Guided Ice Fishing Trips
4, 6, 8 & 12 Hour Guided Ice Fishing Tours in the Adirondacks including but not limited to; Great Sacandaga Lake, Saranac Lake, Lewey Lake.
Catch Trophy Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass, Lake Trout, Perch, & Crappie
PRICING
4-Hour: $400*
6-Hour: $450*
8-Hour: $500*
10-Hour: $700*
*Pricing includes 2 anglers - $50 per additional angler - No Max
Card transaction and platform fees apply to all online credit card payments. If this is a dealbreaker, please contact Aaron for alternative payment options.
What We Offer:
Where We Fish
-
Many times during the winter we are forced to fish smaller lakes where snow and wind have not penetrated the ice. These ultra safe lakes we fish are all within an hour of Great Sacandaga Lake and include; Rockwood Lake, Canada & West Lake, Caroga Lake, Piseco Lake, Lake Pleasant, Lake Adirondack and the list goes on. These lake are bursting with Yellow Perch, Bass, Pickerel, Pike and even an illusive Lake Trout!
-
Located one hour north of Great Sacandaga Lake, Lewey Lake provides one of the most beautiful, pristine Adirondack experiences to ice fish. Loaded with Northern Pike, Perch and Bass, this oasis never disappoints and is one of Captain Aarons personal favorites to ice fish. Due to its northerly location, ice thickness is always safe and it hardly ever gets fished so we will most likely have the lake to ourselves. A great place for a newer ice fisherman, theres always fish to be caught here.
-
Nestled 2 hours north of Great Sacandaga and Albany, is the Mecca of pristine, remote Adirondack beauty. Middle Saranac Lake boasts high populations of Northern Pike, Perch and Bass. Surrounded by mountains, and not a soul in sight, there might not be a better place to ice fish in the Northeast than this place. A personal favorite of Captain Aarons and anyone who comes, this is a great place for a youngster to start where theres more fish action to entertain.
-
Great Sacandaga Lake is a beautiful lake in the lower Adirondacks offering trophy Pike opportunities. Famous for for holding the USA record Northern Pike, we typically only catch 1-3 Pike per trip but most times they are really big. Typically Sacandaga is for the more advanced ice fisherman but Captain Aaron is willing to bring out and teach any age or skill range.
There are over 10 meeting locations that we have access to and use on Great Sacandaga Lake. Reets Bayside Marina, Broadalbin State Boat Launch and Wally Driftwood Park to name a few.
-
Nearest address; 682 Lakeview Dr. Broadalbin, NY 12025
Often used when the main lake (Great Sacandaga) is not safe, Mayfield Lake provides an excellent fishing experience while not having to deal with the extremes (wind, ice thickness etc) that the main lake (Great Sacandaga) can restrict. Its located just 3 minutes from Great Sacandaga Lake and often is the best place for a newer ice fisherman or a large group looking to have lots of action and catch tons of fish.
Location will vary depending on recent fish activity, ice safety and which species you would like to target
What To Bring
Warm snow pants, winter jacket, winter boots, hats & gloves (Ice cleat attachments will be available for use)All tackle including, tip-ups, rods, reels, bait, & shanty are included.
Lunch & drinks.
A valid NYS Fishing License.
What to Expect on Your Ice Fishing Trip
When you book an ice fishing trip with Aaron’s Guide Service, you’re getting more than just a day on the ice — you’re joining a trip that’s been carefully prepared long before you arrive. Captain Aaron spends weeks & days ahead of time scouting the lakes, checking ice safety conditions and locating fish for the best possible catch.
Before Your Trip
In the weeks & days leading up to your trip, Aaron is out on the ice drilling holes, checking ice thickness, and marking productive fish areas. You can choose what lake you’d prefer to fish or you can lean on Captain Aarons experience to bring you to the lake that fits your fishing needs best. Some winters or times during the winter we are forced to fish where the ice is safest and where the bite is the best.
You’ll receive an updated confirmation with your meeting location and start time, along with any weather or ice updates typically several days if not weeks prior to the trip. Sometimes we change the meeting location on the lake or sometimes have to switch lakes as close as 24 hours to the trip.
Please show up dressed for the conditions — insulated boots with good traction, warm layers, gloves, and a hat are important.
Don’t forget to buy your NYS fishing license for anyone 16 or older.
All fishing gear is provided — rods, reels, bait, tip-ups, sonar units, and heated shelters — but if you have a favorite rod or lure, feel free to bring it along.
Getting to the Shack on the Ice
When you arrive at the meeting spot on the shore, I’ll meet you there and take you out to the setup with my Snowdog snowmobile and sled. It’s a quick and fun ride across the ice to a warm shanty that’s ready to fish the moment you step inside.
On the Ice
We offer a variety of different styles of ice fishing and fish types to target. We set tip ups with live bait and dead bait, and wait patiently for them to go off. We also offer tip up + jigging combo trips where we set up tip ups and then go off and jig as well. Below you will see what lakes we can offer these different styles.
Trophy Pike trips on Great Sacandaga lake are slower-paced, where we set up tip-ups with giant bait and then simply wait with the chance at a true giant. We do not jig on these trips to Sacandaga and typically only catch 1-3 Pike but they are huge. When you sign up for a different Adirondack lake such as Lewey Lake, Saranac Lake or Adirondack Lake, this means we will get a steady bite of panfish, bass, and some Northern Pike! We set up tip ups with live bait and then also jig as well. We catch lots of pickerel, bass, perch, crappie, pike and whatever else the Adirondacks coughs up.
For Northern Pike on Great Sacandaga Lake, I require catch and release to keep the fishery healthy. I’ll help with photos and make sure the fish is handled properly before it’s released. For all other lakes, we allow 2 fish per person (unless its perch) and I can filet them up right on the ice for an additional $25.
After the Trip
At the end of the trip, we’ll take photos, go over what worked best, and ride back to shore on the Snowdog.
If you enjoyed the trip, leaving a review or tagging Aaron’s Guide Service online is always appreciated and helps others find the same experience.
Additional Notes
Trips may be rescheduled or moved to a location further north if ice conditions aren’t safe.
Bring snacks, water, and something warm to drink.
Alcohol is fine in moderation, but excessive drinking can end a trip early.
Frequently Asked Ice Fishing Questions
-
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.