Situated just south of the village of Tupper Lake, Simon Pond is essentially a flood plain of the meandering 146-mile-long Raquette River. Its shallow depth and weedy flats on the western side, accompanied by deeper, open water bays on the eastern side offers up a variety of great fishing holes. In the winter, the ponds shallow water typically means plenty of safe ice for ice fishing. 

On the first Saturday in February, Simon Pond becomes a mecca for ice anglers as the annual Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby transformed the ponds frozen cap into a fishing village. The derby attracts anglers to compete in over 35,000 in cash and prizes. 

Species: 

The pond’s weedy makeup provides a great habitat for northern pike, bass, walleye, yellow perch, pumpkinseeds, bullhead and landlocked salmon.

Access Points:

Simon Pond is accessible by water via the Raquette River and Big Tupper Lake. Access to the lake is available at the Tupper Lake Boat Launch (DEC hard launch) on Route 30, and the Rod & Gun Club Canoe Launch on Lake Simond Drive.

- Motor Boats are permitted on Simon Pond.