Expert-Guided Ice Fishing in Saranac | Battle Fish

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Tupper Lake, NY, USA
$80 - $850 price range

Summary

Join New York's top ice fishing guide for a four-hour adventure on the frozen waters of Saranac. Whether you're new to ice fishing or an experienced angler, this trip offers a chance to learn and practice safe techniques while battling fish in the winter wonderland. Your guide will set you up with all the gear you need and show you how to drill holes, use tip-ups, and jig for various species through the ice. As you wait for flags to pop, take in the serene beauty of the Adirondack landscape. This trip is perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers looking to try something new. Battle Fish Charters welcomes large groups too, so it's ideal for class trips, scout outings, or team-building events. Don't let the cold keep you indoors – bundle up and get ready for an authentic Adirondack ice fishing experience!

Expert-Guided Ice Fishing in Saranac | Battle Fish

Frozen Lake Action

Caught a magnificent Northern Pike in NY

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Massive Northern Pike caught while fishing in Saranac Lake

Winter Pike coming in! Saranac Lake, NY.

Photograph of a 33-inch Northern Pike caught while fishing in NY

Northern Pike in Saranac Lake, NY on winter.

A northern pike fish caught in Saranac Lake

Winter fun in Saranac Lake, NY.

Saranac Ice Fishing: Battling Fish on Hard Water

Bundle up and get ready for an epic ice fishing adventure in Saranac! We're talking four solid hours of non-stop action on frozen lakes, led by New York's top-rated ice fishing guide. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time dropping a line through the ice, this trip is your ticket to some of the best winter angling around. Grab your warmest gear and let's hit the hard water!

Trip Rundown

Picture this: You're out on a pristine frozen lake, surrounded by snow-capped trees and crisp mountain air. Your guide's got all the gear set up – ice augers buzzing, fishing shelters popped, and tip-ups ready to go. This isn't your average day on the ice. We're talking about a full-on fish battling experience with Battle Fish Charters. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some serious action. And hey, if you've got a big crew, even better! We welcome extra-large groups, so bring the whole gang – class trips, scout troops, sports teams, you name it. Just give us a ring about those sweet group rates and family deals.

Hardwater Know-How

Ice fishing isn't just about drilling a hole and waiting. We're talking strategy here, folks. Your guide will show you the ropes on everything from jigging techniques to reading your flasher. We'll cover the whole gamut – setting tip-ups for those big predators, fine-tuning your presentation for finicky biters, and even how to stay toasty when the wind's howling. Safety's our top priority too, so you'll learn how to check ice thickness and move around safely. By the time we're done, you'll be hooked on hardwater fishing (pun totally intended).

Customer Stories

"Fantastic ice fishing trip with AJ and his team! Our group of 6 adults had a blast and greatly appreciated his knowledge, equipment setup, and patience with our new anglers!" - Fletcher

"Great day of ice fishing. First time for the three of us. Very glad the ice and cold weather held out for us to get up there!!" - Richard

Fish on the Hit List

Walleye: These golden-eyed beauties are the crown jewels of Saranac ice fishing. They're crafty predators, most active during low light, so we'll target them at dawn and dusk. Nothing beats the thrill of a walleye smashing a jigged minnow right at sunset. They average 2-3 pounds, but don't be shocked if you hook into a 5+ pounder!

Rainbow Trout: These acrobatic fighters are a blast through the ice. We'll use light tackle and small jigs tipped with waxworms to entice them. Rainbows in Saranac can reach up to 5 pounds, and they're known for their spectacular jumps – even with a hole in the ice! The meat is bright orange and perfect for the grill.

Northern Pike: Hold onto your rods when a pike hits! These toothy missiles are the ultimate predators under the ice. We'll set tip-ups with large shiners to target these bruisers. Northerns in Saranac can top 40 inches, so be ready for a serious battle when that flag pops up. They're also delicious when properly prepared.

Brown Trout: Arguably the smartest fish in the lake, browns require finesse and patience. We'll use ultra-light gear and small baits to fool these wary trout. The payoff is worth it – Saranac's brown trout are known for their size, often topping 5 pounds. They're at their peak in late winter, so timing is everything.

Lake Trout: The true giants of Saranac. Lakers cruise the deep basins, and we'll drop big jigs and spoons to entice them. When a 15+ pound laker decides to hit, hold on tight! These fish are built for the cold, so they're super active even in the dead of winter. Plus, they're considered some of the best eating fish around.

Time to Hit the Ice

Alright, ice anglers – are you pumped or what? This Saranac ice fishing trip is the real deal. You've got New York's best guide, prime fishing spots, and a shot at some seriously impressive catches. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes or just want to experience the thrill of battling fish through the ice, we've got you covered. Don't let winter keep you cooped up inside – get out here and join us for some hard water action! Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends, so don't wait. Give Battle Fish Charters a call and let's get you on the ice. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on your line, you'll be hooked for life!

Customer Reviews

Ice Pro Delivers

Fantastic ice fishing trip with AJ and his team! Our group of 6 adults had a blast and greatly appreciated his knowledge, equipment setup, and patience with our new anglers!

Fletcher Dix

January 19, 2025

Frosty First Catch

Great day of ice fishing. First time for the three of us. Very glad the ice and cold weather held out for us to get up there!!

Richard Stvan

March 31, 2024

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Rainbow trout are the acrobats of the trout world, known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. They typically run 8-24 inches, with a distinctive pink stripe along their sides. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and lakes, often hanging out in riffles and pools. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they can be caught year-round. Fly fishing is popular, but spinners and small lures work well too. Rainbows are prized for their fighting ability and tasty, pink flesh. They're less wary than brown trout, making them great for beginners and experts alike. One local tip: after a hatch, try skating a dry fly across the surface - the takes can be explosive. Whether you're after a trophy or just a fun day on the water, rainbows rarely disappoint.

Lake Trout

Walleye are the night owls of our lakes and rivers, with distinctive glowing eyes that help them feed in low light. They average 2-3 feet long and prefer cooler, deeper waters. You'll often find them near drop-offs, rock piles, or weed edges. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but ice fishing for walleye is popular too. These fish are prized for their tasty, flaky white meat - they're often called "pike-perch" for good reason. Walleye fishing is all about finesse and patience. They're not known for acrobatics, but their fight is steady and strong. Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers are go-to baits. One local trick: try trolling crankbaits along depth contours at night - walleyes often move shallow to feed after dark. Landing a big 'eye is always satisfying, but the real reward comes at the dinner table!

Northern Pike

Northern pike are the ambush predators of our lakes and rivers. They're long and lean, usually 2-3 feet but can reach nearly 5 feet in trophy waters. You'll find them in weedy shallows, especially in spring and fall. These toothy critters aren't picky eaters - they'll hit just about anything that moves. Pike fishing is all about the explosive strikes and powerful runs. They're not known for speed, but they can unleash sudden bursts that'll test your gear. Spring, right after ice-out, is prime time as they move shallow to spawn. Use heavy tackle and wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through regular line. One local trick: cast parallel to weed edges and retrieve slowly, mimicking an injured baitfish. It's hard to beat the thrill of a big pike smashing your lure!

Rainbow Trout

Brown trout are wily characters, averaging 8-24 inches but sometimes pushing 39. You'll find them lurking in cool, clear streams and rivers, often tucked under cut banks or fallen trees. They're not native to the US, but they've thrived since being introduced in 1883. Fall is prime time, as they feed aggressively before spawning. These fish are known for their fighting spirit and selective feeding habits. Fly fishing purists love the challenge of fooling a big brown with the perfect presentation. For best results, try fishing at dusk or dawn with streamers or nymphs that imitate their favorite prey. One local tip: after a heavy rain, target the slower water just downstream of fast riffles - browns often move there to ambush disoriented baitfish and insects.

Walleye

Lake trout are the big boys of the char family, often reaching 15-40 pounds. You'll find them suspended in deep, cold water basins, especially in northern lakes. These fish like it chilly and oxygen-rich, so they'll go deep in summer to beat the heat. Early spring, right after ice-out, is prime time to target them in shallower water. Jigging is the way to go - try Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics that mimic wounded baitfish. Lake trout put up a great fight and make for some tasty eating too. One local trick: on overcast days, they'll often feed more aggressively near the surface. If you're after a real trophy, focus on big lakes with plenty of forage fish. Patience is key with these slow-growing giants, but landing one is always worth the wait.

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