Lake Placid New York

Lake Placid New York

Lake Placid, Essex County, NY
3mi²
570.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Lake Placid, situated amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Essex County, New York, is a natural wonder that beckons to those seeking both the serenity of the outdoors and the excitement of fishing. This pristine lake, nestled in the Town of North Elba, offers a diverse range of experiences to all who venture to its shores. Access to Lake Placid is made easy through a DEC launch located off Route 86, within the charming Village of Lake Placid, along Mirror Lake Drive. The launch site provides a well-maintained hard surface ramp with a convenient boarding dock. Parking facilities can accommodate 25 cars and trailers, making it accessible to visitors, including those with disabilities. This accessibility ensures that everyone can explore the beauty of Lake Placid and engage in a variety of recreational activities. Spanning over 2,100 acres, with a picturesque shoreline extending for more than 20 miles, Lake Placid is known for its impressive dimensions. The lake stretches approximately 4 miles in length and boasts a maximum depth of 151 feet, with a width of around 1.5 miles. The unique thermocline, located at approximately 27 feet, contributes to the lake's diverse and thriving fish populations. One of the key features that make Lake Placid a popular destination for anglers is the rich variety of fish species that call its waters home. Among the notable species found here are lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and pumpkinseed. This diversity creates a dynamic environment for fishing enthusiasts, whether they are seasoned pros or newcomers to the sport. Fishing in Lake Placid is a rewarding experience, thanks to the deep basins and abundant fish populations. Trolling for lake trout is a successful approach, given the lake's significant depths. Fly fishing for rainbow trout, especially during hatches, offers a unique and thrilling challenge. The presence of brook trout near the inlet streams adds to the excitement for anglers seeking a variety of catch opportunities. Along the rocky shoreline, smallmouth bass thrive, making it an excellent location for those targeting this species. It's important to note that ice fishing is prohibited in Lake Placid, a regulation set in place to maintain the delicate ecological balance of this remarkable waterbody. The lake's unique feeding habits of its trout, primarily subsisting on mysid (shrimp-like crustaceans) and later transitioning to a fish diet as they grow, contribute to the ecosystem's unique characteristics. Lake Placid is annually stocked with rainbow trout, further enhancing its appeal to anglers. The lake has a naturally reproducing population of lake trout, and in the past, it even produced the state record for this species. This testament to Lake Placid's fertile waters attests to the remarkable fishing experiences it offers. For those who seek more than just the thrill of the catch, Lake Placid stands as an invitation to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Adirondacks. Whether it's the allure of a pristine mountain lake or the pursuit of diverse fish species, Lake Placid is a remarkable destination where the wonders of nature unfold at every turn.

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Current Conditions

67°F°
Feels like 66°F°
MostlyCloudy
Today's High
69°F°
Today's Low
51°F°

Water Temperature

44°F
Updated: (May 12)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Lake Placid New York is 44°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind3 mph S (Gust 13 mph)
Pressure
30.08 inHg
Visibility24 mi
Humidity46%
Cloud Cover70%

Forecast: Wednesday, May 14

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
55°F°
10 AM
65°F°
1 PM
68°F°
4 PM
67°F°
7 PM
62°F°

Temperature

High
69°F°
Low
51°F°

Precipitation

Chance12%
Amount0.01"
Typerain

Wind

5mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
19mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed9 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise9:29 AM
Sunset12:15 AM
Moon PhasewaningGibbous
Max UV Index5 (Moderate)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
5/5

Todays action is rated a 5 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

6:30 AM - 9:00 AM

8:09 PM - 10:39 PM

Minor Times (Good)

2:21 AM - 3:51 AM

9:37 AM - 11:07 AM

Outlook for Wednesday at Lake Placid New York

Expect temperatures ranging from 51°F to 69°F. There's a 12% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.01" rain. Winds will be averaging 5 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 19 mph. The maximum UV index will be 5 (Moderate), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 5/5 (Todays action is rated a 5 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 6:30 AM and 8:09 PM, or try the minor windows near 2:21 AM and 9:37 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Lake Placid New York.

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May 12th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
570 ft
Area
3 mi²
Coordinates
44.299, -73.981

Weather Forecast

Wednesday

69°F
51°F

Thursday

68°F
55°F

Friday

71°F
54°F

Saturday

69°F
54°F

Sunday

54°F
42°F

Monday

48°F
40°F

Tuesday

50°F
37°F

Wednesday

53°F
42°F

Thursday

57°F
42°F
Wednesday - 5/14/2025
69°F
51°F
12am
57°F
44°F
30.09 hPa
0 mph
S
G: 2 mph
2am
53°F
44°F
30.10 hPa
0 mph
SSW
G: 2 mph
4am
51°F
44°F
30.10 hPa
0 mph
SSW
G: 2 mph
6am
51°F
44°F
30.09 hPa
2 mph
SE
G: 5 mph
8am
59°F
44°F
30.10 hPa
5 mph
S
G: 13 mph
10am
65°F
44°F
30.10 hPa
7 mph
S
G: 14 mph
12pm
69°F
44°F
30.08 hPa
8 mph
S
G: 15 mph
2pm
68°F
44°F
30.06 hPa
9 mph
S
G: 19 mph
4pm
67°F
44°F
30.04 hPa
9 mph
SSE
G: 19 mph
6pm
64°F
44°F
30.02 hPa
8 mph
SSE
G: 17 mph
8pm
60°F
44°F
30.01 hPa
5 mph
SSE
G: 12 mph
10pm
58°F
44°F
30.01 hPa
5 mph
SSE
G: 11 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Lake Placid New York

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

35°F

On Apr 2

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

53°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (72°F).
  • Coolest avg: April (40°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: February → March (+14°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: March → April (-17°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

Wind Direction

180°

Pressure

1019 mb

Cloud Cover

36%

Visibility

17 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Placid New York

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