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

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

Part of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, the Fourth Lake commands attention with its size. This body of water stands as a true giant, dwarfing its predecessors.

While acknowledging the possibility of larger catches in the lake, local angler Brad proudly reeled in an impressive 28-inch lake trout, weighing a substantial 7 1/2 pounds. This remarkable feat occurred on 02/01/2014, as Brad pursued the unconventional method of jigging for smelt using a small ice spoon and a single spike.

Employing a 4-pound test line in a mere 5 1/2 feet of water, Brad experienced the thrill of unexpectedly landing a fish of such magnitude. This extraordinary catch underscores the notion that, at times, the most remarkable fishing experiences unfold when least anticipated.

Beyond the exceptional fishing opportunities that Fourth Lake offers, it stands as a centerpiece, its southwestern end seamlessly linking to Third Lake approximately five miles from Inlet, NY through a brief channel. Fishing on Fourth Lake serves as a focal point for numerous anglers, drawing them to its scenic waters.

As the fourth lake is the largest of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, generally most of the fishing occurs on this specific lake. However if you would like a more peaceful fishing option you can travel through the fourth lake by boat and venture into the fifth lake, a much smaller and isolated alternative.

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

Access to Fourth Lake in the Fulton Chain of Lakes is typically gained from the town of Inlet, located at the eastern end of Fourth Lake. Inlet serves as a gateway to Fourth Lake, and there are various points around Fourth Lake that offer boat launches and access for visitors.

The town of Inlet provides amenities and facilities, including grocery stores, restaurants, souvenir shops, realtor offices, and a fire station. Boaters and visitors can use Inlet as a convenient starting point before exploring Fourth Lake. The presence of a stream or channel at the east end of Fourth Lake, near Inlet, allows access to the much smaller Fifth Lake.

Boaters and outdoor enthusiasts often find Fourth Lake appealing due to its size and popularity. It covers 2,050 acres, making it the largest lake in the Fulton Chain. Facilities such as a picnic area maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation on the southern shore provide additional amenities for visitors. 

Alger Island State Campground, situated on Alger Island in the middle of Fourth Lake, is a public campground with various accommodations, including lean-tos, tent sites, and picnic areas.