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.

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.

Most Popular Ice Fishing Holes in Tupper Lake:

Simon Pond

Located on the southern end of the town of Tupper Lake, the frozen cap on top of Simon Pond is proven to be a gold mine for bringing in northern pike, perch, and walleye.

Raquette Pond

Situated in the middle of the village, Raquette Pond provides easily accessible ice fishing within walking distance.

Grab your hook, line, and sinker

Tupper Lake is perhaps one of the best places for fishing. We are fortunate to have Big Tupper Lake — unique in that it is one of the very few lakes with two rivers flowing into it. At the southernmost tip of Big Tupper Lake, the Bog River cascades into the lake via Bog River Falls. At the northern end of the 9-mile lake, the majestic Raquette River flows from the east under the Moody Bridge and into Raquette Pond via a channel. The lake alone boasts over 28 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of over 100 feet.

Other great fishing holes can be found on Simon Pond, along the Raquette River, and in Raquette Pond, which all have water connections to Big Tupper Lake. In addition, other popular spots to cast a line can be found at Piercefield Flow, Horseshoe Pond, Pitchfork Pond, and Little Wolf Pond, just to name a few. After all, we are nestled in the Adirondack Lakes Region, so the fishing options are only limited by your imagination. 

Boats, bobbers, or bibs

Fishing in this part of the Adirondacks can be so much more than just casting your line from the shore or a fishing boat. In the warmer months, the abundance of lakes and rivers in the area provide plenty of opportunities to try your hand at kayak fishing or fly fishing. When the water is frozen over in winter, ice fishing takes center stage and shanties pop up across the ice in impressive numbers. Tupper Lake is also home to the annual Northern Challenge Fishing Tournament, where over a thousand hard-water anglers from across the country compete on Simon Pond for tens of thousands of dollars of cash and prizes.

Gary LaQuay Fishing Challenge - June 2025

Join us for the 12th Annual Gary LaQuay Fishing Challenge on father's day weekend, for a day packed with excitement! Cast your line bright and early at 7:00 a.m. and embark on an exhilarating fishing adventure across Tupper Lake, Simon Pond, and Raquette Pond.

Cast away

For the best tips and fishing expertise, we invite you to contact one of our local Adirondack fishing guides.

Hire a guide in Tupper Lake

The Adirondacks boasts over 3,000 lakes along with 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, millions of acres of hunting lands, and over 2,000 miles of hiking trails! So, where do we begin?

One of the best ways to ensure an enjoyable outdoor experience is to hire a licensed Adirondack guide. Licensed outdoor guides have an intimate knowledge of the hiking trails and backcountry terrain. They can teach you to identify flora and fauna and show you where the best birdwatching is. From paddling and boating, climbing and hiking, to fishing and hunting, a guide service will have you navigating the Adirondacks like an expert. 

Love Your ADK

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the forests, waterways, and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.