Explore Raquette Lake: Fishing Seasons, Records, Tactics & Access Points
The various fish species inhabiting Raquette Lake include largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, sunfish, brook trout, land-locked salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, chain pickerel, perch, bullhead, whitefish, smelt, and suckers. An annual stocking of lake trout and brook trout adds to the richness of fishing in Raquette Lake, ensuring a sustainable population of these prized species.
Raquette Lake, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in Hamilton County in New York State, stands out as one of the most captivating lakes in the region. Spanning approximately six miles in length with an impressive 99 miles of shoreline, it proudly claims the title of the largest natural lake in the Central Adirondacks. The lake’s maximum depth just under 100 feet adds to its allure for fishing enthusiasts seeking a diverse and dynamic angling experience.
Northeast of the town of Inlet and south of Long Lake, Raquette Lake serves as a NY fishing hotspot for fishermen of all ages. Raquette Lake is connected to Long Lake, forming a water system that contributes to its diverse aquatic ecosystem.
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Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring (March to May)
As the spring thaw commences on Raquette Lake, brook trout take the spotlight. Head to the lake’s inlet streams, where cooler temperatures prevail, and brook trout become more active.
In spring it is best to cast near the shoreline with artificial lures simulating insects or opt for live bait presentations. Brook trout are known to feed on aquatic insects and smaller fish during their spawning season. Light spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line can enhance your chances of a successful catch.
Summer (June to July)
In the summer on Raquette Lake, fishing for largemouth bass is most effective using a tactical approach. Seek out areas enriched with submerged structures like fallen trees and underwater vegetation, especially during the prime activity periods at dawn and dusk.
Elevate your angling experience by opting for topwater lures to incite thrilling surface strikes, or choose the finesse of plastic worms and jigs for deeper presentations. Explore the shoreline edges, teeming with cover, creating optimal ambush points for these warm-water predators.
Fall (August to November)
As fall sets in on Raquette Lake, it’s time to focus on lake trout fishing. Head to the Raquette Lake’s deeper spots and underwater slopes, where the trout prefer cooler waters. Use downriggers to control your lure depth, mimicking the small fish they like to eat.
The northern portion of the lake between Green Point and Bluff Point is the deepest part of the lake with a large hole reaching 90 to 100 feet deep. Pay attention to water temperature changes to figure out the best depth for lake trout. Fall is a season that requires careful planning to present your lures just right for a successful fishing trip on Raquette Lake.
Additionally, during this time, don’t forget about the feisty perch that also becomes active in Raquette Lake. Look for them near structures like rocks or underwater vegetation.
Use light tackle and try various lures or live bait to entice them. Explore the lake’s shallower areas for perch action, adding variety to your fall fishing Raquette Lake trips.
Winter (December to February)
Embracing the winter wonderland of Raquette Lake, ice fishermen set their sights on yellow perch. Seek out areas with submerged structures like weed beds or rocky bottoms under the ice. The area right out from the Hamlet of Raquette Lake out to Harding Island seems to be popular, likely due to its ease of access.
To lure in schooling yellow perch, try using small jigs paired with live bait, such as minnows, grubs, or spikes (maggots). Given the mobility required for ice fishing, drill multiple holes and move around to find the most active perch schools. Keep a close watch on your sonar for depth adjustments and to identify promising fishing spots.
On Raquette Lake, it is recommended to keep your perch rigs simple. Utilize a quality run rig kit, complemented by a 1-2oz lead, a 4-6lb fluorocarbon hook length, and a size 4-8 hook. This setup can enhance your chances of success when targeting yellow perch beneath the ice of Raquette Lake during the winter months.
What Raquette Lake is Known For
Raquette Lake, in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, gained widespread recognition for harboring one of the most coveted freshwater records in the state—a record-setting brook trout. In an awe-inspiring feat on June 7, 2021, Tom Yacovella, an experienced angler with over 52 years of brook trout fishing, successfully landed a monstrous brook trout weighing 5 pounds and 4 ounces, measuring 21 inches in length with an impressive girth of 15 inches.
Yacovella’s dedication to his craft and meticulous approach to brook trout fishing, from the choice of lures to understanding the nuances of the fishing conditions, contributed to his extraordinary achievement. The fish has been certified by the state, surpassing the former record set by Jesse Yousey in 2006 by five ounces and solidifying Raquette Lake’s reputation as a premier brook trout fishing spot.
Historically, Raquette Lake has played a significant role in the Adirondack region as part of the “Highway of the Adirondacks,” facilitating extensive travel by canoe or guide boat through various waterways. This historical water route continues to be relevant, forming the basis of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the Adirondack Canoe Classic, a three-day, 90-mile canoe race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake.
The lake’s contribution to the region’s water systems, combined with its scenic beauty, has established Raquette Lake as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both historical and recreational experiences. The local community around Raquette Lake is known for organizing events that celebrate the region’s natural beauty and offer diverse recreational opportunities.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
Raquette Lake offers convenient access points for boating and fishing, ensuring an enjoyable experience on its pristine Adirondack Park waters. One such access point is the hard surface boat launch and public dock located on Main Street/County Route 2, just across from the Raquette Lake Supply Co. General Store.
This launch provides easy access for various boat types, allowing visitors to explore the 99 miles of beautiful shoreline surrounding Raquette Lake. To reach this access point, travelers can take Route 28 in Raquette Lake and head northwest on County Route 2 into the Hamlet of Raquette Lake.
After a quarter mile, bear right past the Tap Room and Raquette Lake General Store, and the boat launch will be straight ahead. The location offers a hard surface boat launch and gas pumps within approximately 30 feet of the launch area.
Another notable location is Brown Tract Pond, situated in Raquette Lake at the Brown Tract Pond Campground & Day Use Area. This access point provides parking for 10 cars, and a day use fee is applicable during the operating season of the campground. It’s important to note that no motors are permitted on Brown Tract Pond, maintaining a serene and peaceful environment for visitors.
These access points not only cater to boaters but also offer the chance to experience the natural beauty of Raquette Lake and its surroundings. Whether launching from Main Street or exploring Brown Tract Pond, visitors have diverse options to enjoy the water and immerse themselves in the Adirondack wilderness.
