This giant lake has plenty of room for every recreational wish. Amenities and supplies are in the town of Schroon Lake, with its stores and marina. Paddling, boating, fishing, and ice fishing are all popular activities on Schroon Lake.

How to get there

There are three main launches on the western side of the lake. All are not far from, or directly off, Route 9.

By the numbers

• Elevation: 807 feet
• Area: 4,107 acres
• Length: ~ 9 miles
• Shoreline Length: 23.7 miles
• Max Depth: 152 feet
• Mean Depth: 56 feet

Paddling

Lovely and tranquil, the waters of Schroon Lake have been attracting canoeists and kayakers for many years. Explore the shoreline with its abundant wildlife. Schroon Lake is large and shared with motorboats so be prepared for larger waves if you are away from the shoreline. There are three boat launches on the western side.

Boating

There are three boat launches on the western side. No motor restrictions. Schroon Lake does have, however, non-native invasive species, so boaters should take care to clean, drain, and dry watercraft.

Fishing

Species found here include: lake trout, landlocked salmon, large mouth bass, yellow perch, and others

Ice fishing

Schroon Lake stays busy in winter too, with all the ice fishing that goes on. Every March there's the annual Fishing Derby, first Saturday of the month.

Ice fishing special regulations are for Schroon Lake, and Schroon River from Schroon Lake downstream to Starbuckville Dam.

Trout: all year, any size, limit 5

Lake trout: all year, at least 18" limit 2

Landlocked salmon: all year, at least 15" limit 3

Several trails can be accessed from the shore of Putnam Pond and North Pond, including Treadway Mountain, which is a wonderful hike with outstanding views of the surrounding Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Paddling

These two ponds are connected by a set of narrows. The best launch is located near the beach which is just over a small hill from the main parking area in the campground, and there is a motorboat launch which can be used.

• Pond sizes – Approximate shoreline length: Putnam Pond: 3.75 miles; North Pond: 2.5 miles
• Type of launch: Sand and grass
• Portage/carry details: Less than 100 feet, no portage to North Pond
• Type of water: Both ponds are well sheltered and calm

Boating

Putnam Pond is accessible to motorboats. There is a narrow hard ramp located in the DEC campground.

Fishing and ice fishing

Fish for northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed and yellow perch on this tranquil pond. Popular with ice anglers. The northern section is at its best for fishing in the winter and early spring.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 near Schroon Lake follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Continue to Putts Pond Road on the right (entrance road for Putnam Pond State Campground). Drive this to the end to access the campground and the pond. A day use fee will be required.   

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