Ice Fishing

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.

Experience More

Formatted: 

(315) 283-8871

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3152838871
Upstate Guide Service Inc. is a licensed, insured, professional full-time outfitter and guide service serving the Adirondack region.

Formatted: 

(518) 524-6441

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5185246441
24 Jenkins Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
A fully licensed and insured Adirondack Guide, Matt Burnett has spent his life in the central Adirondacks and is ready to share his experience with you!
Route 10
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Follow this short, gentle path through the forest to a remote lake with views of distant rolling hills. This trail makes for an incredible hike, snowshoe, or ski making it perfect for an easy outing no matter the season.
Good Luck Lake is a wonderful paddling lake.
Limekiln Road
Inlet, NY 13360
You can fish from any of the lakefront sites as well as from the public boat launch. There's splake and brown trout for the advanced fisherman, and sunfish, bullhead, and perch for the smaller anglers.
Limekiln Lake is a local favorite for paddling and foliage.
Petrie Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This large picnic area is on the shore of Fourth Lake.
A wonderful day on the water at Fourth Lake.
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
Lake Eaton is known for fine fishing all year long and great paddling in summer. Motorboat access is only from the campground, via day use fee.
Lake Eaton is a particularly lovely lake in an area full of lovely lakes.
Route 30
Speculator, NY 12164
With great fishing, camping, and incredible views, it's hard not to want to stay here forever. Easy accessibility makes this a go-to for Brown Trout from the boat, or Bullhead from the shore.
Old Piseco Road
Piseco, NY 12139
There are three state campgrounds on the lake, each with a paved launch for trailers. All can be found by taking Old Piseco Road off of Route 8 on the back side of the Piseco Lake.
A popular lake for boating, fishing, and paddling.
State Route 8/30
Indian Lake, NY 12842
This short and easy trail offers a short jaunt for a nature hike, birding, and a perfect Adirondack paddle on a secluded lake. Shhh... it's also a remote fishing lake.
Route 2
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
Frequent depth changes make trolling for many species difficult, but the shallow areas (mainly in the southwest portion of the lake) make for fantastic smallmouth bass fishing. 
Adirondack Foothills Guide Service

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(518) 359-8194

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5183598194
Tupper Lake, NY 12986