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Premier Bass Fishing on Saranac River | Battle Fish
- Published Date: July 22, 2025
- Fishing
- Tupper Lake, NY, USA
- $80 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: August 21, 2025
Summary
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River Fishing Action
Bass Fishing Paradise on the Saranac River
Get ready for an unforgettable day on the water with Battle Fish Charters! We're talking prime bass fishing on the scenic Saranac River, right in the heart of the Adirondacks. This trip is perfect for families, newbies, or anyone looking to land some trophy smallmouth in one of the most beautiful spots in New York. Our expert guides know every bend and eddy of this river like the back of their hand, so you're in for a real treat. Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: you're drifting down the Saranac, surrounded by lush Adirondack forest, with the chance to hook into some serious bass action. Our trips are capped at 12 people, but we usually run smaller groups of 3 for a more personal experience. We'll be targeting smallmouth bass and northern pike primarily, but don't be surprised if you end up battling a walleye or even a trout – this river is full of surprises! No need to pack a lunch, as we'll be focused on the fishing, but do bring some snacks and plenty of water. Weekend trips are our specialty, so it's easy to fit this adventure into your schedule. Trust me, once you're out here, you won't want to leave!
Techniques & Tackle Talk
On the Saranac, we're all about versatility. We'll likely start with some topwater action in the early morning – there's nothing like seeing a big smallie explode on a buzzbait! As the day heats up, we'll switch to soft plastics, working the deeper pools and structure where the big boys like to hide. For you pike hunters, we've got some serious hardware – big spinnerbaits and swimbaits that these toothy critters can't resist. Our guides are masters at reading the water, so we'll adjust our tactics based on what the fish are telling us. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll walk you through every cast and retrieve. By the end of the day, you'll be fishing like a pro!
What Anglers Are Saying
"Andrew is an amazing guide! He made this trip so much fun! My husband is a way more experienced fisherman than I am, but Andrew kept us both busy and on fish! We would love to do this again!" - Kirt
"Amazing time with Andrew! He worked hard for us and was very knowledgeable! We enjoyed our time with him! We will back to get in that ice!" - Kirt
Species You'll Want to Hook
Smallmouth Bass: These bronze bombers are the stars of the show on the Saranac. Known for their acrobatic fights, smallies in this river can easily top 3-4 pounds. They love rocky structure and current breaks, so we'll target these areas with finesse presentations. The best time to catch them is from late spring through early fall when they're most active.
Northern Pike: The Saranac's "water wolves" are ambush predators that'll test your gear and your nerves. These toothy missiles can grow over 40 inches long in these waters. We target them around weed edges and fallen timber, using larger lures to trigger their predatory instincts. Pike fishing heats up in early summer and again in the fall when they feed heavily.
Largemouth Bass: While not as common as their smallmouth cousins, the Saranac does hold some quality largemouth, especially in the slower, weedier sections. These fish can push 5+ pounds and are known for their powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. We'll flip heavy cover and work topwater lures in the lily pads for these green giants.
Brook Trout: A true Adirondack native, brook trout are a special treat on the Saranac. These gorgeous fish prefer the cooler, faster-moving sections of the river. While typically smaller than the bass, their striking colors and delicate fight make them a favorite among fly anglers. Spring and fall are prime times for "brookies."
Lake Trout: Though more common in the nearby lakes, we occasionally hook into lake trout in the deeper sections of the Saranac, especially near the mouths of incoming streams. These hard-fighting fish can reach impressive sizes and provide an exciting challenge on lighter tackle. Early spring and late fall are the best times to target lakers in the river.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the Saranac that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the morning mist rises off the water as you make your first cast. Or the heart-stopping moment when a big smallmouth tailwalks across the surface. It could be the bald eagle that swoops down to snag a fish right in front of your boat. Or maybe it's just the peace and quiet of being out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whatever it is, this river has a way of getting under your skin. Our guides don't just know the fishing – they know the history, the wildlife, and all the little secrets that make the Saranac such a unique fishery. By the end of the day, you'll feel like you've not just gone fishing, but you've become part of the river itself.
Gear Up for Success
While we provide all the essential fishing gear, there are a few things you'll want to bring to make your day on the Saranac as comfortable as possible. First off, dress in layers – Adirondack weather can be unpredictable, and you'll want to be ready for anything. A good hat and polarized sunglasses are a must – they'll help you spot fish and protect you from the sun's glare off the water. Don't forget the sunscreen and bug spray – the fish might be biting, but you don't want the mosquitoes to be! A waterproof camera or phone case is a great idea for capturing those trophy shots. And lastly, bring your sense of adventure – you never know what the river might throw your way!
Conservation Corner
At Battle Fish Charters, we're not just about catching fish – we're about preserving this amazing resource for future generations. The Saranac River is a delicate ecosystem, and we take our role as stewards seriously. We practice catch-and-release for most species, especially the larger bass that are so crucial for maintaining a healthy population. Our guides will show you how to properly handle and release fish to ensure they swim away healthy. We also participate in local river clean-up events and work closely with conservation groups to monitor the health of the fishery. When you fish with us, you're not just having a great time – you're contributing to the long-term health of this incredible river.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks – if you're not itching to get out on the Saranac by now, check your pulse! This isn't just a fishing trip; it's a chance to make memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy smallmouth, or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, we've got you covered. Our expert guides, top-notch equipment, and intimate knowledge of the river mean you're in for a world-class experience. And with our flexible weekend scheduling, it's easy to fit this adventure into your busy life. Don't let another season slip by – the fish are waiting, and the river is calling. Book your trip with Battle Fish Charters today, and get ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime on the stunning Saranac River. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner!
Customer Reviews
Charles Tilley
July 4, 2024
Fantastic trip! My 8-year old son wanted to catch his first pike, and Andrew delivered. Not just one but several pike! We already look forward to fishing with Andrew again next summer!
John Crosby
July 25, 2024
Andrews Fishy Fun
Andrew is an amazing guide! He made this trip so much fun! My husband is a way more experienced fisherman than I am, but Andrew kept us both busy and on fish! We would love to do this again!
Kirt Clay
September 18, 2024
Ice Fishing Delight
Amazing time with Andrew! He worked hard for us and was very knowledgeable! We enjoyed our time with him! We will back to get in that ice!
Kirt Clay
September 17, 2024
Learn more about the animals
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon are the kings of our rivers, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. These sea-run fish return to freshwater to spawn, usually in fall. Look for them holding in deep pools or behind large rocks. Spring and fall offer the best chances, as water levels and temperatures are favorable. Anglers chase Atlantics for their powerful runs and spectacular leaps. They're notoriously picky, making a successful catch all the more rewarding. Fly fishing with streamers or swinging flies are popular methods. A local tip: focus on "travel lanes" where salmon move between pools. These spots often look unassuming but can be hotspots. Patience is key - you might cast for hours before getting a take. But when that silver flash appears, all the waiting is worth it. Remember, Atlantic salmon are strictly catch-and-release in many areas due to conservation efforts. Treat these magnificent fish with care.
Brook Trout
Brook trout are the jewels of our cold, clear streams. These natives typically run 8-12 inches, with larger specimens in deeper pools. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are cool. Look for them in riffles, under cut banks, and near fallen logs. Anglers prize brookies for their stunning colors and delicate fight on light tackle. They're also great eating if you keep a few. To catch them, try small spinners or flies that imitate local insects. A local tip: on bright days, focus on shaded areas where brookies feel more secure. These fish spook easily, so a stealthy approach is key. Wade upstream and cast ahead to avoid alerting them. Brook trout are indicators of clean water, so finding them is a good sign for the stream's health. There's something special about catching a fish that's perfectly adapted to its environment.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are a prized catch in our waters, typically ranging from 8-24 inches. They love cool, clear streams and prefer to hang out near undercut banks or fallen logs. These fish are wary, so stealth is key. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temps are just right. Anglers love 'em for their fight and beautiful spotted patterns. To hook one, try drifting a nymph through deep pools or casting small spinners in faster runs. Brown trout are picky eaters, so matching the hatch is crucial. A local trick: use a dropper fly setup with a larger nymph followed by a smaller midge pattern. It mimics their natural food sources and can be deadly effective. Remember, these fish spook easily, so approach quietly and make your first cast count. The challenge of outsmarting a big brown makes landing one all the sweeter.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the giants of the char family, often weighing 15-40 pounds. They're deep-water specialists, usually hanging out in the coldest parts of the lake. Early spring and late fall are prime times to target them, when they move into shallower water. Anglers love lake trout for their size and the challenge of finding them in deep water. They put up a serious fight when hooked. To catch one, you'll need to get your bait down deep. Jigging with large spoons or trolling with downriggers works well. A local tip: use big baitfish imitations in low light conditions. Lake trout have excellent vision and are attracted to flashy lures. Be patient - it can take time to locate them, but when you do, it's worth the wait. The meat is prized for its rich, orange color and firm texture. Just remember, these fish grow slowly, so practice catch and release to keep the population healthy.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of our local waters, often hitting 2-10 pounds. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed beds, and dock pilings. They're ambush predators, so look for cover near deeper water. Spring and early summer are prime times, especially during the spawn. Anglers love largemouths for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These fish will hit just about anything that moves, from plastic worms to topwater lures. A local trick: try "flipping" soft plastics into thick cover. It's a quiet presentation that can trigger strikes from wary bass. Early mornings and evenings are often best, when bass move shallow to feed. Don't be afraid to use big lures - largemouths have huge mouths for a reason. The thrill of a big bass blowing up on a topwater lure is hard to beat. Just remember to handle them gently if you're releasing them.
AJ reached out before our trip and asked what I would like to catch and I said I’d like to catch my first northern pike, and did he produce! Top of the line equipment from the kayaks to his custom built rods. Highly, highly recommend for anyone looking for an amazing kayak adventure!