Fishing Lawson Lake in Albany County, New York

• Overview

  Lawson Lake lies in Albany County, in New York. The setting is lake country bush on every side. Around 41 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The full circuit measures close to 1.1 miles on foot. Head to Voorheesville, 8.1 miles away, for anything you forgot. Then Delmar, 8.6 miles, and Ravena, 8.8 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Lawson Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. County-wide records name common carp, goldfish and brown trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Read Lawson Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 69°F in July and bottom out at 21°F in January. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about mid December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Lawson Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. Mapping shows parking within half a mile. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Alcove Reservoir, 3 miles away. Confirm access to Lawson Lake locally before you travel.