Where to Go to Catch a Fish!

Unlocking the secrets

Did you know that Tupper Lake is home to some of the best and most secretive fishing holes in the state? It's true! In fact, it has been reported by fishery biologists that the state record walleye may possibly make his (or her) home right here in Big Tupper Lake. But how come few people know about the spectacular freshwater fishing available right here in the heart of the Adirondacks? Fishermen and women can hold a secret like no other, but that's OK. Since there are so many, we'll let them keep their secret honey holes to themselves! And, after all, fishing is a sport, so how fun would it be to take all of the challenge out of it? 

Since it isn't fun to go in completely blind to an area, here are some tips to guide you to your new favorite Tupper Lake fishing hole.

Quick guide to fishing in the Adirondacks:

"It all starts with a worm."

As quoted by our office fishing advisor Cole, "it all starts with a worm." When you are looking for your bait and tackle, Tupper Lake offers a variety of places to stop and pick it up. But it is when you are picking up your fishing essentials that you can get your first tip on where to cast that line. Those who sell bait and tackle often speak with the locals about where the fish are biting, so if you are new to fishing in the area, don't let this opportunity pass you by. Ask them for the latest scoop on the local fishing scene. 

Where to pick up bait, tackle, rods, and all the other gear:

• Aubuchon Hardware Store, 65 Lake Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986
• Fortune's True Value, 66 Main Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986
• Mountain Market & Redemption Center, 404 Route 3, Tupper Lake, NY 12986 
• Raquette River Outfitters, 1745 Route 30, Tupper Lake, NY 12986
• Red Top Inn, 1562 Route 30, Tupper Lake, NY 12986

On the water

Tupper Lake is blessed with some deep-water lakes, shallow weedy ponds, slow meandering rivers, babbling brooks, and backcountry streams all housing a variety of fish species trying to entice you to cast your line. Fish by land or by boat, fish by dawn and 'til dusk, the opportunities are endless, but here are a few to get you started.

Lakes

Big Tupper Lake is one of the biggest draws for anglers from both near and far. This substantial lake is unique in that it has two rivers running into it, and two ponds that you can access via the lake. The lake boasts a depth of up to 100 feet, has 28 miles of shoreline, and a variety of great islands and bays for camping and fishing. As for fish, it has those, too. The lake is annually stocked with lake trout and landlocked salmon by the state DEC. In addition, you will find small and large mouth bass, northern pike, bullhead, whitefish, tiger muskies, walleye, perch, and more. 

Insider tip: In the spring when the smelt start running, the southern end where the Bog River meets the lake (near Bog River falls) becomes a popular fishing spot. Anglers will fish by land, accessing it at the falls or by boat. 

Other options: For other lake fishing options, make sure to check out Horseshoe Lake, Piercefield Flow, and Little Tupper Lake.

Ponds

If pond fishing is more your style, Tupper Lake has that too! In fact, Simon Pond is a popular local fishing spot all year long. In the winter nearly a thousand anglers flock from all over to pull those trophy-winning northern pike out of this body of water. Simon Pond's weedy flats are home to northern pike, bass, walleye, yellow perch, pumpkinseeds, bullhead, and landlocked salmon.

Insider tip: This past winter a 16.62 pound northern pike was pulled from Simon Pond during the Northern Challenge. Since it is a catch and release tournament, that bad boy is still out there waiting for you to come find him.

Other options: For other pond fishing options, check out Raquette Pond, Little Wolf Pond, and Panther Pond.

Rivers

It's simply majestic! If you have never spent a day on the 146-mile Raquette River, then you don't know what you are missing. Tupper Lake is lucky to be located at approximately the mid point of this meandering, smooth-current river. The river's many bends, turns, twists, and oxbows are a fishermen's haven as they provide the perfect nesting location for those highly sought-after fish.

Insider tip: If you are fishing along the river keep an eye out for eddies, sunken trees, merging currents, dams, and waterfalls, undercut banks and outside bends, these are the spots where the fish like to hide.

Other options: For other river fishing options, check out the Bog River to the south.

Boat launches

If you are fishing by boat, Tupper Lake offers a variety of hard surface beach and boat launches to help you access the water. For a complete listing of the nearby boat launches visit Tupper Lake boat launches. We invite you to come and make use of them, we only ask one favor in return. Help us stop the spread of invasive species. Remember to inspect, wash, and dry your boat before moving it from lake to lake.

Boat rentals

If you are planning a fishing trip to Tupper Lake and are looking for a boat rental, you are in luck. Some of the local lodging properties offer fishing packages that come with a boat rental.

For properties that rent boats to guests:

• Blue Jay Campsite & Marina, 1339 Route 30, Tupper Lake, NY 12986
• Red Top Inn, 1563 Route 30, Tupper Lake, NY 12986
• Sunset Park Motel, 71 Demars Blvd., Tupper Lake, NY 12986
• The Pine Terrace Motel, 1616 Route 30, Tupper Lake, NY 12986

Fishing guide services

Looking for insider information on our lakes, ponds, and rivers? The idea of a fishing trip sounds great, but you don't feel like lugging all of the gear along with you on vacation? First time fishing and you want to learn the ropes? 

We have the solution: contact one of our licensed NYS fishing guides and let them lead you on a remarkable fishing adventure.

Plan your Tupper Lake fishing trip

The fish are calling you! Can you hear it? A day on the water, the refreshing breeze against your face, the quiet sounds of the water breaking around your boat, and then it happens — you've got a bite. Yep, it sounds like it's time to ditch work for a few days and head to Tupper Lake. Pack up the gear, book a place to stay, and then follow the trail to the Adirondacks. At the end of the day, fish or no fish, you retreat back to town for a relaxing evening complete with a good meal and a cold beer. Maybe you will have the chance to swap stories with the local anglers and maybe even get them to release some of those tightly held secrets. After all, as the saying goes, "A bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work."