Tupper Lake Walleye Fishing: A Trophy Angler’s Paradise
Tupper Lake is home to a robust population of walleye, making it an exceptional destination for anglers targeting this elusive, trophy-sized fish. The lake’s abundance of smelt, which serves as the primary food source for many of its game fish, plays a significant role in shaping the area’s fishing opportunities. While the smelt population contributes to the growth of game fish to impressive sizes, it can sometimes make walleye, salmon, and lake trout fishing a bit more challenging—these fish are well-fed and can be selective in their feeding habits.
Trophy-Size Game Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, and More
Despite the abundant food supply, the quality of fishing in Tupper Lake remains top-tier. Walleye anglers can expect to reel in fish over 6 pounds with regularity, and it’s not uncommon for seasoned anglers or guides to catch fish approaching or exceeding 10 pounds. These well-fed walleye are prime examples of the lake’s healthy ecosystem, where game fish can thrive and reach impressive sizes.
In addition to walleye, Tupper Lake boasts great populations of other trophy species. Northern pike in the 15-20-pound range are common, making for an exhilarating battle on the water. Landlocked salmon, typically ranging from 8 to 10 pounds, and lake trout weighing up to 15 pounds are also regularly caught, offering a truly rewarding fishing experience for those seeking big-game species.
Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass Fishing in Tupper Lake
Smallmouth bass, a favorite for cold-water anglers, can be found throughout the lake, particularly in areas with underwater rock piles, bluffs, and drop-offs along islands and deep-water shorelines. These areas create the perfect habitat for bass, which tend to gravitate toward such structure.
On the other hand, largemouth bass are more abundant in the shallow, weedy flats and swampy areas, especially around the Raquette River’s entry point into the lake in the northeast section. These areas provide excellent habitat for largemouth bass, and anglers targeting them can expect to find them in abundance during warmer months.
A Diverse Fishing Destination
With its varied ecosystems, healthy populations of game fish, and opportunities to target both cold-water and warm-water species, Tupper Lake is a premier fishing destination in the Adirondacks. Whether you’re casting for walleye, pursuing trophy northern pike, or exploring the lake’s abundant bass fisheries, Tupper Lake offers something for every type of angler.
Tupper Lake Walleye Fishing Techniques with Bobby Helms
For anglers looking to target trophy walleye on Tupper Lake, Bobby Helms, the owner of Tame the Trout Charters, is an expert guide with extensive knowledge of the area. Bobby has been guiding on Tupper Lake for years, specializing in walleye, salmon, and lake trout, and his insights can significantly improve your chances of a successful fishing trip.
Prime Walleye Locations and Spring Fishing
Bobby suggests focusing on the bays along the west side of the southern end of Tupper Lake, which are well-known hotspots for walleye and northern pike. In the spring, when smelt attempt to run up the Bog River to spawn and are blocked by the falls, walleye and salmon gather in these areas to feed on the concentrated smelt. This is the ideal time for anglers to target walleye using jigs and swim baits in natural shad colors.
During this period, the fish are actively feeding and more likely to bite, making it one of the best times of year for walleye fishing in the lake. Bobby’s recommended lures and techniques are proven to attract fish during these feeding frenzies.
Year-Round Tupper Lake Fishing and Local Attractions
This Article originally appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of Adirondack Outdoors Magazine.
