Fourth Lake in Essex County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In New York, Fourth Lake falls inside Essex County. The bank is 1,604 feet above sea level. The water covers some 29 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Supplies mean a trip to Tupper Lake, 26 miles off. Beyond it, North Elba at 29 miles and Lake Placid at 30 miles. Nearest other option: Fifth Lake about 0.4 miles, Jackson Pond 0.8 miles away, Third Lake about 0.8 miles, Eighth Lake 0.9 miles away and Mud Pond about 0.9 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Fourth Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Open biodiversity records for Essex County list brown trout, brook trout, white sucker and pumpkinseed. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Fourth Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 64°F and January near 15°F on the long-run figures. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. From about mid April to around early December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. That is the shape of the year on Fourth Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Essex Chain Lakes Primitive Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Fifth Lake, 0.4 miles away. None of that is settled for Fourth Lake in what we hold.