Lake Pleasant and Sacandaga Lake are connected by a channel, though travel between the two lakes might only be possible when water is high. This lake is both a warm and cold water fishery and has a little to offer for every angler. The large size of the lake and depth create good fishing for a variety of fish species.

How to get there

Public access is from an unpaved launch in Speculator on the northern end of the lake near the Sacandaga River outlet. This can only be used for canoes and kayaks or small motorized craft. 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.

Fishing

Fish species found here include: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, brown bullhead, yellow perch, chain pickerel, rock bass, walleye, and lake trout. Because of a stable food supply, the trout can grow big in these waters. There are large numbers of small mouth bass, and pickerel can be found in weedy areas. Walleye fishing is good early in the season.

According to DEC, "Lake Pleasant has stocking policies of approximately 29,000 walleye, 1,600 brown trout, and 2,100 lake trout. All this stocking helps to maintain the fishery and give anglers a better chance of catching the big one!"

A note to anglers

Spiny waterflea, an aquatic invasive species, is present in this waterbody. Please make sure to clean, drain, and dry all boats and equipment to prevent any spread.