice these cold-water predators. 

Brown trout enthusiasts, on the other hand, achieve success by adapting to the shifting insect hatches with a versatile array of flies. This flexibility allows anglers to tailor their approach to the prevailing conditions, maximizing the chances of a rewarding catch.

As autumn unfolds, yellow perch undergo a transition to shallower waters, marking a shift in their behavior. Anglers targeting yellow perch during this season find success utilizing top rigs, including live bait setups and small jigs. 

These proven techniques capitalize on the perch’s movement toward shallower depths, presenting enticing offerings that align with their feeding preferences. The strategic use of live bait, combined with the subtle allure of small jigs, creates a versatile and effective approach for anglers pursuing yellow perch amidst the changing dynamics of fall.

Winter (December to February)

Eighth Lake transforms into a sought after spot for ice fishing enthusiasts. Set up near deeper areas for lake trout using tip-ups with live bait or artificial lures. Engage in the timeless art of jigging for yellow perch around submerged structures and strategic drop-offs. 

While exploring the frozen expanse, anglers may also encounter smelt, offering a unique winter challenge. Safety measures, including checking ice thickness and utilizing shelters with heaters, ensure a comfortable and rewarding winter fishing experience.

What Eighth Lake is Known For

Eighth Lake is known for its rich recreational offerings and natural beauty. Visitors can engage in hiking and biking on extensive trails, explore the water with DEC canoe rentals, or enjoy winter activities like snowmobiling and cross country skiing. 

The Eighth Lake Campground and Day Use Area, llacated at 1353 State Route 28 Inlet, NY 13360, provides 126 tent and trailer campsites, a picnic area with BBQ grills, restrooms, showers, and a swimming area with certified lifeguards. Families with children can participate in the DEC Junior Naturalist Program for ages 5-13. 

The Dunning Lean-to, situated on the northwestern shore, offers a scenic spot easily accessible by a short hike from a nearby parking area. Birdwatchers can spot various species around Seventh and Eighth lakes, including loons, mergansers, gray jays, and more.

The region is a nature lover’s favorite with its hiking trails connecting to the Moose River Plains Wild Forest. Swimming areas with lifeguards, birding opportunities, and paddling access to the Fulton Chain of Lakes make Eighth Lake a versatile destination. 

The campground’s accessibility, including features for mobility-impaired individuals, ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the area. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous mountain biking excursion, Eighth Lake provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature.

Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points

To access Eighth Lake from Seventh Lake, outdoor enthusiasts can embark on a unique journey involving a portage. This portage serves as a connecting pathway, allowing anglers and boaters to traverse from Seventh Lake to the inviting waters of Eighth Lake. 

Navigating this portage adds an element of adventure to the experience, offering a distinct route for those seeking a more immersive connection between these two lakes within the Fulton Chain.

Adjacent to Eighth Lake, a convenient campsite awaits those looking to extend their outdoor experience. To reach this tranquil campsite, follow specific directions from various starting points:

From the New York State Thruway (I-90): Take Exit 31 at Utica, head north on Route 12 to Alder Creek, and continue on Route 28 through the villages of Old Forge and Inlet. The campsite is located 6 miles east of Inlet on the left side of Route 28.

From the Adirondack Northway (I-87): Take Exit 23 at Warrensburg, follow Route 9 North to Route 28 West through villages like Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, and Raquette Lake. The campsite is situated 5 miles south of Raquette Lake on the right side of Route 28.

These detailed directions provide a clear path to the campsite near Eighth Lake, ensuring a serene and accessible retreat for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Fulton Chain region.