The Adirondacks has an abundance of water bodies and a reputation for long, cold winters which makes it a natural fit for ice fishing.
In addition, many of the lakes are not only scenic but they contain large trout and northern pike, along with abundant populations of yellow perch.
Ice fishing generally starts in December after a few inches form on ponds and lakes, but the early season ice can be hard to predict because of thaws and changing weather patterns.
For those who want to learn more about the activity, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has some good background information on its website.
Below are some top ice fishing locations in the Adirondacks.
Lake Colby
Located near Saranac Lake, Lake Colby is a hot spot for ice fishermen in the winter. Usually a few anglers head out on the ice as soon as a few inches form in December. The lake is stocked with landlocked salmon, brown trout, and rainbow trout, which are all popular targets in the winter months. In addition, the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club organizes an ice fishing derby in March on the water body.
Lake George
Located in Warren County, Lake George is considered one of the most scenic lakes in the country. Combine that with the fact it has abundant fish, and the water body makes an attractive place to go ice fishing in the winter. The lake contains both a naturally reproducing lake trout population and is stocked with landlocked salmon. Many anglers target yellow perch and black crappie in the winter.
Fourth Lake
Located near Inlet, Fourth Lake is part of the Fulton Chain of Lakes and is a hotspot in the winter months for fishermen. This body of water contains lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, and yellow perch. The DEC's website makes a point of mentioning that fish over 30 inches are sometimes caught in this lake.
Tupper Lake
Located in Franklin County, Tupper Lake is one of the state's hot spots for large northern pike. The lake also contains large walleye and lake trout, so anglers shouldn't have any problems finding big fish to target. One of the best times to head to the area is in February, when the local rod and gun clubs hosts the very popular Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby on Simond Pond, which is connected to Tupper Lake.
Cranberry Lake
Located in St. Lawrence County, Cranberry Lake was traditionally one of the best brook trout fisheries in the Adirondacks during the warmer months. Somewhere along the line, northern pike were introduced to the waters, which hurt the trout fishing but made it a desirable place to fish through the ice. Like Tupper Lake, the northern pike can be quite large. There are also plenty of yellow perch to be caught in its waters.
