Captain Aaron’s top priority is ice safety. We always check or have someone check the ice prior to the trip. If there is any hint of weak or unsafe ice, the trip will be moved to another lake or canceled. A minimum of 4” for walking and 6” for snowmobiles is our requirement. Each lake freezes differently so just because one lake isn’t safe doesnt mean other isn’t as well. Alot of times if a lake is wind protected, it can have 10-20 inches of safe ice where as a lake that gets slammed with wind can even have open water.

We moninter the forecast very closely and will be in contact with you days prior to the trip. We will either move to a different lake where theres less wind or weather wont be as aggressive or we can reschedule the trip. We do like to fish through snow and clouds as that provides the best bite but heavy snow storms where car travel isn’t safe will deem the trip unsafe to go ahead with.

We love to teach first time ice fisherman! We highly recommend you let us know you’ve never been Ice fishing and select the “Wherever there’s safe ice and the fish are biting best” option so Captain Aaron can put you on the best possible lake for a great first experience. A Trophy Pike trip is typically not recommended for first time ice fisherman, larger groups or younger children.

Since Great Sacandaga is a trophy Pike lake, meaning there aren’t a-lot of pike. but when you do get them they are usually huge. We highly recommend selecting Saranac Lake or Lewey Lake where there are higher populations of Pike resulting in more action throughout the day.

Absolutely! We do ask that you let us know so we can pick a lake with ample parking and safe enough ice to hold snowmobiles and trailers.

Dress warm, like really warm. Don’t show up in sneakers and sweatpants. Snowpants, waterproof insulated boots are a must. Hand warmers, facemasks are all a must. We have a really warm tent that you can always warm up in but its cold on the ice.

Otherwise, bring food, drinks (alcohol is permitted in responsible quantities). Other than that, we provide everything else.

A valid NYS Fishing License.

While you are more than welcome to bring you own gear, it is essential to have the right set ups, line weight and leader selection. We recommend you rely on the guide service to provide everything.

Yes! Please visit our accommodations section of our website for houses on or around Great Sacandaga and also further north in the town of Indian Lake.

Our new booking software allows you to pay your deposits and final payment right online with a credit or debit card. While we do accept cash or check, paying your invoice online is preferred. We also accept, Venmo, Cashapp, Zelle and Paypal to avoid card transaction fees.

In order to book a trip we require a $100 deposit. Final Payment is due at completion of trip.

While the deposit is 50% refundable we are happy to transfer it in full to another day if cancellation is needed. Exceptions to the 50% refundable policy are if the captain deems the weather conditions unsafe (Lightning greater than 50% chance forecasted), High Winds (30+ MPH).

While a tip is never required, it is always appreciated, specifically when the captain goes overtime to get a big fish and when a big fish is caught. Tips range from $50-200 or 15%-20% of the trip. Tips are used toward gas, tackle, insurances, maintenance Snowdog, trailer and truck, website and marina fees to name a few expenses.

Our guide service policy is that due to the low populations of Northern Pike on Great Sacandaga Lake, they must be released (only exception is if the fish somehow dies on us (very rare)). We allow the keeping of 2 fish per person and they can be filleted for an additonal $25.

We do not provide lunch, so please pack food and drinks accordingly.

Yes, if you are 16 years of age or older, you’re required to purchase a NYS fishing license. Even if you aren’t fishing, and maybe helping your kids and you touch the rod, you’re required a fishing license. If you’re on the ice and not fishing you need a license regardless.

Yes, Aarons Guide Service LLC is a fully insured guide service. Captain Aaron is a fully licensed NYS Guide (#6164). Captain Aaron is also certified in First Aid and CPR with First Aid available on the ice.