Fishing at Lake George, New York
28,000-acre natural lake · Warren County · 320 ft elevation · 3 species stocked
Lake George sits at 320 feet — low-elevation, warmer-water in Warren County, New York, covering 28,000 acres of natural lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on December 08, 2025, with 21,991 lake trout averaging 4.4 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 1990, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Lake George:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 8, 2025 | 🐟 Lake Trout | 21,991 | 4.4″ |
| Nov 23, 2025 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 4,326 | 11.9″ |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 1,901 | 10.3″ |
| Jul 15, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 299 | 11.3″ |
| Jun 7, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 2,010 | 3.9″ |
| May 18, 2025 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 13,534 | 5.4″ |
| Dec 22, 2024 | 🐟 Lake Trout | 18,860 | 4.8″ |
| Nov 30, 2024 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 13,679 | 9.0″ |
| Oct 11, 2024 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 3,811 | 7.3″ |
| Jun 15, 2024 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 2,241 | 9.6″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐟 Lake Trout — best in spring, fall
- 🐉 Northern Pike — best in spring, fall
- 🐟 Smallmouth Bass — best in late spring, summer, fall
Where to Catch Lake Trout in New York
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Lake George, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Lake Trout lakes in New York
- Top Northern Pike lakes in New York
- Top Smallmouth Bass lakes in New York
Best Time to Fish Lake George
For lake trout, the best fishing on Lake George is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 42–55°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with natural lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Lake George. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Medium-heavy jigging rod
- lure: Jigging spoons 1-2 oz
- rod: Medium-heavy 7' rod
- lure: Daredevil spoons
- rod: Medium 7' spinning rod
- lure: Tube baits
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Lake George:
- Lake Champlain — 68.8 mi (271,000 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid New York fishing license is required at Lake George. Buy one online and check current regulations at the New York DEC. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Lake George?
Lake George has been stocked with Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass.
When was Lake George last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Dec 8, 2025, when 21,991 lake trout were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake George?
Yes — a valid New York fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the New York DEC.