Moss Lake Fishing (AKA Whipple Lake) – Articles, Species and Tips

Important: Moss Lake Preserve is a DEC watchable-wildlife site. According to DEC’s water-quality summary, boating and fishing are not permitted here.

Moss Lake is connected to the North Branch Moose River through its outlet, providing a connection to the larger water network in the region. In terms of fish species in Moss Lake, the lake is home to brook trout, lake trout, Atlantic salmon, brown trout, largemouth bass,smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and bullhead. These diverse fish species make Moss Lake an attractive fishing spot for fishermen of all skill levels.

A close-up photo of a brook trout suspended over water.

Where is Moss Lake? Moss Lake, also known as Whipple Lake, is situated northwest of the Hamlet of Eagle Bay, New York in the Town of Webb, NY in Herkimer County which is in the Adirondack Park. The lake spans an area of 113 acres, with a surface elevation of 1,759 feet. Moss Lake is a popular ADK fishing spot, with an average depth of 19 feet and a maximum depth of 50 feet. The shoreline stretches 2.3 miles, offering ample opportunities for anglers to explore.

Young fisherman produly holds up a small northern pike.

Beyond its fishing appeal, Moss (or Whipple) Lake offers a range of recreational activities, making it a perfect spot for a day outdoors. Visitors can enjoy a picnic by the lake, embark on a hike, engage in cross-country skiing during winter, or even explore the surroundings on horseback. Wildlife enthusiasts will find Moss Lake to be a wonderful spot for observing local flora and fauna. While motorboats are not allowed on Moss Lake, you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere of the lake through non-motorized activities like canoeing, kayaking, or fishing from the shore. Other Great Fishing Spots In NY

What Moss Lake (Whipple Lake) is Known For

Natural preserve setting: Moss Lake Preserve is a Nature Conservancy site and a DEC watchable-wildlife location.
Boardwalk and woodland trails: DEC lists boardwalks and woodland trails as the main visitor experience.
Wildlife viewing: DEC highlights turtles, frogs, wood duck, canvasback, pied-billed grebe, osprey, deer, and woodchucks as wildlife to watch.
Bog-lake habitat: The preserve’s 15-acre bog lake is the defining natural feature.

Kayak and Canoe Launches and Public Access Points

Replace the current fishing-launch language with preserve access language. The DEC preserve page identifies the site as a watchable-wildlife preserve with boardwalks and woodland trails, and the page lists the preserve’s contact information and directions through the Nature Conservancy.

Moss Lake Fishing and Related Articles

Adirondack Fishing Spots: Bass, Trout, Walleye, Pike, Muskie…

Adirondack Park features detailed fishing information by lake, river, and creek, including species and facts about each body of water, suitable for beginners and experienced anglers.

Moss Lake NY Is A Great Place For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Moss Lake NY, situated between the communities of Inlet and Old Forge, is an idyllic spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape without venturing too far. Just three miles off

The Moose River Plains Excellent Trout Fishing Locations

Fishing in the Footsteps of French Louie In 1963, New York State made a landmark acquisition when it purchased the Moose River Plains tract from the Gould Paper Company, opening up a

FAQs About Fishing Moss Lake

What are the recommended seasonal fishing techniques at Moss Lake?

Motorboats are not allowed on Moss Lake and neither is ice-fishing. The recommended seasonal fishing techniques at Moss Lake vary throughout the year and involve paddle fishing or fishing from shore. In spring, anglers focus on brook trout and largemouth bass using crankbaits and sinking worms. In summer, persistence is key for largemouth and smallmouth bass kayak fishing and canoe fishing. Fall sees a shift towards rocky banks with crawdad-colored crankbaits and spinners. In winter, despite the prohibition of ice fishing, anglers target brook trout and largemouth bass with crankbaits and sinking worms in deeper areas.

What recreational activities are available at Moss Lake?

Moss Lake offers a range of recreational activities, including picnics, hikes, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The Moss Lake Preserve, designated as a National Natural Landmark, features a 15-acre bog lake formed over 15,000 years ago, showcasing the area’s geological and ecological significance. The preserve is known for its sphagnum moss mat, giving Moss Lake its distinctive name.

How do I access Moss Lake from Inlet, NY, and where can I park?

Access Moss Lake from Inlet, NY, While motorboats are not allowed on Moss Lake near Inlet, NY, you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere of the lake through non-motorized activities like canoeing, kayaking, or fishing from the shore by heading south on Route 28 for 2 miles towards Eagle Bay. At the intersection of Route 28 and Big Moose Road, take a right onto Big Moose Road and continue for over 2 miles. You’ll find a spacious year-round parking area on the left, with an additional handicap-accessible parking lot just a minute further down the road.

What are the distances and elevations involved in the hiking trail around the lake in Inlet?

The hiking trail around Moss Lake in Inlet spans a distance of 2.5 miles, with the main parking area to the lake covering a short 0.1 miles. The trail offers an engaging experience with its rolling terrain, resulting in an elevation gain and loss of about 150 feet throughout the hike.

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 a preserve or access rule changes, or if a page is found to conflict with DEC guidance, please contact us so we can review and update the page.

Last reviewed: February 2026

Rules & access (start here)

List of online source references

Wikipedia – Moss Lake Adirondacks

Your NY Fishing Newsletter

FishNY is recognized as New York’s best fishing website. Once dubbed as “the clearing house for fishing content throughout the state” by the Times Union in Albany…