Page Copy
ee9

Lake Placid ice fishing 

Traditions are what make the Adirondacks, and one of the oldest is ice fishing. The ponds and lakes of the region are filled with fish, all year round! Make ice fishing the main event, or just one of the activities that make your winter visit to Lake Placid one to remember.

Prepare for the conditions

Don’t forget your auger, bait, lure, and of course, the hut. Be prepared! It's the first principle of Leave No Trace, and a great way to Love Your ADK. While the wild icy frontier may look inviting, the frigid temperature still begs for you to bundle up before you go. Ice fishing can be heaps of fun, but preparing before you head out will ensure you get the most out of your trip. 

Although there aren’t any prime spots immediately in the village, waters as close as 4.5 miles out of town are the key to your next catch!

The best spots for ice fishing near Lake Placid

Not sure what lakes and ponds are good for ice fishing this season? No biggie! We’ve got just a few that we think you’ll love. 

  • Connery Pond is located just 4.5 miles outside of Lake Placid, and surrounds itself with some grandiose scenery. Nestled below the giant shadow of Whiteface Mountain, Connery Pond boasts 83 acres of ice, and fish such as splake, yellow perch, sunfish, pumpkinseed, and brown trout!
  • Copperas Pond requires a steep half-mile hike to get to it from the highway, but the fishing is worth it. The pond is completely secluded from vehicular traffic, so it's just you, the lake, and the fish you catch! If you’re looking for some peace and quiet for your next trip, Copperas Pond is all you need. 
  • If you're looking to get more out of town with an easy-access pond, Lake Colby in Saranac Lake is the perfect spot. Not only is it easy to access, but the lake also turns into an ice fishing oasis in the winter, developing its own shanty town stocked with snowmobiles, fishermen, and the best part, fish! Lake Colby is home to landlocked salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed (still a fish).

New York ice fishing regulations

One of the best family activities, fishing is fun for all! Kids under the age of 16 don't need a fishing license to enjoy it, however, for the rest of you, New York fishing licenses for those over the age of 16 are currently $25 annually for New York residents. Residents over the age of 70 pay just $5 annually.