Second Lake Fishing Guide, Essex County, New York

• Overview

  Second Lake sits within Essex County in New York. Land around it is lake country bush. It runs to roughly 30 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Nearest town is Tupper Lake, 26 miles off. North Elba follows at 30 miles, then Lake Placid at 32 miles. Within a short run: First Lake 0.6 miles, Third Lake 0.7 miles away, Mud Pond 0.8 miles, Grassy Pond 0.9 miles away and Deer Pond 0.9 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Second Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Records held for Essex County cover brown trout, brook trout, white sucker, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Second Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 64°F for July and 14°F for January. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly early December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Second Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. First Lake at 0.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Second Lake before loading the car.