Little Metcalf Lake Fishing in Fulton County, New York

• Overview

  Little Metcalf Lake lies within the bounds of Fulton County, New York. Country round the bank runs to mixed forest. Small at around 9 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. On size it sits at the modest end of our Fulton County list. You are 12 miles from Dolgeville. After that come Little Falls at 17 miles and Saint Johnsville at 19 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Little Metcalf Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. County-wide records name brown trout, brook trout, white sucker, brown bullhead and tessellated darter. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Little Metcalf Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 64°F; by January the average is down near 15°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and early December closes it again. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Little Metcalf Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. For a change of water, Mud Pond is 0.4 miles distant. What applies at Little Metcalf Lake may have changed since it was mapped.