Sixth Lake Fishing Guide: Seasons, Species, and Adventures

Sixth Lake, located in the heart of Inlet, New York, and part of the larger Fulton Chain of Lakes, is a great spot for anglers looking to target a wide variety of fish species. The lake is home to brown trout, whitefish, rainbow trout, lake trout, splake, smelt, white sucker, black bullhead, perch, and pumpkinseed sunfish, providing a diverse and rewarding fishing experience.

The lake’s structure includes an average depth of 12 feet and a maximum depth of 38 feet, creating a range of underwater features for anglers to target. The 3.8-mile shoreline offers multiple fishing opportunities, whether you’re looking to fish near shallow areas or deeper waters.

Getting to Sixth Lake is simple, with access provided by the New York Route 28 DEC hard launch, which makes it easy for anglers to launch powerboats. The lake is connected to Seventh Lake through a channel that runs under the bridge on 7th Lake Road (Route 13), which broadens the fishing potential by linking two bodies of water. Additionally, the creek outlet to Fifth Lake offers even more fishing possibilities.

New York State Fishing Lakes, Rivers, and Streams

At a glance

Region: Adirondacks / Fulton Chain of Lakes
Water type: Connected Adirondack lake with trout, salmon, and perch fishing
Best access styles: Route 28 launch, connected-channel boating, shore access, and ice fishing where permitted
Best-known fisheries: Lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout
Other common targets: Splake, perch, pumpkinseed, white sucker, whitefish, black bullhead
Regulations: Region 6 special fishing regulations apply
Last reviewed: February 2026

Key species in Sixth Lake

These FishNY guides are good starting points for Sixth Lake:

Best techniques for Sixth Lake

Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species

Spring (March to May)

In the spring, anglers on Sixth Lake can take full advantage of the brown trout’s active feeding patterns, especially in the shallow waters near Inlet, NY. These areas are prime spots, as the trout gather to feed more actively during the warmer months. To effectively target these fish, the Chornobyl Ant fly is a standout choice. With its lifelike appearance and erratic movement, this versatile fly mimics the insects that are abundant in the water during spring, making it irresistible to brown trout.

For those looking to land rainbow trout, the Olive Dancer fly is an equally reliable option. This fly has consistently proven effective on Sixth Lake, as its subtle movements and natural colors are perfect for enticing rainbow trout to strike.

Yellow perch also make a strong showing in spring, and jigging is one of the most successful methods for catching them. Small spoons or jigs tipped with bait work particularly well on Sixth Lake, as the jigging motion attracts the perch’s natural curiosity. Adding bait to the lure enhances its appeal, triggering the perch’s predatory instincts. When fishing on light tackle, the strong fight from a yellow perch can provide an exhilarating challenge for anglers.

Spring fishing on Sixth Lake also requires the right equipment to maximize success. Using braided line can greatly improve your sensitivity and strength, especially when fishing in areas with heavy vegetation or debris. For more precise casting and better control, baitcasting reels are a must, offering both accuracy and distance to reach fish in hard-to-reach spots. Anglers will also benefit from a cutting board to prepare bait easily and handle catches without hassle.

To increase the chances of a productive day on the water, anglers should focus on warmer water areas, particularly shallow or sunlit spots where fish tend to gather. As the water temperature rises in the spring, fish become more active and feeding more consistently, making these areas key for both feeding and spawning. By using the right fly patterns, techniques, and gear, anglers on Sixth Lake can make the most of the spring season.

Summer (June to August)

As summer sets in, lake trout become a primary target for anglers, and the most effective method for catching them is trolling with downriggers, using spoons or plugs. The deeper sections of Sixth Lake, particularly in the middle of the lake’s widest area, west of Drakes Lane and east of Demings Main Street, are ideal spots for targeting lake trout. Anglers should focus on locating thermoclines and underwater structures, as these features can significantly increase the chances of a successful catch.

Yellow perch fishing remains productive throughout the summer, especially when using jigging techniques. Anglers should experiment with different colors and sizes of jigs to find what works best. Targeting drop-offs and submerged structures can yield the best results, as perch tend to congregate around these areas.

For those targeting pumpkinseed sunfish, the summer months offer an excellent opportunity to explore weed edges and submerged structures. These areas often hold sunfish, and anglers who focus their efforts here will likely see positive results. By adjusting tactics and targeting the right structures, anglers can maximize their summer fishing success on Sixth Lake.

Fall (September to November)

As the weather cools, lake trout fishing continues to be a solid choice, particularly near rocky structures and deeper sections of the lake. Trolling with spoons or plugs remains effective, as lake trout are drawn to these areas during their feeding periods.

Yellow perch fishing picks up as the fish become more active and move toward shallower waters in preparation for winter. Jigging is still a reliable method, but anglers should focus on using natural-colored jigs that mimic the movement of baitfish to attract the perch.

Additionally, casting and retrieving artificial baits near submerged trees and structures can be a great way to draw in various species, offering more variety to the angler’s catch.

Winter (December to February)

In winter, lake trout fishing shifts to deeper waters, where positioning becomes even more critical. For ice fishing, tip-ups are a key tool, allowing anglers to present live bait or artificial lures at different depths beneath the ice. The quiet, frozen landscape hides a bustling underwater environment, so focusing on areas near submerged structures or known feeding zones can improve success.

Yellow perch continue to bite through the winter, especially around drop-offs and submerged structures, making jigging a solid choice. Black bullheads can also be targeted during the winter months, typically using worms or cut bait in deeper holes.

As with all winter activities, safety is paramount. Before heading out onto the ice, it’s essential to check ice thickness, and using shelters and heaters can make the winter fishing experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

What Sixth Lake is Known For

Fulton Chain trout water: Sixth Lake is best known for brown trout, rainbow trout, and lake trout fishing.
Smaller-lake structure: The lake offers shallow-to-moderate depth fishing with a connected-channel system.
Ice-fishing access: DEC Region 6 says ice fishing is permitted here.
Route 28 access: The DEC hard launch off Route 28 is the main public access point.

Remove the “peaceful environment,” “quiet secluded spots,” and history-heavy language.

Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points

Sixth Lake access should be centered on the Route 28 DEC hard launch and the connected Fulton Chain channel system. Keep the access section short and remove the scenic/tourism language.

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FAQs About Fishing Sixth Lake

What makes Sixth Lake in Inlet, New York, an attractive destination for fishing?

Sixth Lake, located in the heart of Inlet, New York, is a fishing destination for anglers. With an average depth of 12 feet and a maximum depth reaching 38 feet, the lake presents an intricate landscape for fishing enthusiasts. The 3.8-mile inviting shoreline provides opportunities for exploration, and its connection to Seventh Lake and outlet to Fifth Lake through a creek add an element of diversity to the fishing experience. The accessibility facilitated by the New York Route 28 DEC hard launch ensures convenience for anglers keen on exploring the lake’s fishing grounds using motorboats.

What spring fishing techniques are recommended for brown trout at Sixth Lake?

In the spring months (March to May), fishermen can capitalize on the feeding behavior of brown trout at Sixth Lake by strategically employing Chernobyl ant flies. These versatile and attractive fly patterns, when used in the shallow areas near the inlet and channels, serve as prime locations for targeting brown trout during their active feeding periods. The Chernobyl ant fly, with its lifelike appearance and enticing movement, effectively mimics the insects present in the water during this season, making it an excellent choice for enticing brown trout to strike. Additionally, focusing efforts on warmer water areas, such as shallows and sunlit spots, aligns with the increased fish activity associated with milder temperatures.

What techniques are effective for yellow perch fishing in spring and summer at Sixth Lake?

During the spring and summer seasons, anglers seeking yellow perch at Sixth Lake can employ the highly successful fishing technique of jigging. Utilizing small lures such as spoons or jigs, often tipped with bait, enhances the allure for yellow perch. This dynamic and interactive approach, particularly in shallower waters, entices the curiosity of yellow perch and prompts strikes. The incorporation of bait adds an extra layer of attraction, appealing to the perch’s predatory instincts. On light tackle, yellow perch can provide a formidable fight, making the fishing experience engaging and rewarding.

How does the fishing experience at Sixth Lake vary with seasons, and what are the primary targets for each season?

The fishing experience at Sixth Lake undergoes dynamic changes with the seasons, offering anglers varied opportunities throughout the year. In the spring, the focus shifts to brown trout and rainbow trout, leveraging specific fly patterns like the Chernobyl ant fly and the olive dancer. As summer arrives, lake trout become a primary target, and downriggers with spoons or plugs, combined with trolling, prove effective in deeper sections. Yellow perch fishing continues with jigging, and exploring weed edges for pumpkinseed sunfish can yield positive results. In the fall, lake trout remains productive, with yellow perch activity increasing and jigging proving reliable. Winter introduces ice fishing, with lake trout and yellow perch as primary targets, utilizing tools like tip-ups and prioritizing safety by checking ice thickness.

What makes the interconnected waterways and portages of Sixth Lake captivating for boating enthusiasts?

The interconnected waterways of Sixth Lake, including the channels to Seventh Lake, portages from both Seventh Lake to Eighth Lake and Sixth Lake to Fifth Lake, contribute to a captivating and adventurous experience for boating enthusiasts. The portages, involving brief overland journeys, add an element of exploration and excitement to the interconnected network of water bodies. These features create a unique journey, offering picturesque locales and enhancing the overall adventure. Boating enthusiasts can navigate through these interconnected waterways, appreciating the diverse landscapes and ensuring a memorable and fulfilling experience.

Editorial note

FishNY.com is a publisher/editor–led site. We curate and update pages like this using FishNY archives and primary references, especially NYSDEC. If you spot an access change, regulation update, or broken link, please contact us so we can review and update this page.