Old Forge Pond Fishing: Access to the Fulton Chain of Lakes
If you’re staying in Old Forge and launching onto Old Forge Pond, you’ll find plenty to get excited about. The pond offers a diverse range of fish species, making it a favorite spot for anglers. It’s especially known for white sucker, black bullhead, yellow perch, rock bass, and rainbow trout.
Old Forge Pond, in the town of Old Forge, offers a unique fishing experience. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Old Forge and neighboring areas, the pond provides a serene backdrop for anglers seeking a variety of fishing opportunities.
With an average depth of 4 feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet, Old Forge Pond presents a relatively shallow underwater terrain, creating an accessible and inviting environment for anglers of all skill levels.
With a shoreline length of 2.1 miles, Old Forge Pond offers ample space for anglers to explore its fishing grounds. A notable feature of this pond is its connectivity to nearby bodies of water, allowing boaters to navigate from Old Forge Pond all the way to 5th Lake in Inlet.
More about NY States Best Fishing Spots
At a glance
- Region: Adirondacks / Fulton Chain of Lakes
- Lake character: Small, shallow Adirondack pond connected to the Fulton Chain
- Best access styles: Shore access, small boats, and nearby launch/carry access
- Best-known fisheries: Rainbow trout, yellow perch, rock bass
- Other common targets: White sucker, black bullhead, brown bullhead
- Regulations: Old Forge Pond has special trout rules and ice fishing is permitted
- Last reviewed: February 2026
Key species in Old Forge Pond
These FishNY guides are good starting points for Old Forge Pond:
- Rainbow Trout
- Yellow Perch
- Bullhead / Catfish
- Rock Bass
- White Sucker
Best techniques for Old Forge Pond
Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species
Spring (March, April, May)
In spring, successful fishing on Old Forge Pond often comes down to understanding how white suckers behave as water temperatures begin to rise. These fish become especially active around river mouths and in shallow, slow-moving areas. Anglers targeting white suckers during this season typically rely on bottom fishing rigs, outfitted with coarse terminal tackle such as sinkers and bait-holder hooks, and baited with nightcrawlers or shrimp for best results.
Spring also brings excellent opportunities to catch black bullhead and yellow perch, which—like white suckers—tend to move into shallower, muddy-bottomed areas as the water warms. Techniques used for suckers often work just as well for these species. Live bait, especially worms and crayfish imitations, are popular choices. Having a well-organized tackle bag with a variety of coarse terminal tackle—including swivels, leader line, and extra hooks—makes it easy to adapt on the water and target multiple species throughout the day.
Summer (June, July, August)
As summer sets in, rainbow trout tend to retreat to deeper, cooler waters within the pond. When fishing for rainbow trout on Old Forge Pond many fishermen employ techniques like trolling or casting with artificial lures such as spinners and spoons.
Additionally, catches of rock bass are also common when fishing on Old Forge Pond in the summer. Like fishing for perch, soft plastics work well. Senko Worms, Berkeley Powerbait Power Worms, and Zoom Bait’s Brush Hogs and Trick Worms are common local favorites.
Fall (September, October, November)
As fall approaches, rock bass in Old Forge Pond begin to shift their behavior, gathering around rocky areas and structure along the shoreline. Anglers looking to take advantage of this seasonal change often find success by experimenting with different techniques. Casting small jigs or using live bait near rocks and drop-offs can be particularly effective for drawing strikes from these concentrated fish.
Fall also continues to offer great opportunities for rainbow trout. As the water cools, trout remain active and can be found cruising in search of food. Anglers can increase their odds by adjusting their approach—fishing slightly deeper, downsizing lures, or timing outings during low-light hours when trout are most aggressive.
With cooler weather and changing conditions, it’s a good idea to carry a dry bag to keep essentials like extra clothing, tackle, and electronics safe from the elements. A rod protector also goes a long way in preventing damage when transporting multiple setups or hiking into less accessible fishing spots.
Employing crayfish imitations (Berkley’s PowerBait Chigger Craw of the YUM Christie Craw are good choices) and small crankbaits emerges as a particularly effective method, not only for enticing bites from rainbow trout but also for engaging with other species that share the lake.
Winter (December, January, February)
In winter, Old Forge Pond’s fishing conditions become more challenging as water temperatures drop. However, anglers can still target certain species like yellow perch, which often remain active in deeper sections of the lake.
Ice fishing is a popular fishing technique during this season, with anglers using specialized gear and bait to lure fish through the ice. Additionally, white suckers may still be present in some areas, offering opportunities for patient anglers to catch fish even in colder conditions.
What Old Forge Pond is Known For
- Stocked rainbow trout: DEC stocking data confirms rainbow trout are stocked in Old Forge Pond.
- Ice-fishing access: DEC Region 6 special regulations list Old Forge Pond with ice fishing permitted.
- Shallow-water warmwater mix: The pond also supports perch, rock bass, bullhead, and white sucker.
- Fulton Chain connection: Old Forge Pond is part of the broader Fulton Chain system and often serves as a link to other waters.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
Old Forge Pond access is tied to the Fulton Chain and local Old Forge launch options. Local Old Forge information says there is a private boat launch at Old Forge Pond for a modest fee, and that free NYS DEC launches are available at Stillwater and Inlet.
