Fishing Saratoga Lake
AKA: Lake Saratoga
Popular Fish Species Saratoga Lake, NY
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Saratoga Lake continues to uphold its reputation for great catches of largemouth bass, as it has for several years now. Careful fisheries management by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass also reside here in decent numbers. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can be caught while ice fishing. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Saratoga Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and plenty of small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Saratoga Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.
Chain Pickerel Fishing
Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Saratoga Lake has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can get very exciting with these big pike.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, chain pickerel and northern pike at Saratoga Lake in New York.
Saratoga Lake Fishing Video
A wide variety of fish species await anglers at Saratoga Lake, a 3,800-acre lake in the east-central part of NYS. Over 23 miles of shoreline encircle this fishery which has healthy populations of bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch and pike.
Saratoga Lake, located in upstate New York, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a variety of fish species and a scenic outdoor experience. Nestled in the heart of Saratoga County, Saratoga Lake offers ample opportunities for anglers of all levels to enjoy a rewarding fishing excursion.
One of the prized fish species in Saratoga Lake is the largemouth bass. Anglers can find these bass in the lake's abundant weed beds, submerged structures, and near shorelines. Techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or topwater lures can entice these powerful and aggressive fish. Saratoga Lake is known for producing trophy-sized largemouth bass, offering a thrilling challenge for anglers seeking an exciting catch.
Another popular species found in Saratoga Lake is the northern pike. These predatory fish are known for their voracious appetite and aggressive strikes. Anglers target northern pike using techniques such as trolling with large spoons, casting with swimbaits or spinnerbaits, or fishing with live bait. Saratoga Lake's weedy areas and shallow bays provide excellent habitat for pike, making it an exciting destination for anglers seeking a thrilling battle.
Saratoga Lake also offers opportunities for catching a variety of panfish species such as bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and crappie. These species provide enjoyable fishing experiences for anglers of all ages. Anglers can use techniques such as bobber fishing with worms, small jigs, or live bait to target these panfish species.
Saratoga Lake in New York offers a diverse fishing experience with its variety of fish species and picturesque surroundings. Whether targeting largemouth bass, northern pike, or panfish, anglers can enjoy the thrill of the chase and the rewards of a successful catch.
The fishing is excellent in spring and fall, good during summer and can be great when ice fishing in winter. Saratoga Lake State Boat Launch is located at the northeast corner of the lake, off route 9P. There are numerous areas where anglers wishing to fish from the bank can find access. The lake is small enough for canoes and kayaks, yet big enough for larger pleasure, pontoon and fishing boats. A couple marinas, a campground, stores and restaurants are all easily accessible to enhance a fishing trip or an extended vacation.
Primary fish species residing in Saratoga Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Saratoga Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Saratoga Lake, with boat launches and marinas available for convenient access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's various sections, find productive fishing spots, and enjoy the serene beauty that surrounds them. The lake's also ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Fishing Boat Rentals
550 Marina & Board
Rentals: Pontoon boats
518 682-6255
Point Breeze Marine
Rentals: Pontoon boats
518 587-3397
Salvi Aquatic Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
866 538-9370
South Shore Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats, kayaks and row boats
518 584-9125
Vivi e Basta rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
518 709-5463
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Saratoga Lake State Boat Launch Ramp
Located at the northern end of the lake, at the south end of the State Route 9P Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking.
South Shore Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off State Route 9P, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Marinas
Point Breeze Marina
1459 NY-9P
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518 587-3397
Saratoga Lake Marina
549 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518 796-5223
South Shore Marina
113 NY-9P
Malta, NY 12020
518 584-9125
Fishing Guides On Saratoga Lake
Ziehnert Guide Service - bass, pike, perch, walleye
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a New York Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Saratoga Lake, providing an opportunity for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and fully embrace the natural surroundings. Campers can enjoy peaceful evenings under starry skies, cook freshly caught fish over a campfire, and wake up to the sounds of nature. The camping options range from primitive campsites to more developed campgrounds, catering to different preferences and comfort levels.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lee's Park Campground - 518 584-1951
Saratoga Lake NY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Saratoga Lake
South Shore Marina
113 NY-9P
Malta, NY 12020
518 584-9125
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Saratoga Lake in New York.
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Fishing for bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch and pike at Saratoga Lake in east-central NY.