I Joined ADK Talks Podcast to Talk Northern Pike, Conservation & Adirondack Fishing
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with ADK Taste for their ADK Talks podcast to talk about fishing in the Adirondacks, guiding on Great Sacandaga Lake, and chasing trophy Northern Pike.
The interview was a great chance to share more of the story behind Aaron’s Guide Service, how I got into guiding, why I’m so passionate about Northern Pike, and what makes fishing in the Adirondacks so special.
A lot of people see the big fish pictures, the ice fishing setups, or the boat days on the lake, but there’s a lot more that goes into guiding than just showing up and catching fish. It’s about reading the water, understanding seasonal patterns, keeping people safe, and giving clients an experience they’ll remember.
Why Northern Pike?
Northern Pike have always been one of my favorite fish to target. They’re aggressive, powerful, unpredictable, and when a big one hits, it’s a completely different kind of adrenaline.
On Great Sacandaga Lake and across the Adirondacks, pike are one of those fish that can turn an ordinary day into something unforgettable. You might fish for hours waiting for the right bite, and then in one split second, everything changes.
For me, guiding for pike is about more than putting a fish in the net. It’s about the chase — understanding where those fish should be based on the season, weather, water temperature, structure, bait, and fishing pressure.
Great Sacandaga Lake and the Adirondack Experience
One of my favorite parts of guiding is watching clients experience the Adirondacks from the water.
Great Sacandaga Lake is a perfect example. You can launch in a developed area, but as you run farther up the lake, the shoreline changes, the houses start to disappear, and everything feels more remote.
A lot of clients come for the fishing, but they leave talking about the scenery, the quiet, the wildlife, the mountains, and the feeling of being somewhere that still feels wild. Whether we’re fishing open water or standing on the ice in winter, the Adirondacks make the trip feel bigger than just catching fish.
What Goes Into a Guided Trip
A successful guided trip starts long before the customer steps on the boat or walks out on the ice.
I’m constantly watching weather, wind direction, water temperature, ice conditions, seasonal fish movement, boat access, and safety concerns. Some trips require scouting ahead of time. Other trips require changing the plan completely based on what the lake or weather is doing.
That’s where hiring a guide can make a big difference. It’s not just about knowing a “spot.” It’s about understanding why fish should be there, when they should be there, and what to do when the original plan doesn’t work.
Open Water vs. Ice Fishing
Open water and ice fishing are two completely different experiences, but both are a huge part of what I offer.
Open water is active. You’re covering water, casting, trolling, adjusting with the conditions, and trying to put together a pattern.
Ice fishing is quieter and more patient, but the excitement is still there. When a flag goes up or a fish shows up on electronics, everything changes fast. For many people, ice fishing is their first real winter Adirondack experience, and it gives them a totally different appreciation for the lakes.
Conservation Matters
A big part of the interview focused on conservation, which is something I take seriously.
Fishing technology has changed a lot. Modern sonar, mapping, and electronics make it easier than ever to find fish, but that also means anglers have more responsibility than ever.
For my guide service, Northern Pike are catch-and-release only. Big pike are important fish, and they don’t get big overnight. I want clients to enjoy the moment, get the picture, and then watch that fish swim away so someone else has a chance at that same experience down the road.
We also talked about the importance of moving away from lead tackle to help protect wildlife like loons. It’s a simple change anglers can make that can have a real impact on Adirondack waters.
Thank You to ADK Taste
I want to give a big thank you to ADK Taste for having me on the ADK Talks podcast and for putting together such a great article about the conversation.
It meant a lot to share the story of Aaron’s Guide Service, talk about the waters I care about, and help more people understand what makes Adirondack fishing so special.
You can read the full ADK Taste article and listen to the full episode here:
Book a Guided Fishing Trip
If you’re interested in experiencing Adirondack fishing for yourself, I offer guided trips throughout the year, including open water and ice fishing trips on Great Sacandaga Lake and other Adirondack waters.
Whether you’re looking to chase trophy Northern Pike, enjoy a family-friendly multi-species trip, or experience ice fishing for the first time, I’d love to get you out on the water.
Book your trip with Aaron’s Guide Service and come experience Adirondack fishing the right way.
