Lake Pleasant is located between the Villages of Lake Pleasant and Speculator. This lake is both a warm and cold water fishery and has something to offer for every angler. The large size of the lake and depth create good fishing for a variety of fish species.
Physical Features:
Elevation: 1,725 Feet
Area: 1,475 Acres
Shoreline Length: 9 miles
Mean Depth: 29 Feet
County and Town: Hamilton County, Town of Lake Pleasant
Access:
Access to Lake Pleasant is simple. There is a town boat launch near the outlet at the Sacandaga River off Route 8 just outside of the Village of Speculator. There is also an accessible fishing platform located at the mouth of Cherry Brook off County Route 11 in the northeast corner of the lake.
Fish Species:
Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, brown bullhead, yellow perch, chain pickerel, rock bass, and walleye.
Fishing:
There are several good fisheries within this lake. Brown trout, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel and yellow perch fishing has improved greatly in the last decade since smelt became abundant. Walleye fishing has declined, but trophy fish are still present. The smelt population within the lake is abundant, and these are eagerly sought by ice fishermen. Large brown trout are present, but generally are hard to catch due to the abundant forage. Largemouth bass are present in the weedy areas. Smallmouth bass are found throughout the lake and average 13-16 inches in length.
Ice Fishing:
Permitted.
Regulations:
Special Fishing Regulations Apply.
Fisheries Management:
Lake Pleasant is annually stocked with brown trout and lake trout. Stocking helps to maintain the fishery and give anglers a better chance of catching the big one!
