First Lake Fishing – Your Ultimate Guide For Year-Round Fishing
First Lake, situated east of Old Forge, in the Fulton Chain of Lakes in Herkimer County and surrounded by the town of Webb, is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Covering a surface area of 636 acres, First Lake holds the distinction of being the initial lake in the Fulton Chain.
The Adirondack Park’s Fulton Chain of Lakes forms a network of interconnected water bodies that enhance the overall fishing opportunities for all fishermen from beginners to experts. First Lake, with its mean depth of 13 feet and a maximum depth of 59 feet offers anglers a more accessible fishing setting compared to its deeper counterparts.
Fishing on First Lake provides anglers an opportunity to target a variety of fish species for a in all four seasons. The lake is home to Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, yellow perch, pumpkin seed, northern pike, tiger musky, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow smelt, rock bass, and brown bullhead. This diverse range of species caters to different preferences and skill levels, ensuring that anglers have plenty of opportunities for a rewarding catch.
In the town of Webb, surrounding First Lake, fishermen can enjoy the local amenities and welcoming communities that enhance their fishing excursions. With its strategic location in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, fishing First Lake provides an inviting destination for anglers eager to explore the beauty of Herkimer County.
Explore other amazing fishing spots in NY State.
At a glance
- Region: Adirondacks / Fulton Chain of Lakes
- Lake character: Mid-size Adirondack lake connected to the Fulton Chain system
- Best access styles: Small boats, canoe/kayak access, shoreline access, and winter ice fishing where safe
- Best-known fisheries: Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout
- Other common targets: Yellow perch, northern pike, tiger musky, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
- Regulations: Fulton Chain special regulations apply to some species and seasons
- Last reviewed: February 2026
Key species in First Lake
- Lake Trout
- Atlantic Salmon
- Rainbow Trout
- Yellow Perch
- Northern Pike
- Tiger Musky
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Brown Bullhead
- Pumpkinseed
Best techniques for First Lake
- Trolling (especially for trout and salmon)
- Jigging
- Casting
- Shore fishing
- Bait fishing
- Ice fishing (where safe and permitted)
- Fly fishing
- Spin fishing
Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species
Spring (March to May)
In the early spring months, First Lake in the Fulton Chain draws dedicated anglers targeting the highly sought-after lake trout. As water temperatures begin to rise, these cold-water species become more active and ready to strike. To effectively cover more water and increase the likelihood of encountering trout, anglers often rely on trolling techniques, using flashy spoons or deep-diving crankbaits. The use of a quality trolling rod is crucial for maintaining control and precision while covering larger areas of the lake.
Strategically focusing on rocky structures, drop-offs, and submerged points increases the chances of locating lake trout, which often congregate near these areas in search of food. For anglers who prefer live bait, smelt or shiners can be particularly effective. Presenting them at various depths with the right setup ensures that these trout are tempted by the natural movement of the bait.
As anglers spend extended hours on the water, gear storage becomes a key consideration. Properly securing rods, tackle, and other essentials helps maintain an organized setup, ensuring that everything is readily accessible when it’s time to switch lures or adjust gear. Rod storage systems—whether in the boat or on shore—allow for safe and efficient storage, keeping equipment ready for quick transitions during the day’s fishing session.
Summer (June to August)
As the temperature rises during the summer months, fishing on First Lake undergoes a dynamic shift, attracting fishermen in pursuit of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, and sunfish. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishermen often gravitate toward the larger docks, providing cover for them to stalk smaller prey.
Utilizing artificial baits, such as plastic worms, crankbaits, and topwater lures, fishermen attempt to trigger aggressive bass strikes. The technique involves precise casting and adeptly working the lure near dock structures where bass commonly seek shelter and ambush prey.
For those setting their sights on larger species, particularly lake trout, advanced tools like downriggers and lead-core lines become indispensable.
Meanwhile, lead-core or copper-core lines or simply weighted lines provide an alternative method for reaching desired depths, allowing First Lake fishermen the ability to explore the thermocline where lake trout often linger during the warmer months.
Fall (September to November)
Fall signals a return to lake trout prominence in First Lake. Fishermen looking to capitalize on the trout’s increased activity can employ vertical jigging techniques using heavy jigs or spoons. Paying attention to the water temperature and adjusting the jigging depth accordingly is crucial during this season.
Trolling remains effective, with the focus shifting to shallower areas as the lake cools. Techniques like “snap-jigging” – a swift upward rod motion followed by a controlled fall – can trigger aggressive strikes from lake trout.
Winter (December to February)
Ice fishing enthusiasts brave the frozen surface of First Lake during the winter months to fish for lake trout. Drilling holes strategically in areas with varying depths, anglers use tip-ups with live bait such as smelt or minnows. Tip-ups are set at different depths to cover the water column and increase the chances of attracting the roaming lake trout.
Jigging with lures that mimic injured baitfish, such as tube jigs or blade baits, proves effective in enticing these cold-water fish. Ice fishermen must stay vigilant, using fish finders to locate trout and adjusting their setups accordingly.
What First Lake is Known For
- Fulton Chain connection: First Lake is the first lake in the Fulton Chain and connects into the larger Adirondack lake system.
- Trout and salmon fishing: Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout are key targets.
- Mixed warmwater fishery: Bass, pike, tiger musky, perch, and bullhead add variety beyond trout.
- Wilderness-style access: The lake is tied to the Fulton Chain Wild Forest system, which shapes how anglers reach it.
For current regulations and access, start with NYSDEC’s Fulton Chain Wild Forest and the Freshwater Fishing Regulations guide.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
DEC’s Fulton Chain Wild Forest page confirms that anglers use the same trailheads, trails, hand launches, and campsites as hikers, paddlers, and campers to access these waters. Winter access conditions can change quickly in the channel system, so check current conditions before heading out.
