New York State Ice Fishing 

by Ben Coleman

Everybody knows the Empire State is a great place to Ice Fish,  but according to some sources it offers the best in the country! 

Of course, we already knew that. 

From Jigging Lake Trout in the Adirondacks to setting tip-ups for Pike in the Finger Lakes, or catching Yellow Perch or Walleye on Lake Erie, these famous spots are haunts to the seasoned and new ice fishermen. 

But for those that are looking for those little-known haunts that only the locals know about and nobody talks about… there’s Trout and Pike at Diamond Point and Pilot Knob on Lake George.  Chautauqua has Walleye and Muskie, with hot spots near Maryville Park and Pendergrast Point. Saranac Lake has Northern Pike and Walleye around Buck Island. 

For the true die-hard there’s Lake Colby which features some of the State’s highest peaks, and her remotest, hard-to-reach lakes, well worth the hike if anybody’s asking. 

We’re a little prejudiced but we feel that New York has it all. It’s a feast for the avid angler. 

But for those new to the sport, as with any sport, safety and preparedness comes first, so always make sure you’re packing the right gear. 

Warm, winter-resistant, and water-resistant clothes made for prolonged exposure. 

Ice Auger, Ice Chisel, Ice Saw, and Ice Picks, two-pronged, double-sided. A bucket for storing those extras like bait and an extra line. An Ice sled comes in handy for hauling gear. 

And maybe even a fish finder or camera to help make things a little easier. 

So come on up and see us! We’d love to host your next great adventure and experience in Ice Fishing in New York State.