5.0(7 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip on Saranac Lake
5.0(7 reviews)
Shared Trip
Fishing
Top Rated
Guided kayak fishing adventure targeting bass, pike, and troutAccess secluded waters unreachable by larger boatsProfessional BattleFish Academytrained licensed guides included
If you're looking to get away from the crowded boat launches and fish some of the most pristine waters in the Adirondacks, this kayak fishing adventure on Saranac Lake is exactly what you need. Battle Fish Charters has been perfecting the art of backcountry angling here for years, and their guides know every hidden bay, shallow flat, and productive drop-off that the bigger boats can't reach. You'll spend your half-day paddling through crystal-clear water surrounded by towering peaks, casting for some of New York's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your kids hooked on fishing, this trip delivers the perfect blend of world-class fishing and authentic Adirondack wilderness experience.
Your day starts with a gear check and quick paddling refresher at the launch. Don't worry if you've never fished from a kayak before – these stable fishing platforms are designed for anglers, not speed demons. Your BattleFish Academy-trained guide will get you rigged up with the right tackle for the conditions and walk you through the basics of kayak fishing safety. Once you're on the water, you'll quickly understand why this method is so effective. The silence of paddling lets you sneak up on fish that would bolt at the first sound of an outboard motor. You'll work your way through winding channels and marshy backwaters where the pike love to ambush baitfish, then drift over deeper structure where the bass and trout hang out. The beauty of kayak fishing is the mobility – if one spot isn't producing, you can quietly paddle to the next honey hole without disturbing the entire lake. Your guide will be reading the water constantly, adjusting tactics based on weather, water temperature, and what the fish are telling you.
Battle Fish provides everything you need for a successful day – from the fishing kayaks and paddles to rods, reels, and a full tackle selection. The kayaks are rigged with rod holders, gear storage, and comfortable seating that lets you fish all day without getting sore. Your guide carries a variety of lures and live bait depending on what's working best. For smallmouth bass, you might be throwing soft plastics around rocky structure or working topwater lures over shallow flats during the morning and evening bite. Pike fishing often means bigger spoons, spinnerbaits, or live minnows near weed beds and drop-offs. Trout tactics can range from trolling small spoons in deeper water to drift fishing with worms and PowerBait near inlets. The key advantage of kayak fishing is stealth and access – you can fish water that sees zero pressure from conventional boats. Your guide will teach you how to position the kayak for different presentations, when to let the wind work for you, and how to fight fish without getting spooled or tangled up.
"This is the second time we have gone on the water with AJ. Highly recommend" - Rhona. "Our family had a wonderful kayack trip with AJ and Edwin It was a fun time for our boys and they were super knowledgable of the area and where the fish were They were also very patient and taught our boys how to fish with different tackle" - June. "Amazing time with Andrew! He worked hard for us and was very knowledgeable! We enjoyed our time with him! We will back to get in that ice!" - Kirt.
Brown Trout are the crown jewel of Saranac Lake's coldwater fishery. These fish are known for their wariness and explosive fights, often making multiple runs toward deep water or structure when hooked. Browns typically range from 12 to 20 inches here, with the occasional trophy pushing over 24 inches. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning and late evening – when they move into shallower water to feed on minnows and insects. What makes brown trout so exciting to target is their unpredictability. One minute they'll smash a topwater lure, the next they'll only respond to a perfectly presented nymph drifted along the bottom. Fall is prime time for browns as they fatten up before winter, becoming more aggressive and willing to chase larger prey.
Lake Trout represent the deep-water challenge on Saranac Lake. These native char can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – fish over 30 inches aren't uncommon. Lakers prefer the cooler, oxygen-rich depths during summer months, but they'll move shallow in spring and fall when water temperatures drop. They're ambush predators that love structure like underwater humps, drop-offs, and rocky shelves. Fighting a big lake trout from a kayak is an experience you won't forget – they use their broad tails and deep-bodied strength to make long, powerful runs that will test your drag system and your paddling skills. The best part about targeting lakers is that when you find them, there are usually more in the area.
Largemouth Bass bring the excitement factor with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Saranac Lake's largemouths love the weedy bays and shallow coves that are perfect for kayak fishing. These fish are opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from plastic worms to buzzbaits, depending on the conditions. Spring and early summer offer the best action when bass are in their spawning cycle and defending territory. You'll often see them crash topwater lures in explosive surface strikes that get your heart pumping. The average size runs 14 to 18 inches, but the lake produces plenty of 3 to 5-pound fish that will put a serious bend in your rod.
Brook Trout are the native jewels of the Adirondacks, and catching one in these pristine waters connects you to centuries of angling tradition. While not as large as their brown and lake trout cous
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are legendary fish that can reach 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, known for their incredible jumping ability and stamina. Unfortunately, wild Atlantic salmon are protected in our waters due to endangered status, so recreational fishing for them is currently prohibited. These anadromous fish historically migrated from the ocean to spawn in our freshwater systems, making epic journeys that captured anglers' imaginations for generations. When hooked, they're famous for spectacular leaps and powerful runs that earned them the title "king of fish." Their silver sides and lean build make them unmistakable. While we can't target them today, understanding their life cycle helps us appreciate the conservation efforts happening in the region. Instead, we focus on their cousins - the browns, rainbows, and lake trout that provide similar thrills in our Adirondack waters.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the jewels of our mountain waters - native beauties with olive backs, red spots ringed in blue, and orange fins with white edges. Most run 8-14 inches, but their spirit makes up for size. These cold-water natives stick to the cleanest, coolest spots: spring holes, beaver ponds, and shaded creek mouths. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps drop below 65°F. What makes brookies special is their willingness to hit dry flies and small lures with reckless abandon. They're also incredibly tasty - pink meat with a delicate, sweet flavor. Being our state fish, catching one connects you to true Adirondack heritage. They're sensitive to water quality, so finding them means you're in pristine habitat. Best local trick: target the deeper holes near inlet streams early morning with small spinners or wet flies.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are solid fighters that typically run 12-20 inches in our waters, with some beauties pushing over 24 inches. These golden-bronze fish with dark spots love cool, clear water and hang around deeper pools, undercut banks, and rocky drop-offs. They're most active during fall when they feed aggressively before spawning, but early morning and evening produce year-round. What makes them special is their wariness - they're smart fish that'll test your skills. They fight hard with powerful runs and jumps that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is excellent eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: in the Adirondacks, try drifting a small streamer along fallen timber in 8-12 feet of water. Browns often ambush from cover, so work those shaded spots methodically.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights of our cold Adirondack waters, typically weighing 15-40 pounds with some monsters over 50. These deep-dwelling char prefer the coldest, most oxygenated water we can find - usually 40+ feet down in summer, though they move shallower in spring and fall. They're suspension feeders that cruise open water hunting schools of baitfish. The fight is what draws people back - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and patience. Late spring right after ice-out is prime time when they're shallow and aggressive. In summer, we fish deep with heavy jigs and downriggers. These fish can live 20+ years, so catching one is always special. Local secret: focus on the deeper basins during the warmest part of summer, and don't be afraid to fish 60+ feet down.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the crowd-pleasers of warm-water fishing, averaging 2-4 pounds with occasional 6+ pounders that'll make your day. These green-backed bruisers love shallow, weedy areas, fallen trees, and rocky points where they ambush prey. Spring through fall fishing is fantastic, especially when water temps hit 60-75°F. What guests love most is the explosive strikes and aerial shows - these fish jump, shake, and fight dirty. They're also great eating when taken from clean water. Bass aren't picky about presentation, making them perfect for beginners and kids. The kayak advantage really shines here since we can sneak into tight spots bigger boats can't reach. My go-to tip: work a Texas-rigged worm slowly through submerged vegetation on calm mornings - the strikes will surprise you every time.
5.0 out of 5.0This is the second time we have gone on the water with AJ. Highly recommend
Our family had a wonderful kayack trip with AJ and Edwin It was a fun time for our boys and they were super knowledgable of the a...
AJ reached out before our trip and asked what I would like to catch and I said I’d like to catch my first northern pike, and did h...
Fantastic trip! My 8-year old son wanted to catch his first pike, and Andrew delivered. Not just one but several pike! We already ...
Amazing time with Andrew! He worked hard for us and was very knowledgeable! We enjoyed our time with him! We will back to get in t...
Andrew is an amazing guide! He made this trip so much fun! My husband is a way more experienced fisherman than I am, but Andrew ke...
Tupper Lake, NY, USA