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Winter · Thousand Islands, NY

Guided ice fishing on the St. Lawrence.

When the bays freeze over, the fishing doesn't stop. Richard Drake runs 4-hour guided ice fishing trips in the sheltered bays around Alexandria Bay, and he brings everything: the shanty, the heater, the rods, and the bait.

Request a trip Call or text 315-836-5798
  • 4 hours
  • Heated shanty
  • All gear supplied
  • Perch, pike & walleye
  • Beginners welcome
An angler in an orange jacket jigging through a hole in the ice
How it works

How a trip works.

You show up dressed warm. Richard handles the rest.

  1. Richard picks the spot

    He watches the ice all winter and tells you where to meet, depending on where the ice and the fish are that week.

  2. Holes drilled, shanty warm

    The spot is picked, the holes are drilled, and the heater is running.

  3. Jigs and tip-ups

    Jig for perch and walleye while tip-ups wait for pike. Richard rigs everything and shows you how.

  4. Fish cleaned and bagged

    Richard cleans and bags your keepers to take home.

Good to know

Safety comes first.

Ice changes from week to week. Richard only takes people out on ice he's confident in, and if conditions aren't right, he'll reschedule with you.

Ice fishing season usually runs from about January into March, depending on the winter. Yellow perch are the bread and butter, with northern pike and walleye mixed in.

What's included.

We provide

  • Heated shanty
  • Auger & drilled holes
  • Rods, tip-ups & bait
  • Know-how & the spot
  • Fish cleaning & bagging

You bring

  • NY fishing license (ages 16+)
  • Insulated, waterproof boots
  • Warm layers, hat & gloves
  • Ice cleats if you have them
  • Snacks & a thermos
  • A camera

What you might catch

Yellow perch are the main target through the ice, with northern pike and walleye in the mix. Seasons and limits differ by species, so check the current NYSDEC regulations.

First time on the ice?

No problem. Most of Richard's customers are new to it. In a heated shanty with the gear ready to go, it's one of the easiest kinds of fishing to try.

On the water
An ice fishing shanty on a frozen lake with smoke rising from the chimney
Two anglers in chairs fishing through holes in the ice, with an auger beside them
An angler fishing beside an auger on a frozen lake
Questions

Good questions, straight answers.

Still wondering about something? Richard is happy to talk it over. Call or text anytime.

315-836-5798
When is ice fishing season in the Thousand Islands?
Usually from about January into March, depending on the winter. Richard only goes out when the ice is safe.
How much does a guided ice fishing trip cost?
Ice fishing trips are priced by the trip. Call or text Richard at 315-836-5798 for current pricing and open dates.
What's provided on an ice fishing trip?
Everything: a heated shanty, the auger and drilled holes, rods, tip-ups, and bait. Richard also cleans and bags your fish.
Is it safe?
Safety comes first. Richard watches the ice through the winter and only fishes ice he's confident in. If conditions aren't right, he'll reschedule with you.
Do I need a fishing license to ice fish?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a New York fishing license.
Is ice fishing good for kids and beginners?
Yes. With a heated shanty and all the gear set up, it's a great way to try fishing. Richard will show everyone what to do.
What should I wear ice fishing?
Insulated waterproof boots, warm layers you can add or remove, a hat, and gloves. Ice cleats help if you have them. The shanty is heated, but you'll want to be comfortable outside too.
What fish can you catch ice fishing on the St. Lawrence?
Mostly yellow perch, along with northern pike and walleye. Check the current NYSDEC rules for each species' season and limits.

Ready when you are.

No deposit. Richard will call or text to confirm the details.

Request a trip
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