Ice Fishing

Adirondack ponds and lakes — home to icy adventure!

While some people prefer to head indoors when the temperatures dip, many anglers look forward to one of winter’s most popular activities: ice fishing!

For generations, the waters surrounding Tupper Lake have been calling fishermen and women to come to seek out the trophy-winning fish that are known to lurk beneath the surface. In the winter, as the cold weather bears down on New York's North Country, the lakes and ponds freeze over, and the boats that graced the water on warmer days are quickly replaced by ice shanties and flag-popping action.

A man lowers his line into a hole in the ice Three men on a frozen lake pose with their latest catch while snow falls around them A woman shows off her most recent ice fishing catch in Tupper Lake, New York

Welcome to Hardwater Season!

Grab your augers and tip-ups and come experience why anglers of all abilities consider Tupper Lake to be the Adirondack's premier ice fishing destination. It might be the monster-sized northern pike that the annual Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby showcases each February. Possibly it's the legend of state record walleye that is believed to be roaming unscathed, just waiting for you to drop the bait. Or maybe it is simply the breathtaking winter scenery set against the backdrop of small-town charm. Whatever the elements that make up the ideal winter fishing trip might be, odds are Tupper Lake will offer just what you are looking for.