Upstate New York is home to some of the most productive ice fishing waters found anywhere in the East. From the legendary walleye fisheries of Oneida Lake to the pristine mountain waters of the Adirondacks, winter anglers have access to world-class ice fishing opportunities from late December through early March.
Upstate Guide Service has been providing professional guided ice fishing trips throughout New York for over 20 years. We specialize in safe, comfortable, and successful ice fishing experiences for families, groups, and serious anglers across Central New York, the Adirondacks, North Country, and Finger Lakes regions.
Ice Fishing Oneida Lake – World-Class Walleye and Panfish
Ice fishing Oneida Lake stands out as one of the premier ice fishing destinations in the northeastern United States. This 55,000-acre fishery consistently produces exceptional catches of yellow perch and walleye throughout the ice fishing season in NY.
What Makes Oneida Lake Ice Fishing Special?
- Longer Season: Oneida Lake ice fishing offers anglers several key advantages that make it a must-fish destination. The lake’s shallow depth (average 22 feet) allows for rapid ice formation and extended safe ice conditions. The fertile waters produce impressive populations of panfish, with yellow perch often running 10-12 inches and jumbo perch pushing 13-14 inches not uncommon.
- Quality Walleye: For walleye enthusiasts, ice fishing on Oneida Lake provides consistent action throughout the winter. Oneida Lake’s walleye population has been carefully managed, creating a sustainable fishery that produces quality fish in the 18-24 inch range, with larger specimens available for patient anglers.
- Everything Provided: Upstate Guide Service has guided Oneida Lake NY ice fishing trips for over two decades. Our guides know the productive areas, understand seasonal fish movements, and employ proven techniques that put clients on fish. We provide snowmobile transport to prime locations, heated ice shelter, portable sonar units, all ice fishing gear, and hot lunch – everything needed for a comfortable day on the ice.
Oneida Lake Ice Fishing Target Species:
- Yellow Perch: The bread and butter of Oneida Lake ice fishing. Schools of perch provide consistent action and excellent table fare.
- Walleye: Quality walleye fishing throughout the ice season, with peak action often occurring during low-light periods.
Ice Fishing Gear and Equipment Provided
Professional ice fishing gear makes all the difference between a frustrating day and a successful outing. Upstate Guide Service provides top-quality equipment for all our guided ice fishing trips:
- Heated Ice Shelters: Insulated, heated shelters keep you comfortable in all weather conditions
- Power Augers: Quick access to prime fishing locations without exhausting manual drilling
- Portable Sonar Units: Real-time fish finding technology to locate and track active fish
- Quality Ice Fishing Rods and Reels: Sensitive equipment properly balanced for ice fishing techniques
- Terminal Tackle: A complete selection of jigs, spoons, tip-ups, and live bait
- Snowmobile Transport: Safe, efficient transportation across the ice to productive fishing areas.
Whether you’re new to ice fishing or a seasoned veteran, having professional-grade equipment significantly improves your chances of success and comfort on the ice. Upstate Guide Service provides safe, enjoyable, and successful ice fishing trips!
Schedule Your Ice Fishing Trip Today
Call (315) 283-8871 or email us at upstateguideservice@gmail.com
Ice Fishing Adirondacks – Mountain Lake Ice Fishing Adventures
Ice fishing in the Adirondacks offers a completely different experience from the big-water fishing of Oneida Lake. The Adirondack Park encompasses six million acres of protected wilderness, containing thousands of lakes and ponds that provide unique ice fishing opportunities in a spectacular mountain setting.
The Adirondack Ice Fishing Experience
Ice fishing Adirondacks waters means accessing pristine fisheries surrounded by snow-covered peaks and dense forests. Many Adirondack lakes and ponds receive less fishing pressure than larger waters, creating opportunities for trophy catches and wilderness solitude that’s increasingly rare in the Northeast.
Upstate Guide Service has been guiding ice fishing in the Adirondacks since 2003. Our guides possess intimate knowledge of productive Adirondack waters and the seasonal patterns of resident fish populations. We provide complete outfitting for Adirondack ice fishing trips, including specialized equipment suited to the unique challenges of mountain fishing.
Adirondack Ice Fishing Target Species:
- Lake Trout: Deep, cold Adirondack lakes harbor quality lake trout populations. These powerful fish provide exciting catches through the ice.
- Splake: Hybrid trout that thrive in Adirondack conditions, offering aggressive strikes and excellent table quality.
- Landlocked Salmon: Select Adirondack lakes contain salmon that actively feed throughout winter.
- Northern Pike: Aggressive predators that patrol Adirondack bays and weed edges.
- Yellow Perch: Quality panfishing available on many Adirondack lakes.
Book Your NY Ice Fishing Trip
Call (315) 283-8871 or email us at upstateguideservice@gmail.com
Why Choose Upstate Guide Service for Ice Fishing NY?
Professional Credentials and Experience
Upstate Guide Service operates with full professional licensing and over 20 years of guiding experience throughout Upstate New York. Our guides hold:
- USCG Masters License
- NYSDEC Guides License
- Extensive local knowledge of ice conditions and fish behavior
- First aid and safety certifications
What Sets Our Ice Fishing Trips Apart
- Safety First: Ice safety is our top priority. We constantly monitor ice conditions, employ proper safety equipment, and never compromise on safe ice thickness and quality. Our guides are trained in ice rescue procedures and carry emergency communication equipment.
- Comfort in Cold Conditions: Modern heated shelters, hot lunch, and proper preparation keep our clients comfortable even in harsh winter weather. We provide guidance on proper clothing and ensure you stay warm throughout your trip.
- Expert Fish-Finding: Twenty years of experience fishing Upstate New York’s ice gives our guides intimate knowledge of productive locations and seasonal patterns. We use modern sonar technology combined with time-tested techniques to locate active fish.
- Complete Outfitting: From the moment you arrive, everything is provided. You don’t need to own any ice fishing equipment – we supply professional-grade gear suited to the conditions and target species.
New York Ice Fishing Regions We Serve
Central New York Ice Fishing:
- Oneida Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
- Otisco Lake
- Cazenovia Lake
- Smaller Lesser Known Resevoirs
Adirondack Ice Fishing:
- Lake Placid area waters
- Saranac Chain Of Lakes
- Raquette Lake
- Fulton Chain Of Lakes
North Country Ice Fishing:
- Indian River Lakes
- St. Lawrence River bays
- Lake Ontario Bays
- Smaller regional lakes
Finger Lakes Ice Fishing:
- Cayuga Lake
- Otisco Lake
- Owasco Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
Safe ice and good ice fishing can be found every winter somewhere in Upstate New York. Our mobile guide service allows us to follow the best ice conditions and fishing action across multiple regions throughout Upstate NY.
Planning Your NY Ice Fishing Trip
The NY ice fishing season typically runs from late December through early March, with peak season occurring in January and February. Ice conditions vary by location, water depth, and weather patterns.
The Adirondack and North Country regions establish the earliest safe ice by mid-December. During a typical winter, safe ice can be found by early to mid-January on Oneida Lake and the Finger Lakes.
What to Expect on Your Guided Ice Fishing Trip
Our guided ice fishing trips are designed for safety, success, and comfort. A typical ice fishing trip includes:
- Snowmobile transport (If needed) to productive ice fishing locations
- Heated shelters and all fishing equipment provided.
- Active fishing with guide instruction and assistance.
- Hot lunch provided on full-day trips.
Group Size and Customization
We accommodate individuals, families, and groups. Ice fishing is an excellent winter activity for families and friends, providing outdoor recreation during the cold months when other activities are limited. We customize each trip to your group’s experience level, with options ranging from relaxed family outings to serious fishing expeditions targeting trophy fish.
Book Your New York Ice Fishing Adventure
Experience why ice fishing NY with Upstate Guide Service has built a reputation for excellence over two decades. Whether you’re targeting walleye on Oneida Lake, exploring Adirondack trout waters, or planning a Lake Placid ice fishing trip, we provide the expertise, equipment, and local knowledge to make your winter fishing trip successful and memorable.
Contact Us Today
Phone/Text: (315) 283-8871
Email: upstateguideservice@gmail.com
Call, email, or text for current rates, availability, and detailed information about ice fishing opportunities throughout Upstate New York. We’re happy to answer questions and help you plan the perfect NY ice fishing trip. Make the most of your valuable vacation time with an experienced, licensed, professional guide service that’s been serving Upstate New York anglers for over 20 years!
