Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing in the Adirondacks

Winter is the time to fish

Ice fishing in the Adirondacks

As snow blankets the Adirondacks in white and cold temperatures creep across our deep lakes, the landscape is transformed into a frozen winter wonderland. Entire ice fishing communities pop up on lakes, rivers, and ponds – a sure sign that the fish are biting!

Enjoy fishing in Adirondacks year-round

From mid-November through mid-March, fish for northern pike, pickerel, tiger muskie and walleye on our frozen waterways. Two types of fishing lines are allowed on most of our Adirondacks lakes: hand lines and tip-ups. Through April 30, fish for several species of Adirondack fish, including bass, trout, landlocked salmon and crappie. Ice fishing is permitted on most lakes and rivers, with the exception of Indian River. Licensed guides offer added insight for the best fishing spots throughout the region.
Additional ice fishing species include:

  • Yellow perch
  • Splake
  • Rock bass
  • Largemouth bass
  • Lake trout
  • Carp

The New York State Department of Conservation does enforce special regulations for ice fishing on thirteen of Hamilton County's waterways, including:

  • Blue Mountain Lake
  • Forked Lake
  • Fourth Lake
  • Indian Lake
  • Lake Abanakee
  • Raquette Lake

Be the first one at the lake with a cold-weather Adirondack camping experience. For a complete list of fishing regulations and regulatory waterways, visit the DEC website. 

Drop a line and enjoy an ice fishing expedition in the Adirondacks!

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

A fully licensed and insured Adirondack Guide...
24 Jenkins Street
Saranac Lake
12983
  
Upstate Guide Service Inc. is a licensed,...
  
Follow this short, gentle path through the...
Route 10
Lake Pleasant
12108
  
This large picnic area is on the shore of...
Petrie Road
Inlet
13360
  
You can fish from any of the lakefront sites...
Limekiln Road
Inlet
13360
  
Lake Eaton is known for fine fishing all year...
Route 30
Long Lake
12847
  
With great fishing, camping, and incredible...
Route 30
Speculator
12164
  
This short and easy trail offers a short...
State Route 8/30
Indian Lake
12842
  
Frequent depth changes make trolling for many...
Route 2
Raquette Lake
13436
  
There are three state campgrounds on the lake...
Old Piseco Road
Piseco
12139
  

Adirondack Foothills Guide Service

Tupper Lake
12986
(518) 359-8194
  

Newsletter Sign Up