Lake George, New York: Map, Depth, Size & Information
Comprehensive hydrographic guide to Lake George featuring verified USGS & USACE water statistics, interactive topographic mapping, shoreline facilities, boating ramps, and game fisheries.
Lake George Live Water Level Status & Wind Conditions
Interactive Map of Lake George
Where is Lake George?
Lake George is located in Warren, Washington, Essex County in the state of New York, at geographical coordinates 43.6000° North latitude and 73.6000° West longitude. The water body lies at a surface elevation of approximately 320 feet (98 meters) above mean sea level.
Nearby Cities & Distances
About Lake George
Lake George, renowned as the "Queen of American Lakes," is a 32-mile-long oligotrophic glacial lake situated at the southeast base of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Celebrated for pristine water so clean it is classified as Class AA-Special drinking water, Lake George contains 395 islands (many available for state-managed island camping) and has been a premier summer destination since the 19th century.
Hydrographic Classification:
Lake George is categorized as a Adirondack Rift Basin Lake. Its designated primary authorized uses include Recreation, Class AA Drinking Water, Wilderness Conservation.
Activities & Recreation
Lake George is known for its resident game fish species. Common targets include:
Popular watercraft activities permitted across regulated channels:
Boat Ramps, Marinas & Public Parks
Marinas (4)
- •Norowal Marina
- •F.R. Smith & Sons Marina
- •Castaway Marina
- •Yankee Boating Center
Public Boat Launches (3)
- •Million Dollar Beach Launch
- •Mossy Point Boat Launch
- •Rogers Rock Launch
Parks & Recreation (3)
- •Adirondack Park Forest Preserve
- •Lake George Battlefield Park
- •Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
Boating Safety, Wake Zones & Aquatic Regulations
A mandatory 100-to-200-foot no-wake zone is enforced around all public boat launches, designated swimming areas, private docks, and moored vessels. Vessel operators must maintain idle speed in narrow coves and bridge passes.
Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III PFDs are required for all vessel occupants. To prevent aquatic invasive species (quagga mussels, hydrilla), boaters must adhere to Clean, Drain, and Dry inspection procedures prior to launching.
Seasonal Fishing Patterns for Lake George
Game fish move into sheltered secondary coves, shallow flats (4–12 ft depth), and creek mouths as surface temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s. Target submerged timber, riprap, and emerging vegetation with spinnerbaits, suspending jerkbaits, and soft plastics.
Predators retreat to deep underwater humps, main river channel ledges, and thermocline layers (20–45 ft). Peak activity shifts to dawn, dusk, and night trolling. Use deep-diving crankbaits, spoons, drop-shots, and downrigger spreads.
Cooling weather triggers lake turnover and intense schooling feeding. Bass, trout, and walleye push baitfish into primary points and pocket coves. Fast-moving topwater plugs, lipless crankbaits, and swimbaits produce explosive strikes.
Fish consolidate around deep wintering holes (40–80+ ft) or under safe solid ice on northern waterways. Slow finesse presentations—vertical jigging spoons, blade baits, and live bait rigs—dominate the cold-water season.
Lake George Statistics & Hydrography
| Measurement | Imperial Value | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Area | 28,160 acres | 114.0 km² |
| Maximum Depth | 196 feet | 59.7 meters |
| Average Depth | 58 feet | 17.7 meters |
| Water Surface Elevation | 320 feet above sea level | 98 meters |
| Shoreline Length | 176 miles | 283 km |
| Lake Classification | Natural Glacial (Adirondack Rift Basin Lake) | |
| GPS Coordinates | 43.6000° N, 73.6000° W | |
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake George
6 verified answersCan you camp on the islands in Lake George?+
How deep is Lake George in New York?+
What is the surface area, shoreline length, and elevation of Lake George?+
What game fish can you catch in Lake George?+
Can you boat on Lake George and where are the public ramps?+
Where does the data for Lake George come from and how is it verified?+
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