Eighth Lake, Fishing – Articles, Species and Tips
Commonly targeted fish species in Eighth Lake include brown trout, lake trout, and yellow perch. Whether casting lines from the shoreline or navigating the lake’s waters, Eighth Lake stands out as a key component of the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
Eighth Lake, located at the beginning of the famed Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondack Park, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. It lies about 15 miles northeast of Old Forge, just north of New York State Route 28, within the Moose River Plains Wild Forest.
As the outflow from Eighth Lake traverses a 1-mile-long natural channel, it feeds into the interconnected Seventh Lake and Sixth Lake, making for an ideal location to target a variety of fish. Eighth Lake has an average depth of 39 feet and a maximum depth of 81 feet, providing suitable habitat for species such as lake trout and landlocked salmon. Its 4.3-mile shoreline includes multiple access points for boating and fishing.
Read about more of the best fishing spots in NY
At a glance
- Region: Adirondacks / Fulton Chain of Lakes
- Lake character: Deep Adirondack trout lake connected to the Fulton Chain
- Best access styles: Small boats, canoe/kayak fishing, shoreline access, and trolling
- Best-known fisheries: Lake trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon
- Other common targets: Brown trout, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, bullhead
- Regulations: Adirondack and statewide trout regulations apply
- Last reviewed: February 2026
Key species in Eighth Lake
These FishNY guides are good starting points for Eighth Lake:
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Lake Trout
- Landlocked Salmon
- Yellow Perch
- Smallmouth Bass
- Bullhead / Catfish
- Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Note: I cannot confirm slug pages yet for rainbow trout, lake trout, or pumpkinseed sunfish.
Best techniques for Eighth 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 spring, anglers targeting brown trout in Eighth Lake can use fly patterns such as Woolly Buggers, Elk Hair Caddis, and Stonefly Nymphs. For rainbow trout, effective options include surface flies like the Adams and Blue-Winged Olive, particularly in areas with moderate current.
Implementing a float setup, including a sensitive float, leader, and tippet, proves effective for trout in spring, especially in slower sections of the lake.
When pursuing panfish such as pumpkinseed sunfish, employing small jigs or soft plastic grubs on light tackle, comprising a sensitive rod, reel, light line, and appropriately sized weights, enhances the chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.
Summer (June to August)
In the summer season at Eighth Lake, anglers seeking fishing for lake trout often delve into the deeper waters, employing downriggers and trolling fishing techniques to cover expansive areas efficiently. Downriggers enable precise depth control, allowing lures like spoons or plugs to be presented at optimal levels, enticing lake trout residing in the cool, deeper sections of the lake. Strategic trolling patterns, such as “S-turns” or zigzagging, can mimic the erratic movements of prey, increasing the chances of enticing these cold-water predators. Yellow perch, maintaining their prominence in the summer landscape, become a focal point for anglers. Deploying rigs proves effective, with live bait rigs being a favourite amongst local anglers, usually with lively minnows or nightcrawlers as bait. Slip bobbers become valuable tools, allowing anglers to precisely target specific depths along weed lines, drop-offs, or submerged structures where yellow perch tend to congregate. Additionally, inline spinners add a dynamic element to the approach, creating vibrations and flashes that can trigger aggressive strikes from these spirited panfish.
For species like black bullhead, the focus shifts towards deeper holes. Anglers can present cut bait or worms near these submerged areas, where black bullheads often seek refuge and forage for food. Drop-offs, underwater structures, and areas with varying depths become prime locations for targeting black bullheads during the summer months.
Fall (September to November)
Engage in the timeless art of jigging for yellow perch around submerged structures and strategic drop-offs.
While exploring the frozen expanse, anglers may also encounter smelt, offering a unique winter challenge. Safety measures, including checking ice thickness and utilizing shelters with heaters, ensure a comfortable and rewarding winter fishing experience.
What Eighth Lake is Known For
- Adirondack trout fishing: Eighth Lake is best known for lake trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon fishing.
- Fulton Chain connection: The lake connects naturally to Seventh and Sixth Lakes as part of the Fulton Chain.
- Deep-water trolling: Trolling presentations are especially common during warmer months.
- Campground and launch access: The DEC campground provides the primary public launch access for anglers.
For regulations, access, and current fisheries guidance, start with NYSDEC’s Eighth Lake Campground information and Adirondack fishing resources.
Boat Launches, Campground Access, and Public Fishing Information
Eighth Lake Campground provides the primary public launch access to the lake. DEC describes the launch as a hard-surface trailer launch with parking for approximately 10 vehicles and trailers.
