The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
West Lake
Essex County, New York · about 1,950 acres (3.1 sq mi)
53°F water, calm this morning.
About West Lake
In Essex County, New York, West Lake covers about 1,950 acres.
From end to end it runs about 3.7 miles with roughly 20 miles of shoreline. At about 1,860 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Lake Placid, is about 1.1 miles south.
- Size
- About 1,950 acres (3.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 20 miles
- End to end
- About 3.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,860 ft
- County
- Essex County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Fair
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 2:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like West Lake in New York usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 53°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:49 am · sunset 4:30 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near West Lake
- Lake Placidabout 1.1 mi south
- North Elbaabout 3.9 mi south
- Saranac Lakeabout 6.5 mi west
- Elizabethtownabout 19 mi east
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Questions about West Lake
What fish are in West Lake?
Lakes like West Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is West Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is West Lake?
About 1,950 acres, with about 20 miles of shoreline.
What town is near West Lake?
Lake Placid is about 1.1 miles south; North Elba is about 3.9 miles south.
What is the water temperature at West Lake today?
The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
West Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
