Fourth Lake Inlet Boat Launch Guide

Fourth Lake Inlet Boat Launch: Accessible Dock, Parking and Fishing Guide

September 25, 2026

Fourth Lake’s public trailer launch at Inlet combines three practical advantages: a hard-surface ramp, an accessible boarding dock and parking for 25 cars with trailers. The lake is a large, deep link in the Fulton Chain with both coldwater and warmwater fisheries, making this a useful access point for boaters and anglers who choose their trip around conditions and current regulations.

Fourth Lake launch facts

Official location: 43.754364, -74.792441 at the north end of Fourth Lake in the Town of Inlet
Launch type: hard-surface ramp suitable for float-off and float-on launching of most trailered boats
Parking: 25 cars and trailers
Accessible: yes; NYSDEC specifically identifies a trailered-boat launch with dock
Agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Fee and operating window: not stated in the current Hamilton County launch listing; check current notices before traveling

Do not confuse the Inlet ramp with Alger Island

NYSDEC lists two different public approaches to Fourth Lake. The access covered here is the hard-surface trailer ramp at the north end in Inlet. A separate DEC hand launch at Alger Island State Park is on South Shore Road, about eight miles northeast of Old Forge. A hand launch requires carrying the boat and does not provide trailer-launching capacity at the water.

If you are towing a typical fishing boat, use the verified Inlet coordinates rather than navigating only by the lake name. Fourth Lake spans parts of Hamilton and Herkimer counties, so a generic search can send visitors toward a different shore or access type.

Accessible ramp and dock

The Fourth Lake waterbody record identifies the trailered launch and dock as wheelchair accessible from the Route 28 parking area in the Hamlet of Inlet. The Hamilton County directory also marks the site accessible. NYSDEC’s county-directory definition means access reaches the top of the ramp and includes accessible parking; the waterbody page specifically confirms the dock.

Accessibility can still be affected by water level, weather, temporary dock removal or maintenance. Visitors who need a specific transfer arrangement should contact the appropriate DEC regional office before the trip rather than assuming every part of the shoreline is accessible.

Lake size and boating conditions

Fourth Lake covers 2,137 acres, has 17.8 miles of shoreline and reaches a maximum depth of 85 feet. Its mean depth is 33.5 feet, and the lake sits at an elevation of 1,707 feet. That scale gives boaters room to travel, but it also allows wind to build waves across open water. Check the forecast, carry required safety equipment and wear a properly fitted life jacket.

The current launch directory does not publish a fee, horsepower restriction or seasonal operating window for the Inlet ramp. Do not interpret that silence as a promise of unrestricted or maintained access. Follow posted signs, statewide boating law and any temporary closure or dock notice at the site.

Fishing Fourth Lake

NYSDEC lists lake trout, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, northern pike, tiger musky, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow smelt, rock bass and brown bullhead. Deep coldwater habitat supports trout and salmon, while shallower areas offer perch, bass, pike and tiger musky opportunities. Ice fishing is permitted, and lake trout are a popular winter target.

Special fishing regulations apply. Review the official Fourth Lake record and the current New York freshwater fishing regulations before fishing. Carry the required license and verify species-specific seasons, size limits and possession limits for the date of your trip.

Clean, Drain and Dry before launching

New York law requires boaters to follow Clean, Drain and Dry practices before launching into public waters. Remove plants, mud and debris; drain live wells, bilges and other compartments; and allow equipment to dry. The Fulton Chain connects multiple waters, so preventing the transport of aquatic invasive species is especially important.

Practical trip checklist

Navigate to the exact Inlet coordinates rather than a generic Fourth Lake destination.
Confirm current ramp, dock and parking conditions before a long tow.
Bring lines and fenders so loading at the dock stays orderly.
Prepare for cold water even when the air feels mild.
Keep the ramp clear while organizing fishing gear or passengers.
Carry navigation lights and required emergency equipment.
Check current special fishing regulations and weather.

Other Adirondack launch guides

For another multi-access lake, compare our Meacham Lake launches guide. The Buck Pond and Lake Kushaqua guide explains two nearby access types with different motor rules, while the Rollins Pond guide covers a hard-surface ramp with a 25-horsepower limit.

Official sources

Access, parking, accessibility and fishing information were verified against NYSDEC sources on September 25, 2026. Conditions and regulations can change.