A. Yes, but travel may not include fishing. A person in a vessel has a right of passage on a navigable waterway, even if the bed of the waterway is privately-owned and is posted. A waterway is navigable if it is capable, in its natural state and ordinary volume of water, of transporting, in a condition fit for market, of floating logs or manufactured or agricultural goods to market. A navigable waterway need not be navigable in both directions, nor need it be navigable 12 months of the year. Furthermore, a waterway's navigability is not destroyed by rapids or other temporary obstacles so long as the rest of the waterway is otherwise navigable. Where such obstacles exist, the right to public navigation authorizes a boater to get out of the vessel and walk alongside the boat to get around such obstacles, or to portage around such obstacles, even over private property above the mean high water mark, so long as the portage is by the most direct and least intrusive safe route possible. The right to navigation does not otherwise authorize the public to go on private land above the mean high water mark, even for access to or egress from a navigable waterway. A 1997 ruling of the New York State Court of Appeals indicates that the public right to navigation does not include the right to walk on the bed of a waterway to fish, or to anchor for the purpose of fishing where the bed of the waterway is privately-owned; or to fish while navigating through privately-owned waters.
A
Guide to
Long Lake & Raquette Lake
NYS Ice Fishing
Regulations for Hamilton County
Long Lake and Raquette Lake Fishing Map in pdf
GENERAL
The Long Lake and Raquette Lake area is fun and challenging for fishing enthusiasts. Brook trout are found in sections of the Raquette River, Bog River, Big Brook, Little Tupper Lake and Lake Lila. If you are after small or largemouth bass you might try Forked Lake and Long Lake. Lake trout in Lake Eaton and Raquette Lake present a challenge for even the best fishermen. While fishing Lake Eaton, the angler also has a chance of catching a land-locked salmon. The northern pike, up to 40" in Long Lake, is a real fighter and has been the source of many stories about "the one that got away". Ice fishing is permit ted in Long Lake, Lake Eaton, Forked Lake, South Pond and Raquette Lake.
For more information and for local conditions, check with area marinas and bait shops. These businesses are usually good sources for information on which bait are working and which fish are hitting and where. Fishing licenses can be obtained from the Town Clerk in the Town Office Building and Hoss’s Country Corner in Long Lake.
Sagamore Lake—brook trout and lake trout
The best fishing is in the spring. Take the Sagamore Road about 4 miles down to a fork in the road. Take the left fork which leads to a bridge that you can park near. There is a canoe put-in that is just after the trail head boulders. Sagamore Lake is in a Wilderness area and therefore is a non-motorized lake. This includes electric motors.
Sagamore Lake Outlet/South Inlet—brook trout
About 3 miles down Sagamore Rd there is a bridge. Immediately after the bridge on your left there is a trail head for a trail that follows the stream down to the cascades into South Inlet. Fish both sides of the stream.
Bug Lake and Eagles Nest Lake—brook trout, Kokanee Salmon, Lake Trout.
Hike 1.6 miles from the Uncas Road intersection of the Snowmobile trail from Eighth Lake campsite. The shorter alternative access is accessed from a trailhead parking lot in the Eighth Lake Campground, these two are a medium hike away from fishing for Kokanee Salmon and native Lake Trout. Fishing from shore is better from the far point on Bug Lake near an open primitive campsite.
Chub Lake aka Chub Pond—brook trout.
Go to Eagle Bay, turn north on The Big Moose road and then right on an improved dirt road which circles around South Bay. At that point, you will have to hike in along Constable Creek. The use or possession of fish for bait is prohibited.
Queer Lake—brook trout
This is a good companion to Chub Lake, There is a trail connecting the two or you can hike from a point on the Constable Creek Trail approximately ½ mile from the trail head. The use or possession of bait fish is prohibited.
Cranberry Pond—brook trout
Take a boat down the lake to Sucker Brook Bay. It is possible to canoe up this brook for a short distance. Approximately 1.5 miles from the lake is Cranberry Pond. The use or possession of fish for bait is prohibited.
Haymarsh Pond(s)—brook trout.
This pond can be reached only by way of the outlet of Shallow Pond (Sucker Brook) and is very remote. To fish this lake it is necessary to hike into Shallow Pond and around this body of water to its' outlet on the north side. Walk downstream on Sucker Brook for approximately ½ mile until you find a stream entering from the northwest side of the brook. This is the outlet for Haymarsh Ponds which are about 1 mile from Sucker Brook. The use or possession of fish for bait is prohibited.
Unnamed Pond or Otter Pond—brook trout.
Aabout 1 mile northeast of Haymarsh Ponds. The use or possession of bait fish is prohibited.
Shallow Lake—brook trout, smallmouth bass
Take the trail at the north end Lower Browns Tract Pond, 2 miles from the Raquette Lake Village Beach on Browns Tract Road. The pond is stocked annually with brook trout. Smallmouth Bass may ranging from 12 to 14 inches are common. While not impossible to fish from shore it is difficult and will not produce good results. It’s better to fish from a canoe. The use or possession of bait fish is prohibited.
Lower Brown Tract Pond— brook trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish.
On the Browns Tract Road about 2 miles from the Raquette Lake Village Beach.
Upper Brown Tract Pond—largemouth bass, bullhead.
Hard pond to fish. Walk softly. About 1 mile past Lower Brown Tract Pond on the Brown Tract Rd.
Raquette Lake—Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, yellow perch and bullhead.
If you are fishing from a canoe, you can access the lake from the canoe carry 8.7 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall on the North Point Rd. If you have a power boat, you must launch from the private boat launch in the village of Raquette Lake.
Just after ice-out, fishing with worms from the shoreline along Rte 28N may produce Brook Trout up two or three pounds. As the water warms up, the angler will have to find the deeper, cooler spring holes or the colder steams running into the lake.
Trophy-size lake trout are hard to come by during the summer but are not impossible for those who fish for them. Boats are necessary as you will normally find the fish in water, 25-55 feet deep. The north end of the Lake seems to produce more larger fish and trolling is one of the more popular methods of fishing. Ice fishing for lake trout is very good at both the north and south ends of the lake.
Smallmouth Bass are exceptionally abundant in this lake with the cool fall weather being the most productive period. Smallmouth bass grow to 4 lbs. Those most commonly caught are 10" to 15" long. Largemouth bass, while not as common as smallmouth, can be caught in the 5 lb. class. As in any lake, one of the ideal areas to fish is a sharp drop off between weed beds and deeper water. Minnows, crawfish and a multitude of lures fished 10-20 feet deep seem to be the most productive.
Yellow Perch and bullhead are also plentiful and usually easy to catch from the shore. Look for lily pads for perch and fish the bottom in 5-20 feet of water for bullheads.
Sargent Ponds—brook trout. Early spring is the best time to fish these ponds. The Lower Pond is best. There is a State lean-to with fireplace and latrine that is available on a first come—first serve basis. Use or possession of baitfish prohibited on all three ponds.
Upper Sargent Pond is accessible by a 1.3 mile trail which is 9.8 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall on the North Point Road. Upper and Lower Ponds are connected by a trail, there is another path (Grass Pond) that goes directly to Lower Sargent Pond . The Middle Pond is located .25mi. north of Lower Sargent and can be reached by a woods path from the lean-to on the Lower Pond.
Lower Sargent Pond—About 1 mile farther down the road from the upper pond trailhead. The trail is 2.1 miles long.
Forked Lake—largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brook trout, yellow perch, panfish.
A small, rocky Adirondack lake which is well-known in the area. Ice fishing near the canoe carry off North Point Road is good for brook trout. As summer approaches and the waters start to warm up, brook trout migrate from the Raquette River down to Buttermilk Falls and to the deeper holes at the Northwestern end of the lake. While it is possible to fish from shore, it is recommended that you fish from a small boat for the best results. Remember that this lake is very rocky and you must be very careful. Caution is also urged as you fish downstream. There are rapids and Buttermilk Falls which must be avoided.
To reach Forked Lake, drive south on Rte. 28N/30 toward Blue Mountain Lake and turn right onto North Point Road, then turn right onto Forked Lake Road. The State campsite is 8.2 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall.
Raquette River: Forked Lake to Long Lake—Brook Trout and Brown Trout
In the spring Fish the pools and eddies for the best results. In some of the deeper holes closer to the lake it is possible to hook a Northern Pike, smallmouth bass or largemouth bass.
Long Lake—Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, bullhead, panfish.
Formed by a widening of the Raquette River, this 14 mile long, relatively shallow, narrow lake is fishing fun for all ages. Yellow perch, bullhead, and sunfish can be coaxed into taking a juicy nightcrawler almost anywhere in the lake with Big Brook Marsh being one of the most popular bullhead areas. Top game fish are northern pike and smallmouth bass with brook trout at the inlet on the south end.
Pike like the weedy areas such as Big Marsh in the spring and may be taken with live bait and lures but move out to deeper water as the water warms up. During the summer fish them in 15-45 feet of water. Fish for them at the north end of the lake (which tends to have bigger but fewer fish) and the bays along the west side of the lake south of the bridge. Ice fishermen will find that pike can be found in about the same places that they frequent in the summer.
Smallmouth Bass frequent rocks and logs. The north end of the lake is one of the "hot spots" during the early morning and evening hours. In hot summer weather the fish move to the deeper portions of the lake such as the deep hole at the north end of the lake. The largemouth bass fishery is developing nicely.
In the spring, brook trout are found at both ends of the lake and at most of the tributaries.
Long Lake can be fished for pan fish from the spillway to the bridge, or from the town docks. The State boat launching site at the end of Town Dock Rd., .5 mile from Long Lake Town Beach, is a good fishing area. Boats and motors are available for rent.
Raquette River Below Long Lake—If you continue from the foot of Long Lake, the river flows through a marshy area dotted with numerous islands and is navigable for about 2 miles to Raquette Falls. Brook Trout may be taken in the spring by fishing pools and eddies. Walleyed Pike, during the very early spring can be taken if you wish to hike to below Raquette River Falls.
Lake Eaton—Lake, brook and rainbow trout, splake, landlocked salmon
Boat access is available through the State campsite which is located off Rte. 30 toward Tupper Lake, on the left, 2.25 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. The best fishing is any time in the spring, and early morning or early evening the rest of the year.
William C. Whitney Wilderness Area
A catch-and-release policy for brook trout will be enforced to help protect the genetically unique heritage strain. This will provide DEC with an opportunity to fully assess the Little Tupper Lake fishery and to obtain data so that final management decisions can be based on sound science. Statewide regulations will be in place for all other species. Artificial lures only will be allowed; the use of bait fish or worms will be prohibited for all water bodies within the area.
Little Tupper Lake—heritage brook trout
The home of a genetically unique "heritage" strain of brook trout. The "Little Tupper" strain are the direct descendants of the first trout to have reached the lake after glaciers receded about 12,000 years ago. Private and now public restrictions have successfully prevented the introduction of predatory and competing non-native fish species making Little Tupper Lake the largest lake in the eastern United States with its original strain of trout.
There are no power boats, motorized vehicles or bicycles allowed on any of the waters or trails so to fish the area you must canoe or backpack.. The only approved location for waterway access is at the headquarters lot. This site is hand launch only, boats must be carried to the water. From the single put-in site you can explore Little Tupper Lake and, with a short carry on Rock Pond Outlet, easily paddle into Rock Pond. Of a total of 12 waters in the Adirondacks known to harbor the Little Tupper strain, three are in the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area.
Rock Pond—heritage brook trout
Bum Pond—heritage brook trout
Round Lake—brook trout
Lilypad Pond—brook trout
Little Salmon—brook trout.
Jennings Park Pond—brook trout, brown trout, bullhead
A man-made body of water located in the heart of Long Lake village. The pond has been stocked with brook trout & brown trout for many years and offers the youthful and inexperienced fisherman an excellent opportunity to learn how to fish. Ice fishing is prohibited and worms are the only live bait allowed. The pond extends from the junction of Rte. 28N/30 to the spillway near the bridge on Rte. 30. There is a 3 fish per day limit.
Big Brook—brook trout
One access is off Rte. 30 toward Tupper Lake, 3 miles north of the Long Lake Town Hall, where a short trail leads from the orange County markers to the brook. Fishing is excellent here in early spring and it remains good all season.
The brook can also be accesses Big Brook empties into Long Lake, on the northwest shore, about 1 mile from the Long Lake Town Beach. This is a good place to fish for brown bullheads, especially in the spring and after dark. It is also a great spot for northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
Bog River—brook trout
Take Rte. 30 north from the Long Lake Town Beach; turn left onto Rte. 421, 12.5 miles from Long Lake. Continue on Rte. 421 for 5.7 miles past the Bog River picnic area and along Horseshoe Lake to the Bog River Flow access road. The .6 miles access road leads to a small parking area and canoe access site at Low's Lower Dam.
Horseshoe Lake—Tiger Muskie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch.
Best norlunge spot in the Adirondacks. There are primitive NYSDEC campsites are in the area. Contact the Forest Ranger in Piercefield, (518) 359-2676 for their location and the rules gov erning them. Use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.
Hitchins Pond—brook trout, Largemouth Bass, yellow perch
The brook trout are generally only catchable in the very early season. There is a large number of 1 to 1 1/2 pound perch. Input at the lower Bog River Dam and paddle upstream 2 miles. Use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.
Lows Lake—Largemouth Bass, brook trout
A short carry at the head of Hitchins Pond leads the paddler into Lows Lake. Use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.
Grassy Pond—brook trout, largemouth bass
Fish the mouths of tributaries and the deep hole near the northwestern inlet for brookies. Use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.
Lake Lila—Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Land Locked Salmon and Smallmouth Bass
This is a fine place to fish, canoe, camp, hike and view wild life. Overnight parking is permitted. All types of trailers are prohibited. In early spring, the road may be closed to motor vehicles. To find it, take Rte. 30 toward Tupper Lake to County Road 10 (Sabattis Road), turn left (west) and proceed 7 miles to a gravel road (Lake Lila Road) The intersec tion is marked by a NYSDEC sign. Turn left (south) and go about 6 miles to the NYSDEC parking area. Fisherman will probably have better luck if catching Lake Trout is the primary goal.
South Pond—Splake
The stocking program for has begun to show success and ice fishing is good. To reach it, take Rte. 28N/30 toward Blue Mountain Lake. There is a narrow parking area along the right side of the road 5.2 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. The land between the Road and the Pond is State but most of the surrounding land is private and posted.
Big Trout Pond/Little Trout Pond—brook trout and lake trout.
Located in the Bog River Flow area. However, these small ponds are easier to reach by driving down the Sabattis Road. On the north side of the road there is a small parking area and an old, no longer maintained trail. Follow this trail to Trout Pond. The hike is about 15-20 minutes in length. The pond is deceiving as it is relatively deep and contains both Brook Trout and Lake Trout. Little Trout Pond contains brook trout.
High Pond, stocked each year with 4" Brook Trout is about 1/4 miles, south east of the trail leading to Trout Pond.
Chub Pond—brook trout
Take Rte. 28N/30 to Blue Mt. Lake. Turn right about half way down the Blue Mountain Lake hill onto Maple Lodge Road. Watch for NYSDEC marker near the end of the road for a trail to the pond..
Rich Lake—bass and northern pike
This is a beautiful body of water with boat access and a beach for swimming. Motor boats are not allowed. The maximum depth is 65 ft. It is off Rte. 28N about 12 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall toward Newcomb. Turn left by the "Nature Trail" sign. Rich Lake provides bass and pike fishing, as well as swimming and boating. Persons fishing on HWF are required to have a NYS license and to fill out a creel form summarizing their fishing activity. These forms are available at boat landings on the lakes.
Newcomb Lake—brook trout and lake trout
Located on the Santanoni Preserve in the Village of Newcomb, the entrance to this picturesque lake is approximately 14 miles from Long Lake. There are three inlets to Newcomb Lake at the Northwestern end which offer good brook trout fishing closer to shore and Lake Trout fishing as you move into the deeper water. At the Southeastern Bay and outlet, known as Upper Duck Hole, you will find another good site for trout.
Fly-In Waters
If you would like to fly to a remote fishing area, float plane service is available in Long Lake and arrangements can be made to fly out of Ra quette Lake. Never go into these areas without a topographical map, com pass, and a full understanding of where you are bound. BAIT FISH ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THESE WATERS.
Deer Pond - Brook Trout
Bridge Brook - Brook Trout
Big Trout Pond - Brook Trout
Upper Sargent Pond - Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass
Lowes Lake - Brook Trout
Lower Sargent Pond - Brook Trout
Tirrell Pond - Brook Trout
First Lake - Brook, Rainbow, Lake Trout
Pine Lake - Brook Trout(stocked)
Rock Lake - Smallmouth Bass
Grass Pond - Brook Trout
NYSDEC Contour Maps are available for the following ponds and may be obtained at the listed web address,
Bug
Lake
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/buglkmap.pdf
Forked Lake
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/frkdlkmap.pdf
Lake Eaton
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/lkeatnmap.pdf
Lake Lila
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/lklilamap.pdf
Long Lake
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/longlkmap.pdf
Lower Brown Tract http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/lrbrtpdmap.pdf
Raquette Lake http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/raqlkmap.pdf
South Pond
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/sthpdmap.pdf
GENERAL
The Long Lake\Raquette Lake area is fun and challenging for fishing enthusiasts. Brook trout are found in sections of the Raquette River, Bog River and Big Brook. If you are after small or largemouth bass you might try Forked Lake and Long Lake. Lake trout and land-locked salmon in Lake Eaton and Raquette Lake present a challenge for the best fishermen. The northern pike, up to 40" in Long Lake, is a real fighter and has been the source of many stories about "the one that got away". Ice fishing is permitted in Long Lake, Lake Eaton, Forked Lake, South Pond and Raquette Lake.
For more information and for local conditions, check with area marinas and bait shops. These places usually are good places to obtain information on which bait is working and which fish are hitting and where. Fishing licenses can be obtained from the Town Clerk and the Deputy Town Clerk for license sales at the Town Office Building in Long Lake, from the Deputy Town Clerk for license sales in Raquette Lake, and all NY State campsites.
Q. May a person travel in a boat or canoe on a waterway which is posted?
The following is from the NYS DEC website http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8371.html and is included because the tourism department has received numerous requests about this subject.
Raquette Lake Area
There are two main access points to Raquette Lake for fishing. For the first, take Rte. 28N/30 to North Point Road and drive to the canoe carry, which is 8.7 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. For the second, take Rte. 28N/30 to Rte. 28 in Blue Mountain Lake, continue west on Rte. 28 to the village of Raquette Lake which is on the right. Turn right just after the school to reach the boat launching site in the village.
Just after ice-out, fishing with worms from the shoreline along Rte 28N may produce Brook Trout up two or three pounds. As the Water warms up, the angler will have to find the deeper, cooler spring holes or the colder steams running into the lake.
Lake Trout are also a favorite target for the angler with trophy-size lake trout hard to come by during the summer are not impossible for those who fish for them. Boats are necessary as you will normally find the fish in water, 25-55 feet deep. The north end of the Lake seems to produce more larger fish and trolling is one of the more popular methods of fishing. Ice fishing for lake trout is very good at both the north and south ends of the lake.
Smallmouth Bass are exceptionally abundant in this lake with the cool fall weather being the most productive period. Smallmouth bass grow to 4 lbs. Those most commonly caught are 10" to 15" long. Largemouth bass, while not as common as smallmouth, can be caught in the 5 lb. class. As in any lake, one of the ideal areas to fish is a sharp drop off between weed beds and deeper water. Minnows, crawfish and a multitude of lures fished 10-20 feet deep seem to be the most productive.
Perch and bullhead are also plentiful and usually easy to catch from the shore. Look for lilypads for perch and fish the bottom in 5-20 feet of water for bullheads. This lake is stocked annually with Lake Trout and Brook Trout.
Sagamore Lake can be reached by turning south off Rte. 28 onto the Sagamore Road just past the School in Raquette Lake and driving 4 miles There is good brook trout and lake trout fishing in early spring. You can also reach the lake by canoe or small motor boat via South Inlet on Raquette Lake. Proceed up the stream for a distance of about 2.5 miles to the falls. You may then hike up the stream to the Lake. Fish the rapids of South Inlet for brook trout and pike.
Browns Tract Pond. The State Campsite is at Lower Browns Tract Pond on the Browns Tract Road about 2 miles from the Raquette Lake Village Beach. You will catch brook trout and smallmouth bass in either the lower and upper pond.
The trail to Shallow Pond is around Lower Browns Tract Pond, 2miles from the Raquette Lake Village Beach on Browns Tract Road. Follow the 3 mile trail around Lower Brown Tract to the northwest side of the lake. Shallow Pond (Lake) is stocked annually with 8.5" brook trout.
The easiest way to reach Cranberry Pond is to take a boat down the lake to Sucker Brook Bay. If you are canoeing, it is possible to canoe up this brook for a short distance. Approximately 1.5 miles from the lake is Cranberry Pond. This is a pleasant little pond, stocked annually with 4" Brook Trout. The use or possession of fish for bait is prohibited on this body of water.
Haymarsh Pond(s) is listed in the Region 5 guide to Brook Trout Fishing. However, this pond can be reached only by way of the outlet of Shallow Pond (Sucker Brook) and is very remote. To fish this lake it is necessary to hike into Shallow Pond and around this body of water to its' outlet on the north side. Walk downstream on Sucker Brook for approximately 1/2 mile until you find a stream entering from the northwest side of the brook. This is the outlet for Haymarsh Ponds which are about 1 mile for Sucker Brook. The use or possession of fish for bait is prohibited on this body of water.
Unnamed Pond aka Otter Pond, about 1 mile northeast of Haymarsh Ponds. The use or possession of bait fish is prohibited on this body of water.
Another body of water, known both as Chub Lake aka Chub Pond is located east of Big Moose Lake. This lake is also within the township of Long Lake but to reach it you must go to Eagle Bay, turn north on The Big Moose road and then right on an improved dirt road which circles around South Bay. At that point, you will have to hike in along Constable Creek. This lake is stocked annually by the DEC with 4" brook trout. The use or possession of fish for bait is prohibited on this body of water.
While in the area, you might wish to take in Queer Lake which you make reach by way of a hiking trail from Chub Lake or from a point on the Constable Creek Trail approximately 1/2 mile from the trail head. The use or possession of bait fish is prohibited on this body of water.
Long Lake Area
Upper, Lower and Middle Sargent Ponds Early spring is the best time to fish these ponds. The Lower Pond is best. There is a State shelter with fireplace and latrine. The Upper and Lower Ponds are accessible by easy trails which are 9.8 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. Take Rte. 28N/30 south toward Blue Mountain Lake, turn right onto North Point Road to NYSDEC trail markers on left. Upper Sargent Pond is 1.3 mile from the road. Although the Upper and Lower Ponds are connected by a trail, there is another path (Grass Pond) that goes directly to Lower Sargent Pond about 1 mile farther down the road. That trail is 2.1 miles long. The Middle Pond is located .25mi. north of Lower Sargent and can be reached by a woods path from the lean-to on the Lower Pond.
All three ponds have brook trout. The Upper Pond also has largemouth bass for which crawfish are suggested bait. Lower pond is stocked with the Little Tupper strain of Brook Trout. The use or possession of fish as bait is prohibited on these waters.
To reach Pine Brook, follow the directions to Forked Lake road and continue to the bridge on North Point Road just beyond the Forked Lake Road. Fish the stream on both sides of the bridge. It has been stocked with brook trout.
Raquette River Between Forked and Long Lake. Brook Trout may be taken in the spring between Raquette Lake and Forked Lake and Forked Lake and Buttermilk Falls. Fish the pools and eddies for the best results. The stretch of river between Forked Lake Dam and Buttermilk falls is stocked with Brook Trout annually.
Forked Lake is a small, rocky Adirondack lake which is well-known in the area for its excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. The more experienced angler will discover superb brook trout in the lake. Perch and sunfish are also plentiful. Ice fishing near the canoe carry off North Point Road is good for brook trout. As summer approaches and the waters start to warm up, brook trout migrate from the Raquette River down to Buttermilk Falls and to the deeper holes at the Northwestern end of the lake. While it is possible to fish from shore, it is recommended that you fish from a small boat for the best results. Remember that this lake is very rocky and you must be very careful. Caution is also urged as you fish downstream. There are rapids and Buttermilk Falls which must be avoided.
To reach Forked Lake, drive south on Rte. 28N/30 toward Blue Mountain Lake and turn right onto North Point Road, then turn right onto Forked Lake Road. The State campsite is 8.2 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall.
Long Lake is 14 miles long. It is a shallow, narrow widening of the Raquette river with fishing fun for all ages. Yellow perch, bullheads, and sunfish can be coaxed into taking a juicy nightcrawler almost anywhere in the lake with Big Brook Marsh being one of the most popular bullhead areas. Top game fish are northern pike and smallmouth bass. Pike like the weedy areas such as Big Marsh in the spring and may be taken with live bait and lures but move out to deeper water as the water warms up. During the summer fish them in 15-45 feet of water. Other areas are north end of the lake which tends to have bigger but fewer fish and the bays along the west side of the lake south of the bridge. Ice fishermen will find that pike can be found in about the same places that they frequent in the summer. Bass frequent rocks and logs. The north end of the lake is one of the "hot spots" during the early morning and evening hours. In hot summer weather the fish move to the deeper 30+0s of the lake such as the deep hole at the north end of the lake. In the spring, brook trout are found at both ends of the lake and at most of the tributaries. Long Lake can be fished for pan fish from the spillway to the bridge, or from the town docks behind the Post Office. The State boat launching site at the end of Town Dock Rd. near the Post Office, .5 mile from Long Lake Town Beach, is a good fishing area. Boats and motors can be rented from several marinas in Long Lake.
The stocking program for South Pond has begun to show success and ice fishing is good. The pond was stocked with 3,250 6.5 inch Splake and 44,000 2.5 inch Red Salmon in 1992. To reach it, take Rte. 28N/30 toward Blue Mountain Lake. There is a narrow parking area along the right side of the road 5.2 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. The land between the Road and the Pond is State but most of the surrounding land is private and posted.
Jennings Park Pond is a man-made body of water located in the heart of Long Lake village. It was constructed as a Work Relief project during the Depression. The Town of Long Lake, the Long Lake Fish and Game Club and the NYSDEC have been trying to develop this body of water for young fishermen over the last few years. A 3 fish per day limit has been imposed and while it is not illegal for adults to fish the pond, the Town does appreciate those who either don't fish it or use a catch and release policy. Each year, in either May or early June, the Fish and Game club sponsors a "Youth" fishing contest. The object of this contest is to provide a positive experience for young people and the club urges that parents accompany the children, making for some quality time. Ice fishing is prohibited and worms are the only live bait allowed. The pond extends from the junction of Rte. 28N/30 to the spillway near the bridge on Rte. 30. You can catch northern pike and bass from the lake side of the dam .
Big Brook can be fished from two separate locations. The first is off Rte. 30 toward Tupper Lake, 3 miles north of the Long Lake Town Hall, where a short trail leads from the orange County markers to the brook. Brook trout fishing is excellent here in early spring and it remains good all season. The second place is where Big Brook empties into Long Lake, on the northwest shore, about 1 mile from the Long Lake Town Beach. As indicated on the map, this is a good place to fish for brown bullheads, especially in the spring and after dark. It is also a great spot for northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
To reach the Bog River Flow area, take Rte. 30 north from the Long Lake Town Beach; turn left onto Rte. 421, 12.5 miles from Long Lake. Continue on Rte. 421 for 5.7 miles past the Bog River picnic area and along Horseshoe Lake to the Bog River Flow access road. The .6 miles access road leads to a small parking area and canoe access site at Low's Lower Dam. Twenty- one NYSDEC campsites are in the area. Contact the Forest Ranger in Piercefield, (518) 359-2676 for their location and the rules governing them. There are some private lands in the Flow area. Please respect the rights of the owners.
Lake Lila is a fine place to fish, canoe, camp, hike and view wildlife. Overnight parking is permitted. All types of trailers are prohibited. In early spring, the road may be closed to motor vehicles. To find it, take Rte. 30 toward Tupper Lake to County Road 10 (Sabattis Road), turn left (west) and proceed 7 miles to a gravel road (Lake Lila Road) The intersection is marked by a NYSDEC sign. Turn left (south) and go about 6 miles to the NYSDEC parking area. While Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Land Locked Salmon and Smallmouth Bass can be caught, the fisherman will probably have better luck if catching Lake Trout is the primary goal.
William C. Whitney Area of 15,000 acres includes Little Tupper Lake, Bum Pond, Rock Pond and a number of smaller ponds. There is a catch and release policy only. No power boats are allowed and the State DEC is building a handicapped canoe access ramp. For further information, check the DEC web site listed on our home page. For additional information on the William C. Whitney Area please check out the NYSDEC website.
Big Trout Pond and Little Trout Pond are located in the Bog River Flow area. However, this small pond is easier to reach by driving down the Sabattis Road. On the north side of the road there is a small parking area and an old, no longer maintained trail. Follow this trail to Trout Pond. The hike is about 15-20 minutes in length. The pond is deceiving as it is relatively deep and contains both Brook Trout and Lake Trout. Little Trout Pond contains brook trout.
High Pond, stocked each year with 4" Brook Trout is about 1/4 miles, south east of the trail leading to Trout Pond.
To reach Chub Pond take Rte. 28N/30 to Blue Mt. Lake. Turn right at the base of Blue Mountain Lake hill to Maple Lodge Road. Watch for NYSDEC marker near the end of the road for a trail to the pond which has been stocked with brook trout.
Rich Lake is a beautiful body of water with boat access and a beach for swimming. Motor boats are not allowed. The maximum depth is 65 ft. It is off Rte. 28N about 12 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall toward Newcomb. Turn left by the "Nature Trail" sign.
Newcomb Lake is located on the Santanoni Preserve in the Village of Newcomb, the entrance to this picturesque lake is approximately 14 miles from Long Lake. There are three inlets to Newcomb Lake at the Northwestern end which offer good brook trout fishing closer to shore and Lake Trout fishing as you move into the deeper water. At the Southeastern Bay and outlet, known as Upper Duck Hole, you will find another good site for trout.
Moose Pond is an additional hike to the northwest of about 5 miles along an unimproved road brings you to Moose Pond. Brook trout exist in the lake but heavy fishing has seriously reduced the stock. Fish the shade of the trees growing along the shoreline. Shaw Pond, is east of Moose Pond by way of an unmarked trail and very difficult to fish from shore. The pond is very shallow with large areas of surrounding marsh.
Raquette River Below Long Lake If you continue from the foot of Long Lake, The Raquette River flows through a marshy area dotted with numerous islands and is navigable for about 2 miles to Raquette Falls. The carry around Raquette Falls is about 1.3 miles. Brook Trout may be taken in the spring by fishing pools and eddies. Walleyed Pike, during the very early spring can be taken if you wish to hike to below Raquette River Falls. Brown Trout, northern pike and brook trout are also plentiful along the stretch just below the falls.
Fly-In Waters
If you would like to fly to a remote fishing area, float plane service is available in Long Lake and arrangements can be made to fly out of Raquette Lake. Never go into these areas without a topographical map, compass, and a full understanding of where you are bound. BAIT FISH ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THESE WATERS.
Deer Pond - west of Tupper Lake -
Brook Trout
Bridge Brook - west of Tupper Lake - Brook Trout
Big Trout Pond - north of Sabattis Road - Brook Trout
Upper Sargent Pond - south of Forked Lake Road - Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass
Lower Sargent Pond - south of Forked Lake Road - Brook Trout
Tirrell Pond - northeast of Blue Mountain Lake - Brook Trout
First Lake - north of Indian Lake - Brook, Rainbow, Lake Trout
Pine Lake - north of Indian Lake - Brook Trout(stocked)
Rock Lake - north of Indian Lake - Smallmouth Bass
Grass Pond - west of Long Lake - Brook Trout
If you are interested in flying in to one of these areas, please contact Helms Aero Service, 518-624-3931 for information and reservations.
The NYS DEC has Contour Maps for a limited number of ponds and lakes in Long Lake and Raquette Lake
Bug Lake
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/buglkmap.pdf
Forked Lake
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/frkdlkmap.pdf
Lake Eaton
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/lkeatnmap.pdf
Lake Lila
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/lklilamap.pdf
Long Lake
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/longlkmap.pdf
Lowers Brown
Tract http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/lrbrtpdmap.pdf
Raquette Lake
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/raqlkmap.pdf
South Pond http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/sthpdmap.pdf
Revised Excerpts from the Booklet "WOODS AND WATERS" Published by: Long Lake Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Box 496FI Long Lake, NY 12847-0496 518-624-3077
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