Fourth Lake Fishing NY: Seasons, Records, and Ice Fishing Adventures

Fishermen exploring Fourth Lake can target a variety of fish species commonly found in the Fulton Chain of Lakes. The lake is known to harbor Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, northern pike, lake trout, tiger musky, rock bass, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. 

Whether trolling the open waters for salmon or casting for bass along the shoreline, Fourth Lake presents a diverse and rewarding fishing experience, making it a standout destination within the Fulton Chain of  Lakes.

Located in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, Fourth Lake stands as the largest in the chain, offering fishermen an expansive and diverse fishery. Located approximately 5 miles from Inlet, NY, the lake is situated in a scenic landscape surrounded by Herkimer and Hamilton Counties, the towns of Webb and Inlet, and the hamlet of Eagle Bay, NY.

Its southwestern end connects to Third Lake through a short navigable channel, adding to the interconnected charm of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. With an average depth of 34 feet and a maximum depth of 85 feet, Fourth Lake provides a varied fishing experience. Fourth Lake boasts a generous shoreline length of 9.8 miles.

New York State Best Fishing Lakes, Rivers, and Streams

Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species

Spring (April to June)

As temperatures rise during spring, Fourth Lake morphs into an angler’s paradise with many fishing opportunities. Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout, lured by the warming waters, exhibit heightened activity, presenting a thrilling challenge for anglers seeking diverse catches. 

Understanding the feeding patterns of lake trout can significantly improve your success. These predators are known to be more active during certain times, with sunset being a prime period when lake trout often feed heavily.

To optimize your chances, consider employing a range of techniques tailored to the lake’s changing ecosystem. Trolling with vibrant spoons or using live bait can be particularly effective. Delve into the nuances of fishing tactics by experimenting with retrieval speeds, and don’t shy away from incorporating occasional pauses to imitate wounded prey, a strategy that can trigger aggressive strikes. 

Despite their elusive nature, lake trout’s behavior tends to be more assertive during spring, providing anglers with a rewarding challenge.

Summer (July to August)

Summer on Fourth Lake comes alive with fishing options. Continue targeting lake trout, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon in the colder depths using essential tools like downriggers and lead-core lines. For the shallower areas, focus on yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. 

Broaden your skill set by exploring creative approaches with artificial baits such as plastic worms, crankbaits, and topwater lures, especially effective for bass. To maximize your chances, try trolling with flashy spoons at varying depths to locate the thermocline where lake trout often reside.

Fall (September to November)

Embracing the fall season on Fourth Lake offers anglers a captivating opportunity to witness the lake’s transformation. During this time, lake trout not only showcase their aggressive feeding behavior but also unveiled a fascinating preference for deeper waters.

Anglers looking to broaden their catch can set their sights on an array of other species, including the elusive Atlantic salmon, the vibrant rainbow trout, and the robust northern pike.

Enhance your fishing strategy by exploring the diverse underwater terrain and experimenting with presentations that mimic the movements of natural prey. This strategic approach not only adds versatility to your fishing but also increases the chances of strikes.

During fall, lake trout demonstrate a liking for certain structures and depths, making it valuable for anglers to explore underwater topography. Understanding these nuances can lead to more precise targeting and a deeper connection with the lake’s ecosystem.

As the autumn leaves fall, so do unique opportunities for fishermen to unravel the mysteries of Fourth Lake and craft an unforgettable fishing adventure.

Winter (December to February)

As winter blankets Fourth Lake in ice, anglers turn to ice fishing, particularly for lake trout. Increase your chances of success by using live bait or jigs tipped with bait, focusing on deeper areas of the lake. 

Ice fishing for lake trout often results in impressive catches, with fish exceeding 30 inches possible. Winter also opens opportunities for targeting yellow perch, brown bullhead, and rainbow trout through the ice. Always prioritize safety by ensuring the thickness of the ice before embarking on your winter fishing expeditions.

What Fourth Lake is Known For

Part of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, the Fourth Lake commands attention with its size. This body of water stands as a true giant, dwarfing its predecessors.

While acknowledging the possibility of larger catches in the lake, local angler Brad proudly reeled in an impressive 28-inch lake trout, weighing a substantial 7 1/2 pounds. This remarkable feat occurred on 02/01/2014, as Brad pursued the unconventional method of jigging for smelt using a small ice spoon and a single spike.

Employing a 4-pound test line in a mere 5 1/2 feet of water, Brad experienced the thrill of unexpectedly landing a fish of such magnitude. This extraordinary catch underscores the notion that, at times, the most remarkable fishing experiences unfold when least anticipated.

Beyond the exceptional fishing opportunities that Fourth Lake offers, it stands as a centerpiece, its southwestern end seamlessly linking to Third Lake approximately five miles from Inlet, NY through a brief channel. Fishing on Fourth Lake serves as a focal point for numerous anglers, drawing them to its scenic waters.

As the fourth lake is the largest of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, generally most of the fishing occurs on this specific lake. However if you would like a more peaceful fishing option you can travel through the fourth lake by boat and venture into the fifth lake, a much smaller and isolated alternative.

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

Access to Fourth Lake in the Fulton Chain of Lakes is typically gained from the town of Inlet, located at the eastern end of Fourth Lake. Inlet serves as a gateway to Fourth Lake, and there are various points around Fourth Lake that offer boat launches and access for visitors.

The town of Inlet provides amenities and facilities, including grocery stores, restaurants, souvenir shops, realtor offices, and a fire station. Boaters and visitors can use Inlet as a convenient starting point before exploring Fourth Lake. The presence of a stream or channel at the east end of Fourth Lake, near Inlet, allows access to the much smaller Fifth Lake.

Boaters and outdoor enthusiasts often find Fourth Lake appealing due to its size and popularity. It covers 2,050 acres, making it the largest lake in the Fulton Chain. Facilities such as a picnic area maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation on the southern shore provide additional amenities for visitors. 

Alger Island State Campground, situated on Alger Island in the middle of Fourth Lake, is a public campground with various accommodations, including lean-tos, tent sites, and picnic areas.