Fifth Lake Fishing, Seasonal Tips On Secluded Waters
Fifth Lake, located in Adirondack Park, may not be as well-known for fishing as the larger lakes in the Fulton Chain, but it offers solid fishing opportunities. The lake is home to a range of species, including Atlantic salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout, yellow perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. Anglers can expect a variety of catches, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a quieter, less crowded fishing experience.
Fifth Lake, located in the Fulton Chain, offers anglers a unique and quiet fishing experience. Connected to Fourth Lake, this small body of water covers 13 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 20 feet, with an average depth of 5 feet. The lake’s central area is the deepest, making it an ideal spot for fishing.
With a shore length of just 0.6 miles, Fifth Lake is entirely surrounded by private land, providing a secluded environment for fishing. While it may serve as a passage between Fourth Lake and other waters, its smaller size and private surroundings make it a peaceful and intimate location for those seeking a more relaxed fishing experience. Despite its modest size, Fifth Lake adds to the beauty and charm of the Fulton Chain.
New York State’s Best Fishing Lakes, Rivers, and Streams
Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species:
Spring (March to May)
During the spring months of March to May, anglers targeting Northern Pike in the Fulton Chain of Lakes have a unique opportunity to fish for these predators as they become active again after the winter months. As the waters warm, the Northern Pike emerge from their dormant state, making this an ideal time to catch them in the region.
As water temperatures rise, northern pike become more active and migrate to shallower waters to spawn. Savvy anglers can find success by targeting these fish around submerged vegetation and rocky structures, which serve as prime spots for pike during this time.
In addition, lake trout are a highly sought-after species in spring. Known for their potential to grow to large sizes, these fish offer a thrilling challenge for anglers.
Interestingly, larger lake trout from Fourth Lake often move into the smaller Fifth Lake, making them easier to target in this more confined space.
Summer (June to August)
From June to August, northern pike become more aggressive, providing anglers with an exciting challenge. Their ambush behavior is most pronounced in the early morning, making it an ideal time to target them. Using topwater lures such as imitation swimming frogs or mice can provoke explosive strikes, but anglers will need heavy-duty gear to handle the pike’s powerful attacks.
Lake trout continue to be a primary target for anglers during the summer months, thanks to their large size and challenging fight. While northern pike are more active in shallower waters, lake trout typically move to deeper, cooler regions of the lake, often in depths ranging from 30 to 80 feet. They are frequently found near underwater structures like drop-offs, submerged points, and thermocline layers where water temperatures remain stable.
To effectively target lake trout, anglers should use a trolling setup with downriggers or weighted lines to reach the proper depths. Spoons, crankbaits, or live bait rigs, such as smelt or minnows, work well to entice these deep-water predators.
For northern pike, casting along weed beds, submerged rocks, or near shallow bays remains a productive technique. Pike are known for their explosive strikes, so having a fast-retrieve reel and heavy-duty braided line (30-50 lb test) is crucial to handle their aggressive runs.
Both species require strong, reliable tackle—particularly rods rated for larger fish and reels with a smooth drag system to withstand the initial runs and intense fight. This ensures anglers can handle the demands of both northern pike and lake trout fishing in the Fulton Chain of Lakes during the summer.
Fall (September to November)
From September to November, as water temperatures drop, anglers can target lake trout, rainbow trout, and salmon, utilizing a range of techniques for each species. Lake trout tend to move into deeper waters, requiring anglers to use weighted lines or downriggers to reach the proper depths. Rainbow trout and salmon can be found in shallower areas, where casting spoons, spinners, or using drift techniques with live bait or egg sacs can be effective.
Northern pike remain active in the fall, especially around submerged vegetation and areas with abundant baitfish. Casting large lures, such as swimbaits or crankbaits, in these areas can provoke strikes. As pike often strike aggressively, using heavy-duty gear with strong hooks and braided lines is essential to handle their powerful runs.
Focus on early morning or late evening for the best chances, as pike tend to be more active during low-light conditions.
Winter (December to February)
Winter turns the Fulton Chain of Lakes into a prime destination for ice anglers targeting northern pike from December to February. The fish remain active beneath the ice, and anglers should focus on deeper waters, using large live bait on well-positioned tip-ups for the best chance at landing a trophy pike.
Although the conditions are harsh, determined anglers also have success catching lake trout during the winter months. These fish are resilient and can be found in deeper waters, where vertical jigging with heavier tackle or using live bait is effective. Patience and proper gear are key to navigating the challenges of ice fishing while targeting these prized fish.
Ice fishing requires careful safety precautions and the right gear. As anglers head onto the ice, heavy-duty equipment is essential for both safety and handling potential trophy catches. Proper clothing, a sturdy auger, and reliable tip-ups are key components for a successful and safe ice fishing experience.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
Access to Fifth Lake in the Fulton Chain involves a unique route. At the east end of Fourth Lake, near the town of Inlet, there is a stream or channel that provides access to the small Fifth Lake. Boaters interested in reaching Fifth Lake will navigate through this channel from Fourth Lake.
Fifth Lake, though smaller in size compared to some of the other lakes in the Fulton Chain, covers an area of 13 acres. It averages a depth of 5 feet with a maximum depth of 20 feet.
Given its smaller size and more secluded nature, Fifth Lake can be more challenging to access.
