Black Lake

Black Lake in St. Lawrence County, New York, spans 7,593 acres according to the current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) lake page. The lake lies in the Town of Morristown near Hammond. DEC lists largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and brown bullhead. It is especially known for panfish, with bass and larger predators adding variety.

Black Lake fishing patterns

The original local account describes bays, weed edges, points, islands and deeper structure. Start with those transitions and adjust to wind, water temperature and fish activity. For largemouth bass, work vegetated shallows and cover with soft plastics or other weedless presentations; for smallmouth, check rock, points and adjacent depth changes. Crappie, bluegill and perch may gather along vegetation and structure, with small jigs or bait suited to each species. Walleye and northern pike call for different tackle and seasonal approaches.

DEC describes a mean depth of about eight feet and a maximum of 40 feet. The lake’s broad water and varied cover make a chart and attention to weather useful. The original guide’s advice to plan a fishing vacation remains sensible, but no single bite pattern or resort listing is guaranteed current.

Boat launch and shore access

DEC identifies a concrete public ramp managed by New York State Parks adjacent to the Hammond–Edwardsville County Road, about two miles west of Edwardsville in the Town of Morristown. Review the St. Lawrence County launch directory for current details, parking and invasive-species cleaning rules. Access to other private docks or lodging properties requires permission.

Seasons and New York fishing rules

Panfish can provide opportunities in multiple seasons; bass, walleye and pike have species-specific seasons and limits. DEC explicitly notes that special fishing regulations apply to Black Lake. Check the current regulation page, licensing, weather and launch status before a trip, including any ice-fishing plans.

Guided trips and nearby waters

Browse the guides shown for Black Lake and verify which captains actually run trips on this water. For a wider St. Lawrence County trip, compare the St. Lawrence River; access and fishery rules differ. Book only after confirming the meeting point, vessel, target species and availability.

See our smallmouth bass guide and walleye guide for species-specific tackle.