Lower Chateaugay Lake is located in northeast Franklin County. It is approximately a quarter of the size of Upper Chateaugay Lake. The lake is surrounded by private cottages and camps.
Physical Features:
Elevation: 1,309 feet
Area: 545 acres
Shoreline Length: 4.5 miles
Length: ~ 2 miles
Maximum depth: 26 feet
Mean depth: 12 feet
Maximum Width: ~ 0.5 mile
County and Town: Franklin County, Town of Bellmont
Access:
There is a DEC boat launch off Route 374, five miles north of the Hamlet of Merrill. The launch has a hard surface ramp with parking for 25 cars and trailers. The launch is in the Chateaugay Narrows approximately two and half miles south of the lake. The Chateaugay Narrows is navigable, but it has two low bridges.
Fish Species:
Smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and pumpkinseed.
Fishing:
Yellow perch are in abundance as well as brown bullhead. If you find the rocks, then you'll find the smallmouth bass. The northern pike are a recent illegal introduction and are still increasing in numbers and are average size. The lake has low dissolved oxygen levels at depths greater than 18 feet during the summer months.
Regulations:
Special Fishing Regulations Apply.
Fisheries Management:
The lake maintains a warmwater fishery. There is no stocking at present time.