So with Covid, I didn’t start guiding on Lake George until July 11, which means that the summer pattern was in full swing. Water temps on the Queen were already in the mid seventies, pushing fish deep onto off shore points and humps. What makes Lake George so incredible is it’s copious off shore structures and so learning how to fish these will make or break your time on this gin clear fishery mid summer all the way up to Labor Day. Here are my top presentations and go-to techniques:

1. Drop Shot. Hands down, a top producer on this deep water fishery. I like drop shotting because it is simple and allows clients to find the bottom and effectively fish the bottom. Key details: I like a 1/4oz Old Fart Lures cylinder style drop shot weight paired with a VMC 1/0 or 2/0 spinshot hook. Tons of plastic options - send me a comment and I’ll give you a couple of my favs.

2. Hair Jig. I talk a lot about this technique because it’s super effective and it catches big fish. Great to target fish that are up off the bottom. Works well even when the bite is tough. I tie my own using Carl’s jighead from Old Fart Lures. My favorite color is brown. I now am selling these - if you’re interested in buying them - email me your order at freshwatertherapy@gmail.com. My favorite size when the fish are on deep humps is 1/4oz.

3. Wacky Rigged Senko. Not the most efficient presentation because it takes forever to get down to the fish, but highly effective if you are a patient person. I saw a lot of smallies suspended and those fish are catchable, just not necessarily on the bottom. Dial things in with your Garmin Livescope and watch the fish eat for some #incrediblefishing. I like a 2/0 VMC wacky hook and a 5” green pumpkin Gary Yamamoto senko.

Without an exaggeration, this was the best big fish fishing I’ve ever experienced on Lake George. And I think a lot of that had to do with getting even more dialed in on where the fish set up during different parts of the day. Learning to fish off shore structure is a blast, and the more you do it and watch where the fish are sitting, the more success you’ll have. Love to help you grow as a fisherman - leave a comment on how we can help you improve your fishing skills. And join me in helping make Lake George an even better fishery by practicing catch and release!