Ice Fishing Adventure on Lake Sebago
When Maine's lakes freeze over, the real fishing action begins. Tony Kariotis has been putting anglers on fish through the ice for years, and his 6-hour ice fishing trips on Lake Sebago deliver the kind of winter fishing memories you'll be talking about for seasons to come. Whether you're a complete beginner or just want to fish with someone who knows every productive hole on the lake, Tony's got you covered with all the gear, local knowledge, and patience to make your day on the ice a winner.
What to Expect on the Ice
Your day starts early when Tony picks you up, already loaded with tip-ups, jigging rods, and everything else you'll need for a productive day. Lake Sebago's 28,771 acres offer plenty of structure and deep water where fish hold during winter months, and Tony knows exactly where to set up based on current conditions and recent fish activity. You'll ride out to the fishing spots on his snowmobile, which is always a hit with kids and first-timers. The lake's crystal-clear water stays active all winter, with multiple species feeding aggressively beneath the ice. Tony handles all the hole drilling with his power auger, sets up your tip-ups in the most productive spots, and teaches you the jigging techniques that work best for each species. The trip accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention and instruction.
Ice Fishing Techniques & Gear
Tony runs a combination approach that maximizes your chances of hooking up with different species. You'll fish with both tip-ups and jigging rods, covering more water and targeting fish at various depths. The tip-ups get set over deeper structure where salmon and trout cruise, while you'll actively jig in shallower areas and around cover where bass like to hold. Tony provides all rods, reels, tip-ups, bait, and tackle - his gear is well-maintained and matched perfectly to Sebago's conditions. He'll teach you how to read your electronics, recognize strikes on tip-ups, and work jigs with the right action to trigger bites. The ice drilling and hole maintenance is all handled for you, so you can focus on fishing. Tony also brings portable shelters when weather calls for it, plus he always has hot chocolate on hand to keep everyone warm and comfortable during the 6-hour adventure.
Customer Stories
"Tony was awesome! We had an amazing day with him. He was so knowledgeable and gave us and our kids an experience we will never forget. The kids said they will never forget using the ice drill, riding on the skidoo and pulling a fish up out of the ice! Highly recommend having this once in a lifetime experience with Tony." - Adam
"My grandson and I went ice fishing with Tony. The experience could not have been better. Tony is a great guy, very knowledgeable, and was able to connect with my 7-year-old grandson without any problem. He even brought along hot chocolate. It was a great experience, not just for being in the outdoors with an experienced guide, but for the opportunity to meet a wonderful person. Five stars plus! Steve Watson" - Steve
"Tony is an amazing guide and great teacher to anyone starting out ice fishing. We learned so much with him and caught so many fish! Would highly recommend booking a trip with him!" - Isabella Lamb
Species You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth Bass remain surprisingly active through Maine's ice season, especially during midday warming periods. These chunky fish typically hold in 15-25 feet of water around submerged structure and respond well to jigging spoons and soft plastics worked slowly near bottom. What makes largemouth bass exciting through the ice is their aggressive strike - when they hit your jig, there's no mistaking it. Tony targets them around rocky points and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish, and a 3-4 pound largemouth pulling drag through an 8-inch hole provides serious excitement.
Brook Trout are Maine's native jewels and Lake Sebago holds some beautiful specimens that feed actively all winter long. These colorful fish prefer cooler water and stay aggressive when other species slow down. They typically cruise in 20-40 feet of water and respond to small jigs tipped with worms or minnows. Brook trout averaging 12-16 inches are common, with some pushing 18+ inches. Their vibrant colors really pop against the white snow, making every photo-worthy catch even more special.
Atlantic Salmon represent the crown jewel of Sebago Lake fishing, with landlocked salmon providing world-class action through the ice. These powerful fish roam the deeper basins and require precise presentation and patience. Salmon typically hold in 30-50+ feet of water and respond to flashy spoons and streamers worked with subtle action. When you hook into a 2-3 pound salmon through the ice, you'll understand why anglers travel from across New England to fish here. Their acrobatic fights and incredible stamina make every hookup memorable.
Smallmouth Bass offer consistent action throughout the ice season and fight harder pound-for-pound than almost any freshwater species. These bronze fighters typically school up around rocky structure in 20-35 feet of water and respond aggressively to vertical jigging presentations. Sebago's smallmouth average 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're excellent table fare too, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to keep a few fish for dinner.
Rainbow Trout provide steady action and beautiful colors that really shine in winter sunlight. These stocked fish adapt well to Sebago's cold, clear water and remain active feeders all season long. They typically suspend in mid-water column over deeper areas and respond to both tip-ups with live bait and jigging presentations. Rainbow trout in the 14-18 inch range are common, with their pink stripe and silver sides