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Lake · Santa Clara, Franklin, New York

Upper Saranac Lake

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Location Snapshot

Upper Saranac Lake is an Adirondack stillwater in New York, distinct from Lower Saranac Lake. Lake trout and smallmouth bass are the principal supported targets.

Information Only

StrikeTracks does not currently provide a live condition rating for this destination. Destination and fishery information is still available.

Weather Near Lake

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Fishery Profile

Documented species you may encounter at Upper Saranac Lake.

High confidenceLast verified: Aug 13, 2026

Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations

Fishery overview

Lake trout are primary and stocked in Upper Saranac Lake at Santa Clara. Smallmouth bass are common and established. It covers 4,773 acres, averages 33 feet deep, and reaches 90 feet.

Target species

  • Lake Trout

    Salvelinus namaycush

    Expectation
    Primary
    Population
    Stocked
    Native status
    introduced
    Confidence
    High confidence

    Source: NYSDEC

  • Smallmouth Bass

    Micropterus dolomieu

    Expectation
    Common
    Population
    Established
    Native status
    unknown
    Confidence
    High confidence

    Source: NYSDEC

Fishery characteristics

Composition
Mixed wild and stocked

Best seasons

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall

Common techniques

  • Boat fishing
  • Shore fishing
  • Spinning

Stocking information

Lake trout are stocked in Upper Saranac Lake.

  • Lake Trout

    Stocked · NYSDEC

    Stocked

Official sources

Hatch Match

No destination-specific hatch data is currently available.

General fly suggestions

  • Midge larvaGeneral stillwater midge-style family — not a live Chironomidae Hatch claim.
  • Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral stillwater streamer family. Not a baitfish or kokanee Hatch event.
  • Ant or beetleGeneral shoreline terrestrial family — not a local Hatch calendar.

These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.

Location and Access

Cataloged lake location

Santa Clara, Franklin, New York

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The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.

Lake Details

Town

Santa Clara

County

Franklin

Management Category

Coldwater lake

Regulation Scope

Upper Saranac Lake.

Regulation Summary

NYSDEC Adirondack / inland lake regulations apply. Confirm current Region 5 seasons and limits.

Surface Area

4773 acres

Maximum Depth

90 ft

Average Depth

33 ft

Target Species

Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike

Public Access

Public

Boat Launch

Available

Shore Fishing

Available