The Southern Gateway to Adirondack Fishing at Pecks Lake
Fulton County, located in the southern part of New York State, is often referred to as the Southern Gateway to the Adirondacks. While this title suggests it’s a place to pass through on your way to more remote destinations, the region itself offers an abundance of outdoor activities that make it a destination in its own right. With 44 lakes, miles of streams, and vast tracts of forest, the area is a haven for nature lovers and anglers alike. Among these lakes, one stands out as a true gem: Pecks Lake.
The Origins of the Lake
Pecks Lake, a private body of water nestled in the southern Adirondacks, was created in the early 20th century by the construction of two dams that flooded and connected three smaller lakes. These dams raised the water levels by about 20 feet, transforming the landscape and creating the 1370-acre lake that we see today. The land where Pecks Lake sits has deep historical ties to the Peck family, who originally owned the property. For over a century, the Peck family has operated Pecks Lake Resort, making it a place rich in tradition and family history. This long-standing connection has fostered a unique atmosphere that makes visiting Pecks Lake feel like stepping into a timeless retreat.
A Secluded and Scenic Setting
Pecks Lake is surrounded by the rolling foothills of the southern Adirondacks, offering stunning views and a sense of seclusion. The 14 miles of wooded shoreline are dotted with dense forests and peaceful coves, providing plenty of natural beauty and quiet places for reflection. Despite its size, the lake is not overly developed, with the majority of the shoreline remaining uninhabited. The western shore is home to Pecks Lake Resort, while a small portion of the northern shore features a handful of private homes and camps. This limited development allows for a more tranquil, private experience on the water.
The lake itself offers a variety of fishing opportunities, with areas ranging from shallow, warm water habitats to deeper, colder sections. The average depth is around 14 feet, but there are spots that reach up to 40 feet, offering a range of environments for different species of fish. Whether you’re seeking the challenge of cold-water fish like lake trout or the excitement of catching warm-water species such as bass and pike, Pecks Lake delivers a diverse fishing experience. Its cold, clear waters are home to an array of species, making it a year-round fishing destination for those in search of both sport and relaxation.
Accessible and Family Friendly
Pecks Lake Resort, located along the western shoreline, is a rustic, family-friendly resort that offers a range of accommodations and activities. Easily accessible off Route 29A, just north of Gloversville, the resort is an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Adirondacks. Whether you’re interested in renting a cottage for a weekend getaway or setting up camp with family and friends, Pecks Lake Resort provides a comfortable base from which to explore the lake and its surrounding area.
The resort also offers a full-service marina, making it easy for visitors to access the lake for fishing, boating, and water sports. In addition to fishing, Pecks Lake is a fantastic place for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The combination of lake access, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly accommodations makes Pecks Lake an ideal spot for a summer vacation or weekend getaway.
For families looking to introduce the next generation to the joys of outdoor recreation, Pecks Lake Resort offers a safe and welcoming environment. The calm waters of the lake are perfect for beginners, and the resort’s variety of amenities makes it an excellent location for enjoying nature while still having modern comforts.
A Place for Everyone
Pecks Lake offers a variety of accommodation options, making it an ideal destination for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a peaceful escape in the Adirondacks. With 14 waterfront cottages available for rent, visitors can choose from various sizes and levels of privacy to suit their needs. Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a week-long vacation, these rustic cottages provide a charming, comfortable base from which to enjoy everything the lake has to offer. While the cottages maintain their rustic charm, upgrades were made in 2014 to enhance the experience. The rentals include the use of one boat, with additional boats available for rent onsite, giving guests easy access to the water for fishing, boating, and exploration right from their doorstep.
For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, the Pecks Lake Resort also offers a variety of campsites spread along the lake’s edge. Whether you’re camping in a tent, trailer, or RV, the grounds accommodate all types of campers, whether you’re staying for a night, a week, or for the entire season. Each campsite comes with lake rights, electricity, and a boat to use, with most of the long-term rental sites positioned directly on the water for added convenience and scenic beauty. The resort’s central, modern bathroom and shower facilities ensure that guests can enjoy comfort and convenience while surrounded by nature. For quick bites and snacks, a snack bar is also available on the property for the ease of visitors. With plenty of space and varied options for accommodation, Pecks Lake Resort can easily host large parties, making it an excellent place to bring children, friends, or extended family for a memorable vacation.
Boating
Pecks Lake is the perfect spot for boating enthusiasts of all types. The resort features a full-service marina that offers rentals, sales, and boat servicing, making it convenient for visitors to access everything they need for a day on the water. Guests can rent fishing boats, paddleboats, motors, and canoes for use, or they can bring their own boat and launch it from the lake’s boat ramp. In addition to boats, the marina provides essential supplies like gasoline, tackle, and bait, ensuring that all your fishing and boating needs are taken care of while you enjoy your time on the lake.
Boating Rules and Regulations
Because Pecks Lake is a private lake, there are a few modest fees and rules in place to ensure a pleasant and safe experience for all visitors. For example, water skiing is allowed but is restricted to one section of the lake to help maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the rest of the area. Additionally, there is a 40-horsepower limit on boat motors, which makes small boats ideal for navigating the lake. These restrictions help ensure that the lake remains serene and enjoyable for everyone, while also promoting safety and conservation of the environment. Whether you’re fishing, cruising, or paddling, Pecks Lake’s tranquil waters and clear rules offer the perfect setting for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Pecks Lake Fishing: A Premier Destination for Anglers
Pecks Lake offers an incredible fishing experience with a wide variety of species to target, making it a favorite for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to reel in your next catch. The lake is home to northern pike, pickerel, black crappie, perch, rainbow trout, walleye, rock bass, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. While the lake is particularly renowned for its excellent bass fishing, it also provides exciting opportunities for pike enthusiasts.
Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass Fishing
The lake’s clear, cold waters are perfect for bass fishing, with both smallmouth and largemouth bass in abundance. The shallow bays along the northwest shore, rich with weed cover and fallen timber, are prime fishing spots for largemouth bass and pike. These areas are best fished with spinnerbaits, shallow-running crankbaits, or plastic lures, which are effective at attracting these aggressive predators. Smallmouth bass tend to prefer the deeper waters, particularly near the old channels or shoals at the far end of the lake. These bass offer thrilling fights for anglers targeting them in deeper water.
Pike Fishing
Northern pike is another popular species found in Pecks Lake. They thrive in the weedy, shallow bays, and can be caught using similar methods to those for largemouth bass. Pike are known for their strong, fast runs, making them an exciting target for anglers. These toothy predators are abundant in the lake, and some impressive specimens are regularly reeled in. The deeper waters near Rock Island and around the marina are often hot spots for pike fishing.
Walleye and Rainbow Trout Fishing
While walleye are not as abundant as bass or pike, Pecks Lake does offer opportunities for anglers to catch these elusive fish. Walleye are typically found in deeper waters, particularly at the eastern end of the lake, where artificial reefs and submerged structures are in place. Fishing for walleye is best done in the early morning or evening, when they are most active. Rainbow trout are stocked annually in the lake, and the area near the marina is often productive for catching these fish, along with pike.
Fishing Tips from Local Expert Albert Peck
Albert “Albie” Peck, a long-time local fisherman, suggests that the deeper waters around Rock Island are great spots for catching walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. He recommends fishing near the marina for pike and rainbow trout, especially if you want to target those species. Albie and his grandson Clarence Chamberlain are dedicated to helping visitors enjoy their time on the lake, and their knowledge of local fishing hotspots is invaluable.
Explore Adirondack Fishing and More at Pecks Lake
In addition to fishing, Pecks Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding Adirondack landscape, providing opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region. Golf courses and historical sites, including the Wildlife Sports Educational Museum, are located nearby, making it easy to enjoy a full day of activities. Visitors can get more information about these attractions and others from Fulton County Tourism at www.44lakes.com or by calling 1-800-676-3858 for a free travel guide.
Family-Owned and Operated Resort
Pecks Lake Resort is family-owned and operated by Albie Peck and his grandson, Clarence Chamberlain, who are known for their warm hospitality and commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for visitors. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including cabin rentals and camping sites, making it an ideal destination for families, groups, or anyone looking to relax and enjoy nature.
For more information about cabin rentals, fishing, and accommodations at Pecks Lake, visit their website at www.PecksLake.com, or contact the resort directly at 518-725-1294 or Peckslake@frontiernet.net.
If you’re seeking a quiet, peaceful, and affordable destination with a family-friendly atmosphere, Pecks Lake in the Adirondacks is the perfect spot. With its rustic charm, scenic beauty, and genuine hospitality, it’s a place worth exploring for your next outdoor adventure.
Original Article By Ron Kolodziej
About the Author
Ron Kolodziej guided and chartered on Great Sacandaga Lake for many years. He wrote a regular column for several newspapers, including Hamilton County News. He was an active member and past president of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and was an inductee of the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame. Rob passed away in 2018.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
