Fishing Upper Saranac Lake
AKA: The Upper Lake
Popular Fish Species Upper Saranac Lake, NY
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.
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.
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.
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.
Upper Saranac Lake Fishing Video
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 of New York, is a breathtaking destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking both serene beauty and a diverse fishery. With its pristine waters and surrounding wilderness, Upper Saranac Lake offers an idyllic fishing experience.
One of the primary fish species found in Upper Saranac Lake is the lake trout. These deep-dwelling fish are known for their impressive size and their preference for colder waters. Anglers can target lake trout by trolling with downriggers, using spoons, or jigging with minnow imitations. The deep sections of Upper Saranac Lake provide ideal habitat for these powerful and elusive fish, offering a rewarding challenge for anglers.
Smallmouth bass are another popular target species in Upper Saranac Lake. These hard-fighting fish can be found near rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Anglers can use techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or crankbaits to entice these aggressive bass. Smallmouth bass in Upper Saranac Lake are known for their strong fights and acrobatic leaps, providing an exciting angling experience.
Other fish species found in Upper Saranac Lake include largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish such as bluegill and pumpkinseed. Largemouth bass can be found in the lake's weedy areas and around submerged structures, providing additional opportunities for bass anglers. Northern pike are predatory fish that can reach impressive sizes and provide thrilling battles. Yellow perch and panfish offer enjoyable fishing experiences for anglers of all ages, and techniques such as bobber fishing with worms, small jigs, or live bait are effective for targeting these species.
Upper Saranac Lake in New York offers a serene fishing experience with its diverse fish species and captivating wilderness. Whether targeting lake trout, bass, pike, or panfish, anglers can enjoy the thrill of the chase and the rewards of a successful catch. Boating and camping amenities further enhance the outdoor experience, making Upper Saranac Lake an enticing destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure in a tranquil and picturesque setting.
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
Boating is a popular activity on Upper Saranac Lake, with boat launches and rentals available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's various sections, find productive fishing spots, and enjoy the peacefulness of the surrounding wilderness. The calm waters of Upper Saranac Lake also make it a perfect location for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the lake.
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.
Fishing Guides On Upper Saranac Lake
Battle Fish Charters - bass, trout,
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 Upper Saranac Lake, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and fully embrace the wilderness experience. 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, providing different levels of comfort to suit various preferences.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Fish Creek Pond Campground - 518 891-4560
George A Donaldson & Sons Campground - 518 891-4070
Upper Saranac Lake NY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Upper Saranac Lake
Fish Creek Pond Campground
4523 State Route 30
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
518 891-4560
Fishing lakes in each state.
080324
Upper Saranac Lake in NY
NEW YORK
Fishing for bass, trout, perch and pike in northeast NY.
