Pyramid Lake Fishing near Ticonderoga, New York

• Overview

  Pyramid Lake lies in Essex County, New York. The setting is lake country bush. Surface area is around 172 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. On our Essex County list it sits near the top for size. Ticonderoga at 11 miles is the nearest place to stop. The big place round here is Albany, 84 miles distant. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Pyramid Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Reported across Essex County: brown trout, brook trout and white sucker. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Pyramid Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 67°F and January reads 17°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. After mid April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly early December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Pyramid Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Crane Pond, 1 mile away. Check the position on Pyramid Lake before loading the car.