Guided grouse and woodcock hunting in classic Adirondack terrain
Adirondack Upland Game Hunting in New York
If you’re looking for authentic Adirondack upland game hunting, this is where it happens. The Adirondack Mountains of northern New York offer some of the best habitat in the Northeast for ruffed grouse and migratory woodcock. These are true walk-up hunts in wild country—no shortcuts, no preserves, just real birds in real cover.
Our guided upland game hunts are built around experience, timing, and covering ground the right way. We focus on productive habitat, seasonal movement, and adapting to conditions to give you the best opportunity at grouse and woodcock throughout the New York season.
Guided Upland Hunts
We offer fully guided upland game hunting trips throughout the Adirondacks, targeting both ruffed grouse and woodcock. Each hunt is tailored to conditions, with a focus on active cover and bird movement.
- Half-day and full-day options
- Dog work throughout the hunt
- Multi-day hunts available
- Professional guiding and local knowledge
Expect to move through a variety of terrain, including edges, cuts, and dense young forest where upland birds hold and flush quickly.
Half-Day Hunt
Trip Length: 4 hours. Two hunters per guide.
TA focused hunt targeting high-probability cover for grouse and woodcock. Ideal for shorter trips or first-time upland hunters.
Full-Day Hunt
Trip Length: 8 hours. 2 Hunters per guide.
Our most popular option. Cover multiple areas and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Upland Game Package
Trip Length: 3 days, 3 nights – 2 anglers max per guide.
The best way to experience Adirondack upland hunting. Changing weather and conditions often create better opportunities over multiple days.
Hunting Day Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included?
As a full service outfitter all of the equipment and necessary instruction is included on all of our ice fishing trips. We provide all ice fishing equipment, safety equipment, ice fishing shanties with heaters (1 shanty for every 4 anglers), bait and tackle, Garmin fish finders, and if conditions permit – Underwater cameras. All trips include light snacks and beverages only.
Where do we meet our guide?
Once your date is confirmed your guide will reach out to you for introductions and be available to answer all ice fishing questions that arise as you prepare for your trip. Prior to your trip, we will send you a google maps PIN and detailed directions where to meet your guide on the day of your trip. There is quite a bit of set-up for each trip and your guide will have the set up complete prior to your arrival to ensure that your time is spent fishing, NOT spent setting up.
What to bring
Your guide will provide everything you need for a successful day on the ice. We provide all of your fishing and safety equipment so all you need to bring is warm winter clothing (winter hat, winter gloves, balaclava, warm winter jacket, snow pants) , waterproof boots and a fishing license (if over 16).
What Species will we target?
That is up to you and your guide! Depending what you are after, we will assign you to a guide that is best for your request. If you want to jig a large body of water for lake trout or salmon, fish tip ups and dead stick for northern pike, or go for high numbers of panfish we can make it happen.
How do we pay?
Adirondack Ice Fishing accepts CASH, CHECK, or VENMO. You may pay with credit card for a 4% service charge
Should we tip our guide?
Gratuities are not required or included, but are encouraged if your guide put forth their best effort to provide a safe, entertaining, and successful guide trip. The fishing industry recommends the standard service industry rate of 20% gratuity as a ballpark for gratuities.
Where do I buy a fishing license?
A New York State freshwater license is required to ice fish if you are over 16 years old. There are no additional stamps or specific addition needed for ice fishing in the Adirondacks.
You can buy your NYS Freshwater fishing license here:
Ice Fishing For Lake Trout
I love Ice Fishing. The solitude and wide-open spaces that a frozen Adirondack lake provides is something I look forward to all year long. During the winter months there can be many different lakes and ponds to choose from, and when I have a day off from guiding we are definitely going Lake Trout fishing. There is something about jigging for lake trout that never gets old. Connecting the dots to get a nice laker through the ice can drive an angler mad. They are aggressive, strong and grow to massive sizes. They can be found all over the water column, and even when you find them, they don’t always want to commit.
Where to find them?
With any style of fishing your success relies upon knowing where and when your target species is feeding. Therefore you must find the forage base that lake trout are after. In our area we have a lot of lakes with decent Smelt populations, who like to cruise in open water in the middle of the water column. The help of a fish finder is crucial to know where the fish are, where your baits are, and how the lake trout are responding to your presentation. Drill a handful of holes around steep depth changes and hop around until you start marking fish on your fish finder. Repeat the process until you find consistent marks on your screen.
Tackle for Ice Fishing for Lake Trout
To begin I will rig some 32’’-36’’ medium heavy rods with 10lb test. Then we tie on 3.5’’ tube jigs in pearl white or chartreuse with 1/4 ounce – 3/8 ounce jig heads. Finish it off by tipping the hook with a chunk of live bait and you’re ready to go. Ill also have a variety of vertical jigging spoons and rattling rapalas to draw the fish in as another option. Lake Trout are notorious for following lures so when you see a fish approach you want to start your retrieve up the water column to draw the fish toward your bait.
Once on fish, whether you have hooked up or you see them streaking on your electronics, trends will develop what triggers strikes. The only way to hook up is to get out there and do it! Lake trout jigging can be a light carry, easy run and gun when you have just a few hours to fish or want to sample a new water. There are literally millions of Lake Trout spread throughout The Adirondacks. in addition to all the stocking listings on the www.ny.dec.gov, many waters also have native populations. Wherever you are in the park, you’re not very far from several Lake Trout jigging opportunities. Hire an Adirondack Ice Fishing Guide and allow us to show you where and how to start.
Great Family Experience
Explore the Beautiful Frozen Desert of the Adirondacks!
