The Southern Gateway to Adirondack Fishing at Pecks Lake
Fulton County is often known as the Southern Gateway to the Adirondacks in New York State. But with 44 lakes, many miles of streams, and abundant forest land, it is a destination for many people rather than a gateway. The many lakes offer a variety of fishing, and recreational opportunities. But one lake, Pecks Lake, stands out for several reasons.
The Origins of the Lake
Pecks Lake is a private lake created in the early 20th century by two dams that flooded and connected three smaller bodies of water and raised the water levels 20 feet. The land was originally owned by the Peck family and Pecks Lake Resort has been operated by the family for over 100 years.
A Secluded and Scenic Setting
The 1370 acre lake has 14 miles of wooded shoreline set amongst the rolling foothills of the southern Adirondacks. The average depth of the lake is 14 feet, but there are areas with a maximum depth of 40 feet. The cold, clear water harbors a variety of warm water and cold water fish species. Much of the shoreline is uninhabited except for Pecks Lake Resort along the western shore and some private homes or camps along a small part of the northern shore.
Accessible and Family Friendly
Pecks Lake Resort is a sprawling, rustic, and family friendly complex of cottages and campgrounds that is easily located off Rt. 29 A north of Gloversville. It offers rental accommodations, lake access, water sports, fishing, and a full service marina.
A Place for Everyone
There are 14 waterfront cottages of various sizes and levels of privacy that are rented for the weekend or the week. These are rustic, but there have been upgrades made in 2014. Cottage rentals include the use of one boat. Additional rental boats are available on site.
Camping areas spread along the lake and can accommodate those camping in tents, trailers, or RVs. They cater to overnight, weekly, or seasonal visitors. Campsites include lake rights, electricity, and a boat to use. Most of the long-term rental sites are on the water.
A centrally located modern bathroom and shower building serves both cottages and those camping. A snack bar is also available for the convenience of visitors. With so much space to accommodate large parties, it’s got room to bring your children and some friends too.
Boating
Peck’s full service marina will rent, service or even sell boats. Fishing boats, paddleboats, motors, and canoes are available for use by campers or by rental for day users. You can also bring your own boat and launch it at the boat ramp. Supplies, gasoline, tackle, and bait are available.
Boating Rules and Regulations
Because it is a private lake, there are modest fees and common sense restrictions to make it a comfortable, safe, and pleasant experience for all. For example, water skiing is permitted but is restricted to one section of the lake. There is also a 40 hp limit on boat motors, which makes small boats preferable.
Recreation Fishing at Pecks Lake
Peck lake fishing is a main attraction for anglers of all ages and there is a great variety to choose from. Northern pike, pickerel, black crappie, perch, rainbow trout, walleye, rock bass and both largemouth and smallmouth bass are present. The lake is best known for its excellent smallmouth and largemouth bass and pike fishing. Rainbow trout and walleye are stocked each year, and some impressive fish are caught, although not in the numbers like the bass or pike.
The shallow bays along the northwest shore with weed cover and fallen timber are prime habitat for largemouth bass and pike. Some nice fish are caught here using spinnerbaits, shallow-running crankbaits, or plastic lures. Smallmouth bass are usually found in deeper water, along the old channels, or near the shoals at the far end of the lake.
Although walleye are not abundant, some good sized ones are caught each year. Typically the walleye are elusive and your best bet is to fish the deeper areas at the eastern end and around some of the artificial reefs or structure that were placed there. Early morning or evenings are usually the best times to catch these tasty fish.
Albert (Albie) Peck suggests that the deeper water or area around Rock Island near the far end of the lake can be a good spot for anglers to find walleye, smallmouth bass and pike. The deeper water right in front of the marina is often a productive area for pike and rainbow trout.
Explore Adirondack Fishing at Pecks Lake and So Much More
In addition to fishing, boating, and water sports at Pecks Lake there are other attractions and activities nearby. Hiking trails, golf courses, historical sites, and museums, including the Wildlife Sports Educational Museum are conveniently located in the area. For information on these and other attractions, contact Fulton County Tourism (www.44lakes.com or 1-800-676-3858) for more information or a free travel guide.
Family Owned and Operated Resort
Albie Peck and his grandson, Clarence Chamberlain, are easy-going and accommodating and go out of their way to make sure that visitors have a pleasant experience at Pecks Lake Resort. Check their website www.PecksLake.com or contact them at 518-725-1294 or Peckslake@frontiernet.net for more information on Pecks lake cabin rentals, fishing and other accomodations.
If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful and relaxing destination, consider Adirondack fishing at Pecks Lake. Rustic setting, affordable prices, family atmosphere, and genuinely nice people make this a spot that you should check out.
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.
