Big Tupper Lake is one of the best kept secret fishing holes in the Adirondacks. In fact, accounts state that fishery biologists believe that the state-record walleye lives in the lake! The abundant smelt population within the lake are what help the fish grow to trophy-size proportions.

How to get there

On the southeastern side of the lake, there is a hard surface DEC boat launch on Route 30. This boat launch has plenty of parking for both vehicles and trailers. It also has bathrooms, and a handicap accessible fishing and loading dock. A soft launch and multiple dock slips are also available on Raquette Pond to the north in the Tupper Lake Municipal Park.

In winter, ice anglers will find that pull offs along Route 30 allow for quicker access to prime fishing locations.

Fishing and ice fishing

Big Tupper Lake is connected to Raquette and Simon ponds via the Raquette River. The lake is 9 miles long, up to 2 miles wide, and offers more than 28 miles of shoreline, bays, and islands that are waiting for you to cast your line. It boasts an average depth of 40 feet and a maximum depth of approximately 100 feet.

Species: bass, walleye, northern pike, bullhead, lake trout, whitefish, land-locked salmon, panfish, smelt, and perch.

Ice fishermen and women will find Big Tupper to hold plenty of options and no shortage of places to drop a line.