Lake George
Published: Updated:
How to Fish Lake George
Synthesized from 2 angler reports
Lake George produces Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Panfish / Bluegill, Northern Pike, and more. Below are season-by-season fishing patterns by species.
Spring
Spring (Pre-Spawn) Northern Pike on Lake George
For spring (pre-spawn) northern pike on Lake George, work soft body swimbaits (large) around shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 38-48°F. Pike are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in bays and near emerging vegetation as water temperatures rise Aggressive feeding behavior increases as fish prepare for spawning, with fish often hunting in pairs or small groups Most active during daylight hours, especially during warming trends
Shop northern pike baits for Lake George →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 38-48°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Pike are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in bays and near emerging vegetation as water temperatures rise Aggressive feeding behavior increases as fish prepare for spawning, with fish often hunting in pairs or small groups Most active during daylight hours, especially during warming trends |
| Key locations | Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water; Points and shoreline areas adjacent to spawning bays; Transition areas between shallow flats and slightly deeper water |
| Best techniques | Soft Body Swimbaits (Large); Spinnerbaits; Live Bait Rigs; Inline Spinners |
| Forage | Fathead Minnows, Shiners, Young of Year Panfish |
| Structure | Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water, Points and shoreline areas adjacent to spawning bays |
| Bait colors | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors |
Spring (Spawn) Northern Pike on Lake George
For spring (spawn) northern pike on Lake George, work spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation around shallow bays with remaining green vegetation from winter, especially in 2-6 foot depths with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 38-52°F. Northern Pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically right after ice-out Aggressive feeding before and after spawning, with females being particularly active post-spawn Fish are more sluggish during actual spawning but will strike out of instinct or territory defense
Shop northern pike baits for Lake George →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 38-52°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Northern Pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically right after ice-out Aggressive feeding before and after spawning, with females being particularly active post-spawn Fish are more sluggish during actual spawning but will strike out of instinct or territory defense |
| Key locations | Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation from winter, especially in 2-6 foot depths; Protected coves with emerging vegetation and soft bottom; Transitions between spawning bays and slightly deeper water, particularly near points |
| Best techniques | Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation; Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near spawning areas; Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to vegetation edges |
| Forage | Fathead Minnows gathering in spawning areas, Shiners moving into shallow water, Young-of-year panfish emerging in vegetated areas |
| Structure | Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation from winter, especially in 2-6 foot depths, Protected coves with emerging vegetation and soft bottom |
| Bait colors | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors |
Spring (Post-Spawn) Northern Pike on Lake George
For spring (post-spawn) northern pike on Lake George, work spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges around emerging weed edges in 4-8 foot depths with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 48-62°F. Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, making frequent shallow water feeding runs Fish are transitioning between spawning areas and summer haunts, following baitfish schools Most active during early morning and evening hours, utilizing weed edges as ambush points
Shop northern pike baits for Lake George →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 48-62°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, making frequent shallow water feeding runs Fish are transitioning between spawning areas and summer haunts, following baitfish schools Most active during early morning and evening hours, utilizing weed edges as ambush points |
| Key locations | Emerging weed edges in 4-8 foot depths; Shallow bays with developing vegetation; Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas |
| Best techniques | Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges; Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve; Inline Spinners in shallow bays; Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed transitions |
| Forage | Fathead Minnows gathering in warming shallows, Shiners moving along weed edges, Young-of-year panfish emerging in vegetated areas |
| Structure | Emerging weed edges in 4-8 foot depths, Shallow bays with developing vegetation |
| Bait colors | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors |
Summer
Summer Northern Pike on Lake George
For summer northern pike on Lake George, work spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with occasional pauses around weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 6-10 foot depth range with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 65-78°F. Pike are actively patrolling weed edges and points, making frequent forays into vegetation to ambush prey During mid-day heat, fish typically retreat to deeper weed edges or suspended near vegetation in 8-10 foot depths Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and evening hours in shallow vegetation zones
Shop northern pike baits for Lake George →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 65-78°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Pike are actively patrolling weed edges and points, making frequent forays into vegetation to ambush prey During mid-day heat, fish typically retreat to deeper weed edges or suspended near vegetation in 8-10 foot depths Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and evening hours in shallow vegetation zones |
| Key locations | Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 6-10 foot depth range; Shallow vegetation patches near points with quick access to deeper water; Submerged vegetation beds in 4-8 foot depths with scattered openings |
| Best techniques | Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with occasional pauses; Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow rolled through vegetation gaps; Inline Spinners retrieved steadily over tops of weeds in early morning; Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges during midday |
| Forage | Fathead Minnows gathering in weed edges, Shiners schooling near vegetation, Young-of-year panfish in shallow vegetation |
| Structure | Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 6-10 foot depth range, Shallow vegetation patches near points with quick access to deeper water |
| Bait colors | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors |
Fall
Fall Northern Pike on Lake George
For fall northern pike on Lake George, work spinnerbaits worked along weed edges around weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially in 8-12 foot range with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 45-65°F. Northern Pike transitioning to deeper feeding patterns while still utilizing shallow weed edges during low-light periods Aggressive feeding behavior increases as pike bulk up for winter, with fish actively chasing baitfish schools
Shop northern pike baits for Lake George →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 45-65°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Northern Pike transitioning to deeper feeding patterns while still utilizing shallow weed edges during low-light periods Aggressive feeding behavior increases as pike bulk up for winter, with fish actively chasing baitfish schools |
| Key locations | Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially in 8-12 foot range; Points and irregular shoreline features where vegetation meets deeper water; Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation, particularly during warmer periods |
| Best techniques | Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges; Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved at varying speeds; Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges |
| Forage | Fathead minnows congregating in schools, Shiners moving along weed edges, Young-of-year panfish in remaining vegetation |
| Structure | Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially in 8-12 foot range, Points and irregular shoreline features where vegetation meets deeper water |
| Bait colors | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors |
Winter & Ice
Winter Northern Pike on Lake George
For winter northern pike on Lake George, work spoons worked with an aggressive lift-drop action around shallow weed edges in 6-8 foot depths with access to deeper water with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 34-45°F. Pike are actively hunting in and around remaining vegetation, particularly during low-light periods Fish are relating to edges of green weeds that are still viable, using these areas as ambush points
Shop northern pike baits for Lake George →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 34-45°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Pike are actively hunting in and around remaining vegetation, particularly during low-light periods Fish are relating to edges of green weeds that are still viable, using these areas as ambush points |
| Key locations | Shallow weed edges in 6-8 foot depths with access to deeper water; Protected coves with remaining green vegetation; Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water |
| Best techniques | Spoons worked with an aggressive lift-drop action; Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved slowly along weed edges; Lipless Crankbaits worked through and above vegetation |
| Forage | Fathead Minnows, Shiners, Small Perch |
| Structure | Shallow weed edges in 6-8 foot depths with access to deeper water, Protected coves with remaining green vegetation |
| Bait colors | Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals |
Ice Northern Pike on Lake George
For ice northern pike on Lake George, work ice fishing tip-ups with feather-dressed treble hooks for added flash around shallow green weed beds in 5-8 foot depth range with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 33-35°F. Pike are maintaining active feeding patterns in shallow weedy areas under the ice, showing aggressive responses to flashy bait presentations Fish are concentrating in and around green vegetation that's still viable, using these areas as primary hunting grounds
Shop northern pike baits for Lake George →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 33-35°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Pike are maintaining active feeding patterns in shallow weedy areas under the ice, showing aggressive responses to flashy bait presentations Fish are concentrating in and around green vegetation that's still viable, using these areas as primary hunting grounds |
| Key locations | Shallow green weed beds in 5-8 foot depth range; Edges of weed beds where they transition to slightly deeper water; Protected coves with remaining green vegetation |
| Best techniques | Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with feather-dressed treble hooks for added flash; Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively near weed edges; Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with flashy presentations |
| Forage | Fathead Minnows, Shiners, Small Perch |
| Structure | Shallow green weed beds in 5-8 foot depth range, Edges of weed beds where they transition to slightly deeper water |
| Bait colors | Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors |
Pattern summary
| Season | Species | Structure | Forage | Bait colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Northern Pike | Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water | Fathead Minnows | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors |
| Spring (Spawn) | Northern Pike | Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation from winter, especially in 2-6 foot depths | Fathead Minnows gathering in spawning areas | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors |
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Northern Pike | Emerging weed edges in 4-8 foot depths | Fathead Minnows gathering in warming shallows | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors |
| Summer | Northern Pike | Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 6-10 foot depth range | Fathead Minnows gathering in weed edges | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors |
| Fall | Northern Pike | Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially in 8-12 foot range | Fathead minnows congregating in schools | Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors |
| Winter | Northern Pike | Shallow weed edges in 6-8 foot depths with access to deeper water | Fathead Minnows | Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals |
| Ice | Northern Pike | Shallow green weed beds in 5-8 foot depth range | Fathead Minnows | Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors |
See it on the map
Plan your trip on Lake George with live conditions and matched tackle.
Lake George fishing FAQ
- How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake George in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?
- Water temp 38-48°F. Pike are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in bays and near emerging vegetation as water temperatures rise Aggressive feeding behavior increases as fish prepare for spawning, with fish often hunting in pairs or small groups Most active during daylight hours, especially during warming trends Key locations: Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water; Points and shoreline areas adjacent to spawning bays; Transition areas between shallow flats and slightly deeper water. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large), Spinnerbaits, Live Bait Rigs, Inline Spinners. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows, Shiners, Young of Year Panfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.
- How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake George in Spring (Spawn)?
- Water temp 38-52°F. Northern Pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically right after ice-out Aggressive feeding before and after spawning, with females being particularly active post-spawn Fish are more sluggish during actual spawning but will strike out of instinct or territory defense Key locations: Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation from winter, especially in 2-6 foot depths; Protected coves with emerging vegetation and soft bottom; Transitions between spawning bays and slightly deeper water, particularly near points. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation, Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near spawning areas, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to vegetation edges. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows gathering in spawning areas, Shiners moving into shallow water, Young-of-year panfish emerging in vegetated areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.
- How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake George in Spring (Post-Spawn)?
- Water temp 48-62°F. Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, making frequent shallow water feeding runs Fish are transitioning between spawning areas and summer haunts, following baitfish schools Most active during early morning and evening hours, utilizing weed edges as ambush points Key locations: Emerging weed edges in 4-8 foot depths; Shallow bays with developing vegetation; Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve, Inline Spinners in shallow bays, Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed transitions. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows gathering in warming shallows, Shiners moving along weed edges, Young-of-year panfish emerging in vegetated areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors.
- How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake George in Summer?
- Water temp 65-78°F. Pike are actively patrolling weed edges and points, making frequent forays into vegetation to ambush prey During mid-day heat, fish typically retreat to deeper weed edges or suspended near vegetation in 8-10 foot depths Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and evening hours in shallow vegetation zones Key locations: Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 6-10 foot depth range; Shallow vegetation patches near points with quick access to deeper water; Submerged vegetation beds in 4-8 foot depths with scattered openings. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with occasional pauses, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow rolled through vegetation gaps, Inline Spinners retrieved steadily over tops of weeds in early morning, Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges during midday. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows gathering in weed edges, Shiners schooling near vegetation, Young-of-year panfish in shallow vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors.
- How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake George in Fall?
- Water temp 45-65°F. Northern Pike transitioning to deeper feeding patterns while still utilizing shallow weed edges during low-light periods Aggressive feeding behavior increases as pike bulk up for winter, with fish actively chasing baitfish schools Key locations: Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially in 8-12 foot range; Points and irregular shoreline features where vegetation meets deeper water; Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation, particularly during warmer periods. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved at varying speeds, Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges. Primary forage: Fathead minnows congregating in schools, Shiners moving along weed edges, Young-of-year panfish in remaining vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.
- How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake George in Winter?
- Water temp 34-45°F. Pike are actively hunting in and around remaining vegetation, particularly during low-light periods Fish are relating to edges of green weeds that are still viable, using these areas as ambush points Key locations: Shallow weed edges in 6-8 foot depths with access to deeper water; Protected coves with remaining green vegetation; Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Spoons worked with an aggressive lift-drop action, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved slowly along weed edges, Lipless Crankbaits worked through and above vegetation. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows, Shiners, Small Perch. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.
- How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake George in Ice?
- Water temp 33-35°F. Pike are maintaining active feeding patterns in shallow weedy areas under the ice, showing aggressive responses to flashy bait presentations Fish are concentrating in and around green vegetation that's still viable, using these areas as primary hunting grounds Key locations: Shallow green weed beds in 5-8 foot depth range; Edges of weed beds where they transition to slightly deeper water; Protected coves with remaining green vegetation. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with feather-dressed treble hooks for added flash, Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively near weed edges, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with flashy presentations. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows, Shiners, Small Perch. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.