Fourth Lake Fishing NY: Seasons, Records, and Ice Fishing Adventures
Anglers on Fourth Lake, one of the largest and most accessible bodies in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, can pursue a diverse selection of game and panfish species. The lake supports healthy populations of Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, northern pike, tiger musky, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass, along with commonly targeted species such as yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and brown bullhead.
Whether trolling the open waters for salmon or casting for bass along the shoreline, Fourth Lake presents a diverse and rewarding fishing experience, making it a standout destination within the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
Located in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, Fourth Lake stands as the largest in the chain, offering fishermen an expansive and diverse fishery. Located approximately 5 miles from Inlet, NY, the lake is situated in a scenic landscape surrounded by Herkimer and Hamilton Counties, the towns of Webb and Inlet, and the hamlet of Eagle Bay, NY.
Its southwestern end connects to Third Lake through a short navigable channel, adding to the interconnected charm of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. With an average depth of 34 feet and a maximum depth of 85 feet, Fourth Lake provides a varied fishing experience. Fourth Lake boasts a generous shoreline length of 9.8 miles.
New York State Best Fishing Lakes, Rivers, and Streams
At a glance
- Region: Adirondacks / Fulton Chain of Lakes
- Lake character: Large, deep Adirondack lake with strong coldwater and warmwater fisheries
- Best access styles: Trailered boat launch, hand launch, shoreline access, and ice fishing when safe
- Best-known fisheries: Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout
- Other common targets: Northern pike, tiger musky, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead
- Regulations: Fourth Lake of Fulton Chain is listed under special fishing regulations
- Last reviewed: February 2026
Key species in Fourth Lake
- Lake Trout
- Atlantic Salmon
- Rainbow Trout
- Northern Pike
- Tiger Musky
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Yellow Perch
- Pumpkinseed
- Brown Bullhead
Best techniques for Fourth 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 (April to June)
As temperatures rise during spring, Fourth Lake morphs into an angler’s paradise with many fishing opportunities. Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout, lured by the warming waters, exhibit heightened activity, presenting a thrilling challenge for anglers seeking diverse catches.
Understanding the feeding patterns of lake trout is key to increasing your catch rate on deeper lakes like Fourth Lake. These cold-water predators are most active during low-light conditions, with sunset often marking a peak feeding window.
To maximize your effectiveness, anglers should employ trolling rods equipped with downriggers to reach the colder, deeper layers where lake trout typically reside—especially in spring and early summer. Running vibrant spoons, flutter-style lures, or live bait at controlled depths allows for more precise targeting. Incorporating a chartplotter with sonar can help identify thermoclines, baitfish schools, and underwater structure, making it easier to track trout movement and plan trolling routes accordingly.
Summer (July to August)
Summer on Fourth Lake comes alive with fishing options. Continue targeting lake trout, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon in the colder depths using essential tools like downriggers and lead-core lines. For the shallower areas, focus on yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
Broaden your skill set by exploring creative approaches with artificial baits such as plastic worms, crankbaits, and topwater lures, especially effective for bass. To maximize your chances, try trolling with flashy spoons at varying depths to locate the thermocline where lake trout often reside.
Fall (September to November)
Embracing the fall season on Fourth Lake offers anglers a productive time for targeting lake trout as the fish respond to cooling temperatures and seasonal changes. During autumn, lake trout become more active due to dropping water temperatures and increased oxygen levels, which stimulate aggressive feeding behavior. As the spawning season approaches, typically from late September into October, these trout migrate toward deeper, cooler areas of the lake, often settling in depths of 40 to 80 feet or more.
Jigging with heavy spoons or soft plastics near steep drop-offs, submerged structure, or thermocline edges can be especially effective. Trolling with downriggers, using stickbaits or spoons that mimic baitfish, remains a reliable method for covering more water and locating active fish. Electronics play a key role this time of year, helping anglers pinpoint schools of trout suspended over deeper basins.
Water clarity on Fourth Lake remains relatively high into the fall, making early mornings and overcast days more favorable for successful fishing. Anglers should also note that lake trout may be in a pre-spawn phase, so catch-and-release practices help preserve the health of the fishery during this critical period.
Winter (December to February)
As winter blankets Fourth Lake in ice, anglers turn to ice fishing, particularly for lake trout. Increase your chances of success by using live bait or jigs tipped with bait, focusing on deeper areas of the lake.
Ice fishing for lake trout often results in impressive catches, with fish exceeding 30 inches possible. Winter also opens opportunities for targeting yellow perch, brown bullhead, and rainbow trout through the ice. Always prioritize safety by ensuring the thickness of the ice before embarking on your winter fishing expeditions.
What Fourth Lake is Known For
- Largest Fulton Chain lake: Fourth Lake is the largest lake in the Fulton Chain and the most prominent water in the chain’s middle section.
- Trout and salmon fishing: Lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout are the headline species.
- Ice fishing opportunities: Fourth Lake is a known winter ice-fishing lake when conditions are safe.
- Big-water access and structure: Its size, depth, and connection to Third Lake give anglers a mix of open water and channel fishing.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
DEC confirms Fourth Lake access through the Alger Island State Campground and Fourth Lake Day Use Area, which provides a hand launch, and through the public Fourth Lake boat launch in Inlet. DEC also notes that access is available through the Fulton Chain Wild Forest system.
