Adirondack ponds and lakes — home to icy adventure!

While some people prefer to head indoors when the temperatures dip, many anglers look forward to one of winter’s most popular activities: ice fishing! 

For generations, the waters surrounding Tupper Lake have been calling fishermen and women to come to seek out the trophy-winning fish that are known to lurk beneath the surface. In the winter, as the cold weather bears down on New York's North Country, the lakes and ponds freeze over, and the boats that graced the water on warmer days are quickly replaced by ice shanties and flag-popping action.

A man lowers his line into a hole in the ice
Three men on a frozen lake pose with their latest catch while snow falls around them
A woman shows off her most recent ice fishing catch in Tupper Lake, New York

Welcome to Hardwater Season!

Grab your augers and tip-ups and come experience why anglers of all abilities consider Tupper Lake to be the Adirondack's premier ice fishing destination. It might be the monster-sized northern pike that the annual Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby showcases each February. Possibly it's the legend of state record walleye that is believed to be roaming unscathed, just waiting for you to drop the bait. Or maybe it is simply the breathtaking winter scenery set against the backdrop of small-town charm. Whatever the elements that make up the ideal winter fishing trip might be, odds are Tupper Lake will offer just what you are looking for.

Most Popular Ice Fishing Holes in Tupper Lake:

Simon Pond

Located on the southern end of the town of Tupper Lake, the frozen cap on top of Simon Pond is proven to be a gold mine for bringing in northern pike, perch, and walleye.

Raquette Pond

Situated in the middle of the village, Raquette Pond provides easily accessible ice fishing within walking distance.

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Discover my Tupper Lake

"The opportunities around Tupper Lake are great because you have Stony Pond, Fish Creek, Deer Pond Horseshoe Pond... I mean there's a million of 'em."

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Ice fishing

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Dress for Success: Ice Fishing Edition

Walking the white carpet With the annual Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby now just days away, it's time to think about just what you want to wear on the big day. Whether you are a seasoned pro or an ice fishing newbie, what should be a fun outing...

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Family Fun Ice Fishing

I got into ice fishing when I started dating my now husband. Ice fishing is one of his favorite winter hobbies, so naturally I joined in and started to enjoy it also. I was new to the sport, but my husband taught me all the ins and outs. The rush of...

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2025 Northern Challenge Fishing Derby

After having to take a year off, the Northern Challenge Fishing Derby is ready to rock and roll in 2022! Previous participants will be spoiled with the events, activities, and prizes that we all know and love. We promise it lives up to the hype!

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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!
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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!
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Situated just south of the village of Tupper Lake, 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.
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Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
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Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
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Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
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Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
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If pond fishing is your preference, Little Wolf Pond in Tupper Lake is a great option.
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Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake from a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to get to Tupper Lake for extended paddling. The pond is rather large and motorboats are allowed.
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Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake from a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to get to Tupper Lake for extended paddling. The pond is rather large and motorboats are allowed.
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Situated just south of the village of Tupper Lake, 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.
4250
Situated just south of the village of Tupper Lake, 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.
4250
If pond fishing is your preference, Little Wolf Pond in Tupper Lake is a great option.
4287
Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
4284
Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake from a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to get to Tupper Lake for extended paddling. The pond is rather large and motorboats are allowed.
3269
Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake from a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to get to Tupper Lake for extended paddling. The pond is rather large and motorboats are allowed.
3269