Basshogg

Basshogg

Lake George, New York

Donnie

Donnie

Donnie is a founder of Basshogg, avid bass fisherman and cottager.

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Lake George

Location: Lake George is located in the southeastern Adirondack State Park. Ticonderoga is to the north, the village of Lake George is to the south.

Size: 120 Km2

Depth: Average 70 ft, Max 196 ft

Species of Fish:  Lake Trout, Salmon, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and more.

Largest Bass Caught: A Largemouth weighing 7 Lbs has been caught in Lake George.

About Lake George

Lake George’s unique bass fishing allure extends to “The Narrows,” a captivating island-filled narrow section spanning approximately five miles [8 km]. Picture yourself casting against the stunning backdrop of the Tongue Mountain Range to the west and the majestic Black Mountain to the east. With over 170 islands, including the state-owned Skipper’s Jib, Vicar’s, and Long Islands, bass anglers have a diverse range of exploration options. Secure permits for camping on most islands, enhancing your bass fishing expedition with a touch of adventure.

The northern end near Ticonderoga marks the southern extent of the Champlain Valley, creating a unique bass fishing experience that connects Lake George with Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, New York, and Burlington, Vermont.

Map Lake George

Boat Launches

There are several boat launches on Lake George.  Follow this link to google maps to take a closer look. Norrik.com also has great refferences

Catching Bass on Lake George

Smallmouth

Smallmouth bass fishing on Lake George presents a thrilling experience, especially when employing specific techniques tailored to the lake’s unique conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore seven effective methods to increase your chances of a successful smallmouth bass catch.

Topwater Excitement (June to July):

  • During the first or second week of June through July, the topwater bite on Lake George is exceptional.
  • Post-spawn, many smallmouth bass suspend near points and shore humps, making topwater baits highly effective.
  • Recommended options include walk-the-dog style baits, prop baits, Whopper Ploppers, and poppers.

 

Suspending Jerkbaits (All Season):

  • Witness the thrill of smallmouth bass attacking lures with the suspending jerkbait technique.
  • Fish deep diving suspending baits over structures to entice bites.
  • Engage in the comments for exclusive tips on enhancing your jerkbait game 

 

Hair Jigs for Nesting Males (8-15 feet):

  • Drag or troll light hair jigs in 8-15 feet of water to target nesting males.
  • These jigs are effective during the season when smallmouths guard nests or have just completed their spawning duties.

 

Smelt Imitations (Summer):

  • Last summer, smallmouth bass displayed a preference for smelt.
  • Key fishing spots held fish consistently as smelt served as a stable bait source.
  • Consider incorporating smelt imitations into your tackle for a successful smallmouth bass outing.

     

Sculpin Patterns (Deep Water):

  • Explore the often overlooked sculpin as a bait source for smallmouth bass in deep waters.
  • Fishing sculpin patterns while drop shotting smallmouths can yield remarkable results.
  • Rabid Baits offers hybrid plastics mimicking gobies and sculpins, enhancing your chances of a successful catch.

 

Crawfish Imitations (Bottom Presentation):

  • Lake George may not be abundant with crawfish, but their presence is noteworthy.
  • Use natural-colored, 2-inch crawfish imitations, especially when smallmouths may mistake them for sculpins.
  • Experiment with bait presentations right on the lake bottom to trigger strikes.

 

Targeting Perch Schools (Midsummer):

  • Lake George is abundant with perch schools, a prime food source for smallmouth bass.
  • Fish around these schools using perch imitations on cranks and jerkbaits.

Largemouth

Location and Seasonal Patterns

Largemouth bass enthusiasts, listen up! When it comes to finding these prized fish on Lake George, boat docks are prime locations. Shallow vegetation, abundant on these lakes, serves as excellent bass hideouts. Look for them amidst the shallow grass, especially in flat areas at the north and south ends of the lake. Rocks and various structures are also key spots to explore. While Lake George boasts impressive depths, focus your efforts on water less than 10 feet deep in the early season, gradually deepening as summer progresses.

Techniques 

Mastering specific techniques is crucial for successful largemouth bass fishing on Lake George. Around boat docks and shallow weeds, weightless worms like Senkos and Stick Worms shine. Spinner baits, being weedless, are effective and even lure in bonus pickerel and pike. Adjust your approach based on seasonal patterns. In summer, as bass move deeper, crankbaits become a go-to, while jigs excel year-round, mimicking crayfish. Learning the drop shot technique is a game-changer, especially when algae coatings on rocks make baits less visible; the rig keeps the bait above the bottom where it’s visible to the fish.

Lures and Plastic Baits 

To entice largemouth bass, imitate the colors of the lake’s baitfish. Watermelon is a standout color for plastic baits. Blend your finesse lure colors with the surroundings; green pumpkin and watermelon hues are reliable choices. From now until the end of the topwater season, try topwater frog or popper lures in shallow, weedy areas.

Equipment 

Versatility is key in equipment selection. Learn to handle both spinning rigs and baitcasters. Clear waters favor spinning rods with small-diameter lines, while heavy grass calls for baitcasters with up to 60-pound braid lines. Baitcasters today are more efficient and user-friendly. Opt for a baitcaster for lures with more pull, like crankbaits and spinnerbaits, while spinning rods are ideal for finesse worms and smaller lures.

Habitat 

Understanding the diverse habitat and vegetation is crucial for successful largemouth bass fishing. Seek mixtures of grass, especially favored types like milfoil. Other varieties like eel grass, coon tail, lily pads, hydrilla, and stringy sand grass create a dynamic environment. When faced with thick grass, use topwater lures or other lures that stay above the weeds for a successful fishing experience.

Hot Spots for Bass on Lake George

Southern Half of the Lake – Largemouth Paradise:

  • Description: The southern half, more heavily developed, offers broad flats at the southernmost end and shallow water along the east and west banks with abundant summer weeds.
  • Target Species: Largemouth bass.
  • Tactics: Work spinnerbaits, shallow-diving crankbaits, and soft jerkbaits over weed tops.

 

Lower Lake George – Prime Spawning Grounds:

  • Description: Bays provide prime fishing during the late May to mid-June bass spawning season.
  • Target Species: Largemouth bass.
  • Tactics: Utilize wacky worms and tubes along miles of docks and boat houses for successful largemouth fishing throughout the summer.

 

Bolton Landing and Northwest Bay – Beating the Banks for Largemouths:

  • Description: West side around Bolton Landing and Northwest Bay is excellent for largemouth bass along the banks.
  • Target Species: Largemouth bass.
  • Tactics: Beat the banks using spinnerbaits, shallow-diving crankbaits, and soft jerkbaits. Northwest Bay and Dunham’s Bay are major largemouth strongholds.

 

Rocky Environments for Smallmouths:

  • Description: Smallmouth bass, favoring rocky environs, are often found slightly deeper than largemouths.
  • Target Species: Smallmouth bass.
  • Tactics: After spawning, locate them along drop-offs, rocky reefs, and main lake points. Depths in the 20- to 40-foot range are often optimal. Use tube jigs, diving crankbaits, and finesse soft plastics on drop-shot rigs.

 

Prime Smallmouth Spots towards South End:

  • Locations: Long Island, Diamond Island, Wood’s Point, Plum Point.
  • Tactics: Employ tube jigs, diving crankbaits, and finesse soft plastics in the 20- to 40-foot range for successful smallmouth bass fishing.

 

Islands and Reefs in the Narrows and Shelving Rock:

  • Description: Smallmouth bass are abundant throughout the islands and reefs in the Narrows and around Shelving Rock.
  • Target Species: Smallmouth bass.
  • Tactics: Explore tube jigs, diving crankbaits, and finesse soft plastics for optimal smallmouth catches.

 

Prime Smallmouth Spots Farther North:

  • Locations: Anthony’s Nose and Rogers Rock.
  • Tactics: These spots farther north are prime for smallmouth bass. Utilize tube jigs, diving crankbaits, and finesse soft plastics for successful angling.

Summary

Whether you’re in pursuit of largemouths or smallmouths, Lake George offers a diverse range of habitats and strategic locations for a rewarding bass fishing experience. Renowned as one of New York’s most consistently excellent bass lakes, Lake George offers an abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass, with the promise of landing healthy 2- to 3-pounders and the thrill of encountering 5-pounders of both species.

Check out the Bass Blogg for information about other Bass fishing lakes and more!

2 Responses

    1. Thanks Bruce! We realized last year how much work it is to film and edit our episodes. Hopefully this year we can automate a bit more of the process to allow us to get a few more episodes as well as highlight more lakes in our immediate area. If you have any requests please get in touch. Cheers! Donnie

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