When fishing on Lake George most anglers minds immediately go to iconic species like lake trout and landlocked salmon. However, there’s a hidden gem in this stunning Adirondack lake that’s often overlooked: the black bass fishing. While the lake is known for its deep, cold waters that support trout populations, it also offers fantastic opportunities for anglers targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Right now, the fall fishing season is not just good—it’s outstanding.
As a long-time tournament angler, I’ve had the privilege of fishing Lake George extensively, covering its entire 32.19-mile stretch (spanning 28,160 acres). Over the years, I’ve honed in on the best spots and techniques for catching both smallmouth and largemouth bass, and I’m excited to share these insights with you. From understanding the habitat to pinpointing the prime fishing locations, I’ll give you a deep dive into how to target these bass species.
But here’s the catch: these fishing spots are like hidden treasures. So, while I’m happy to share my knowledge, keep it under wraps—you don’t want everyone catching on to the secret!
Lake George Bass
Lake George, with its beautiful waters divided into the North and South Basins, is a prime spot for anglers looking to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass. These two basins are connected by the Narrows, and the entire lake provides a variety of bass fishing opportunities. Let’s start with the Southern Basin, where you can launch your boat from the free launch located at the Lake George Beach State Park (open before Memorial Day and after Labor Day).
Eastern Shore Plum Point
Plum Point, on the eastern shore of Lake George, is a must-visit for smallmouth bass. This rocky area drops sharply to 15 feet or more, making it a perfect habitat for smallmouth. To target these bass, start early with topwater baits like a Pop-R. As the day progresses, shift to deeper waters, using drop-shot rigs. A favorite rig of mine is the 4 ½ inch Stik-O-Worm, rigged wacky style, with the hook exposed and placed about 10 inches above your weight. This setup is perfect for working the deeper waters.
Dunham’s Bay
Dunham’s Bay, less than a mile from Plum Point, is prime largemouth territory. Submerged weed beds are abundant here, and you can work them with deep-diving crankbaits or a jig-n-pig. However, don’t leave the bay without tossing a 6-inch wacky worm around the docks. A helpful tip: before you leave any fishing area on Lake George, always throw a 6-inch Bass Pro Shop Stik-O-Worm rigged wacky style. Let it sink slowly and see what bites—you may be surprised by the large bass hiding beneath the docks. Just be cautious of any boats tied up in the area.
Speaker Island
Speaker Island, located about one and a half miles north of Dunham’s Bay, is one of the best spots for smallmouth bass fishing on the entire lake. To maximize your chances, stay in 10-15 feet of water and cast a quarter-ounce crawdad-colored spider jig, bouncing it from shallow areas to deeper waters. For the best results, fish early in the morning or on overcast days and start with a Pop-R for topwater action before switching to the jig.
Harris Bay
Directly east of Speaker Island lies Harris Bay, a great spot to explore. Head into the back of the bay, but be cautious and follow the buoys since it’s shallow. The east side of the bay is excellent for fishing the shallow weeds, while the west side offers deep weeds that can reach depths of 25 feet or more. For shallow areas, use plastics, while spider jigs and drop-shot rigs work best in the deeper sections. No matter where you cast in Harris Bay, you’re likely to catch bass.
Pilot Knob
Next, head about eight miles north to Pilot Knob, where you’ll find a marina and a ledge that extends about a quarter of a mile, dropping sharply to 40 feet. Use a depth finder or drop a buoy marker to locate the drop and fish the edge with deep-diving crankbaits like the Mann’s 20 Plus, which can reach depths where smallmouth bass are often hiding. When they’re there, the bite can be nonstop.
Basin Bay and Boon Bay
Directly across from Pilot Knob on the west side of Lake George are Basin Bay and Boon Bay. Both of these areas feature robust weed growth, which attracts largemouth bass. Fish the shorelines with spinnerbaits, plastics, or even try a rubber frog over the weeds for topwater action. These bays are great spots to target largemouth, offering a variety of fishing opportunities along the shorelines.
The Narrows
The Narrows is a top spot for smallmouth bass fishing on Lake George. It’s essential to pay attention to the channel and danger markers here due to the numerous rocks, but if you navigate carefully, the smallmouth fishing can be outstanding. In the fall, these bass are often feeding around the islands scattered throughout the Narrows. Some of the islands I recommend for consistent action include Oahu, Turtle, Big Burnt, and Fork. These islands have provided some of my best fishing experiences.
North Basin
To access the North Basin of Lake George, use the free State boat launch at Mossy Point. Before heading out to the larger lake, I suggest checking out the small creek to the north. Use your trolling motor here to quietly fish the weeds and rocky structures with spinnerbaits and plastics. This hidden waterway can surprise you with some impressive largemouth bass.
Turtle Rocks and Weeds Bay
After exploring the creek, venture out into the main lake. Turtle Rocks and Weeds Bay, located on the eastern shore, is another excellent spot. This area is shallow and filled with weeds and rocks that attract both largemouth and smallmouth bass. In these areas, plastics work well, but don’t forget to try a frog for topwater action, especially on calm mornings or overcast days.
Indian Kettles
Several miles south of Turtle Rocks, directly across from Anthony’s Nose, is Indian Kettles. The underwater structure here resembles a staircase, starting with 10 feet of water near the shore and gradually descending in 5-10 foot intervals down to depths of 50 feet. To fish this area, start in the shallower waters and work your way down each step using a quarter-ounce crawdad jig. This structure is ideal for both smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Western Shore
The western shore of the North Basin, stretching all the way south to Friends Point, offers similar fishing opportunities throughout its length. When you catch a bass here, consider placing a buoy marker, as there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a school of smallmouth. Spend time fishing around this point to make the most of the area’s potential.
Hauge Boat Launch
One of my top largemouth bass spots in the North Basin is near the Hague boat launch. There’s a weed bed that begins several hundred yards out from the shore and extends north of the launch. The weed bed continues south past the launch, dipping back toward the shoreline. This is prime wacky worm territory, and you’ll find that bass tend to hang around these weeds.
Prominent Points and Islands
Over the years fishing Lake George’s North Basin, I’ve learned that prominent points are fantastic for smallmouth bass. Some notable points to target south of Hague include Tower Point, Odell Island, Meadow Point, and Agnes Island. These areas tend to hold smallmouth bass year-round, so fish from shallow waters and gradually move deeper to cover all the potential spots. Keep an eye on these points, as they often harbor a school of bass.
Lake George’s North Basin offers some of the best bass fishing on the lake, with a mix of islands, points, and weedy areas that provide excellent opportunities for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Whether you’re targeting specific areas like the Narrows or exploring the vast waters around Turtle Rocks and Weeds Bay, there’s always a new spot to discover.
Other Types of Fish Species in Lake George
While smallmouth and largemouth bass are often the main targets for anglers, Lake George offers a diverse range of fish species that can make your fishing experience even more exciting. Besides bass, here are some other species you might encounter while fishing:
- Lake Trout
- Landlocked Salmon (stocked annually)
- Yellow Perch
- Northern Pike
- Pumpkinseed
- Rock Bass
- Smelt
- Chain Pickerel
- Brown Bullhead
- Black Crappie
These species, along with the bass, contribute to the rich biodiversity of the lake, and each offers its own challenges and rewards for anglers.
Things to Remember before you Fish Lake George
Before heading out for a fishing trip on Lake George, make sure you’re prepared by following these important steps:
- Lake George Boat Registration Sticker: If your boat has a 10 hp or greater motor, you’ll need to obtain a current registration sticker from the Lake George Park Commission. Be sure to check their website for up-to-date details, associated fees, and regulations.
- New York State Fishing Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the latest fishing regulations for Lake George. The state often updates fishing rules, so it’s essential to stay informed. Check out the Region 5 Special Fishing Regulations to make sure you’re fishing within legal limits.
- Contour Map: Bring a detailed map of Lake George, highlighting all the fishing spots you want to visit. Knowing where to go and understanding the lake’s depth contours can make your trip more successful.
- Camera/Phone: Lake George is surrounded by stunning Adirondack scenery, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak. Don’t forget to capture the beauty of the surroundings, as well as your catches!
- Weekend Trip: Make the most of your time on Lake George by turning your fishing trip into a weekend adventure. Off-season accommodation rates make this the perfect time for a longer stay. Two days will give you ample time to explore the lake and fish all the hotspots.
With these preparations, you’ll be ready for an enjoyable and successful fishing trip on Lake George. Good luck, and enjoy the experience!
Original Article By Ed Noonan
About the Author
Ed Noonan was a full time NYS licensed guide and full time outdoor writer with twice weekly columns in the Schenectady Gazette as well as writing freelance for a variety of outdoor magazines. He was a member of NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame and recipient of the NYSOWA and Bass Pro Shops’ Pass It On Award. Ed passed away in 2023.
