
Abundant Game Fish in Tupper Lake: A Hidden Angler’s Paradise
Picture this: a large, scenic lake conveniently located near a major highway, offering excellent access to fishing, yet often overlooked by anglers. The reason? The waters of Tupper Lake, though teeming with game fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye, are overshadowed by the lake’s remarkable reputation for trophy-sized northern pike, landlocked salmon, lake trout, and walleye. While bass and perch fishing is plentiful, it’s the lake’s more elusive, prize-worthy species that truly attract the attention of dedicated anglers.
The Topography of Tupper Lake: A Diverse Haven for Anglers
Located in the northwest corner of Franklin County, Tupper Lake is an angler’s dream, offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities across three interconnected bodies of water. Spanning 6,000 acres and with nearly 30 miles of shoreline, the lake’s varying topography creates a rich habitat for a wide variety of fish species. Tupper Lake boasts deep basins reaching depths of 80 to 100 feet, providing a perfect environment for lake trout and landlocked salmon. Additionally, the lake features islands with steep drop-offs, shallow weedy flats, and shoreline points that are ideal for northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and yellow perch.
The lake also benefits from two major rivers feeding into it, further enhancing its ecological diversity and providing rich feeding grounds for fish. The combination of deep, cold water and shallow, weedy areas makes Tupper Lake one of the most versatile and productive fishing spots in the Adirondacks.
The Village of Tupper Lake: Your Gateway to Exceptional Fishing Adventures
Tupper Lake village, strategically located at the intersection of Routes 3 and 30, is more than just a scenic town—it’s the gateway to your next great fishing adventure. The village offers a wide range of accommodations, services, and rental options, ensuring that your trip is as comfortable and convenient as it is exciting. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cabin for the weekend or need to rent a boat for the day, Tupper Lake has you covered.
Tupper Lake Fishing Guides and Boat Launches
For those looking to make the most of their time on the water, Tupper Lake’s professional fishing guides are available to help you navigate the lake’s diverse waters and maximize your chances of landing a trophy catch. These experienced guides know the lake’s intricate channels, drop-offs, and hidden fishing spots and can provide invaluable tips for targeting specific species.
For easy water access, there is a DEC boat launch located along Route 3 south of the village, near the intersection of Simon Pond Road. Additionally, Tupper Lake offers access to two smaller, shallow bodies of water—Simon Pond and Raquette Pond—that are connected by well-marked navigable channels. Both ponds feature gravel boat launches, allowing anglers to easily access these serene waters that are perfect for those looking for a quieter, less crowded fishing experience.
A Fishing Experience Like No Other
Whether you’re casting for bass along the shorelines, trolling for walleye in deeper waters, or seeking out trophy lake trout, Tupper Lake offers something for every angler. With its vast, varied habitats, abundant fish populations, and access to professional guides, it’s no wonder this hidden gem is gaining recognition among seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. Make Tupper Lake your next fishing destination and discover for yourself why it’s one of the Adirondacks’ most sought-after spots for game fishing.
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.
Summer Lake Trout and Salmon Trolling Techniques
In the summer, Bobby primarily trolls for lake trout and salmon, employing advanced electronics to locate fish at specific depths and on deeper structures. His preferred trolling speed is between 1.9 to 2.3 mph, which is faster than the typical trolling speed many anglers use. However, this method has earned Bobby consistent success, particularly when targeting larger trout and salmon.
To enhance the presentation of his lures, Bobby uses spoons like Dreamweaver WD and Luhr Jensen Needlefish. These spoons flutter and shine like injured baitfish, mimicking the behavior of smelt in distress. This technique is highly effective for enticing lake trout and landlocked salmon, particularly when fishing in the thermocline or deeper water.
Hire a Guide for Success
Bobby Helms is a native Adirondacker with a deep understanding of Tupper Lake’s fishery, making him a highly sought-after guide for both novice and experienced anglers. When Bobby isn’t guiding clients on Tupper Lake, he’s often fishing in Alaska, providing a wealth of experience in diverse fisheries.
If you’re interested in learning more about Tupper Lake fishing or booking a trip with Bobby, contact Tame the Trout Charters at (518)-637-6046 for expert guidance on targeting walleye, lake trout, and other trophy species.
Year-Round Tupper Lake Fishing and Local Attractions
Tupper Lake is not just a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts in the warmer months—it’s a year-round fishery, making it an ideal location for anglers looking to fish no matter the season. Ice fishing is a particularly popular activity, with the frozen waters of Tupper Lake, Simon Pond, and Raquette Pond offering exciting opportunities to target fish even in the winter.
Ice Fishing and Winter Opportunities
During the colder months, the shallow waters of Simon Pond and Raquette Pond are home to largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and even the occasional walleye. These ponds are great spots for winter anglers looking to catch some quality fish through the ice. The calm, scenic winter surroundings add to the appeal of ice fishing in this area, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustle of daily life.
Tupper Lake’s Rich History and Local Attractions
Tupper Lake’s history is deeply rooted in the logging industry, which remains an important part of the area’s culture today. The village hosts Woodsman’s Days on July 11 and 12, offering exciting demonstrations, skill competitions, and fun activities for visitors. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the Adirondacks.
In addition to its historical significance, Tupper Lake offers visitors a chance to explore the Wild Center, a natural history museum dedicated to the wildlife and ecology of the Adirondacks. For those with an interest in astronomy and the night sky, the Adirondack Public Observatory provides opportunities for stargazing and learning about celestial phenomena.
Plan Your Visit
While Tupper Lake offers a wealth of activities and attractions, fishing remains one of its top draws throughout the year. Whether you’re ice fishing in the winter or casting your line in the summer, the diverse fish populations and scenic surroundings make Tupper Lake a must-visit location for anglers.
For more information on local attractions, accommodations, and events, you can contact the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce at (518) 359-3328. And remember, no matter what time of year you visit, save plenty of time for fishing!
This Article originally appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of Adirondack Outdoors Magazine.