Fishing Upper Saranac Lake

AKA: The Upper Lake

Popular Fish Species
Upper Saranac Lake Fishing Video
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Upper Saranac Lake, NY

Popular Fish Species Upper Saranac Lake, NY

Upper Saranac Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Upper Saranac Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and spectacular jumpers. Smallmouth bass fishing is good year round, including through the ice in winter. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Upper Saranac Lake Popular Fish - Lake Torut

Lake Trout Fishing

Fishing for lake trout in Upper Saranac Lake has been quite consistent, as the fish are plentiful. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 45 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Upper Saranac Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Upper Saranac Lake. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Upper Saranac Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike at Upper Saranac Lake in New York.

Set amongst some of natures best handiwork, Upper Saranac Lake distracts anglers as they stop fishing to enjoy the views. And, the fishing is excellent in this 4,700-acre lake, located in the northeast part of the state. Upper Saranac Lake, located in the Adirondack Mountains , is a breathtaking destination for fishing enthusiasts.

One of the primary fish species found in Upper Saranac Lake is the lake trout. Smallmouth bass are another popular species. Other fish species found in Upper Saranac Lake include largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish such as bluegill and pumpkinseed.

Row boats, canoes and kayaks can enjoy the 37 miles of shoreline in search of bass, sunfish, trout and northern pike. Lake trout tend to stay in deeper water. This is a wilderness area with limited resources, however most amenities are available at the lake to make this a great fishing, camping or boating destination. Ice fishing in winter for perch and pike can often be very productive.

Primary fish species residing in Upper Saranac Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Upper Saranac Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Upper Saranac Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, jon boats and pontoons
518 891-0480

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Eagle Island Camp Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Gilpin Bay Road, this is a one-lane, earthen ramp with gravel parking.

Upper Saranac Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Back Bay Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.