Cold water curls through the current as mist rises off the surface, and the sudden pull of a powerful fish breaks the quiet of the morning. This is where anticipation meets action, where every drift carries the chance of a hard-fighting catch. Guided drift boat trips make it possible to move smoothl

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Battle Fish Black River LLC is a veteran-owned guided ice fishing service serving the Fort Drum Area and the North Country NY. Led by Army veterans Matthew Rothery and Edwin “Win” Anderson, we specialize in private ice fishing trips Upstate New York (Serving the Fort Drum Area) for beginners, families, and military personnel looking for a safe, educational, and memorable outdoor experience. Our guided trips cover the best waters in Jefferson County NY and surrounding areas, including remote lakes and honeyholes only known to local anglers. Guests can expect a fort drum area ice fishing guide who provides all gear, including rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and ice shelters. Safety is our top priority: we follow strict ice thickness standards, provide flotation equipment, and make weather-based decisions to ensure every trip is secure and enjoyable. Battle Fish Black River offers a variety of species-targeted adventures, including northern pike, tiger musky, lake trout, walleye and salmon, perch, and crappie. Each ice fishing trip near Fort Drum is private, allowing groups of up to 20 people to enjoy a tailored experience. Whether you are a first-time angler or an experienced fisherman, our team ensures a beginner-friendly and family-friendly ice fishing experience that emphasizes fun, learning, and connection with the outdoors. While our focus is currently on guided ice fishing Upstate NY, we also offer kayak fishing near Fort Drum NY during the summer months. Our seasonal kayak trips are designed to expand your fishing adventures, and all trips remain private and guided by expert instructors. At Battle Fish Black River, our mission is to introduce our community—including active duty service members, veterans, and local families—to the incredible fisheries of North Country NY. With years of combined experience, tournament expertise, and a passion for teaching, we provide unmatched access to ice fishing charters Upstate New York, private ice fishing trips Upstate New York, and safe, fun, and educational angling adventures. Ready to experience the best guided ice fishing near Fort Drum, NY? Contact Battle Fish Black River today to book your private, beginner-friendly trip and start making memories on the ice!

Rainbow trout catch in Evans Mills NY with fishing net in stream

Atlantic salmon caught while fishing in Evans Mills NY river with rocky bottom and forest background

Chinook salmon fishing success in Evans Mills NY with large caught fish displayed near boat and trailer

Large Chinook salmon catch from Evans Mills NY fishing trip

Four large Chinook salmon displayed after successful fishing trip in Evans Mills NY

Largemouth bass caught while fishing in Evans Mills

Largemouth bass caught while fishing in NY

A Northern Pike caught while fishing in Evans Mills

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Private ice fishing trips near Fort Drum with all gear provided and beginner-friendly fun!

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Trips typically begin in the 5th week of January, depending on safe ice conditions.

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Matthew Rothery is an Army combat veteran with a lifelong passion for fishing. He is a licensed fishing guide and an accomplished kayak bass tournament angler, including earning the 2024 Slay Nation NY Championship and multiple top finishes over the years.Matthew has a strong passion for teaching and enjoys introducing people to fishing, ice fishing, and kayak fishing. He works well with beginners, families, and experienced anglers, and focuses on making each trip comfortable, productive, and enjoyable.

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Army Combat Veteran and retired Fort Drum pilot with a lifelong passion for the outdoors. A licensed fishing guide with over 30 years of fishing experience, I take pride in sharing knowledge, skill, and respect for the water with every client. When I’m not on the water, I’m a devoted family man—married with two kids—and at home with two cats and one dog.

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Clayton Hutchings is an Army Combat Infantry Veteran and lifelong fisherman.&nbsp;He is a licensed fishing guide in NY, but his passion began in cold water fisheries of North Central Pa where he grew up. He fished Semi-Pro Bass tournaments and won numerous.&nbsp;He is&nbsp;both a self taught fly fisherman and professional fly tyer. He won awards fly fishing&nbsp;in Montana as Top Rod and 3rd place while competing in WV. He enjoys tying flies, sharing that joy with family, friends, fellow veterans and his son Jaxson.&nbsp;Clayton loves to teach all levels of anglers to fish. He specializes in reading waters, identifying insects to pertain to the specific waterways being&nbsp;fished and conditions for an optimal fishing experience. He looks forward to sharing his passion with all levels of anglers and leaving the trip with a new respect for fishing.&nbsp;

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Learn how to get a New York State fishing license, costs for residents and non-residents, freshwater rules, and exemptions for Upstate NY anglers.

Plan your Salmon River steelhead trip with expert drift boat guides in New York. Explore top seasons, proven techniques, and scenic fishing adventures.

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Our fishing reports provide regular updates from the Upstate New York fishing scene, helping anglers understand current ice conditions, active species, and seasonal patterns near the Fort Drum area. These reports highlight what’s biting, where fish are being caught, and how conditions change throughout the season, offering valuable insight for anyone planning guided ice fishing trips in North Country NY. Whether you’re tracking perch movement or targeting trophy species, our reports help guests arrive informed and confident.

Latest Ice Fishing Reports from Upstate NY

Guest reviews share real experiences from anglers who’ve joined our guided fishing charters in Upstate New York, from first-time ice anglers to seasoned fishermen. These stories reflect private trips, friendly guidance, and successful days on the ice near Jefferson County NY. Reading reviews helps new guests understand what makes our trips beginner-friendly, family-focused, and trusted by locals and visitors looking for a reliable ice fishing guide near Fort Drum NY.

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From hidden honeyholes to North Country NY lakes near Fort Drum, Battle Fish Black River guides you to the most productive kayak and ice fishing locations Upstate New York has to offer

Explore Upstate NY’s Best Fishing Spots

Experience guided kayak and ice fishing Upstate NY targeting Northern Pike, Musky, Lake Trout, Walleye, Salmon, Perch, and Crappie. Prices: $120 Half-Day, $250 Full-Day for up to 20 anglers

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Customers like you loved their fishing experience with us! Check out what they had to say if you need a little more insight into what a trip with Battle Fish Black River LLC is like.

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For your private ice fishing adventure Upstate NY, dress in layers and bring warm, waterproof footwear to stay comfortable on the ice. Don’t forget snacks, bottled water, sunglasses, and sunscreen. These simple items will help you enjoy your guided ice fishing trip near Fort Drum to the fullest

What To Bring

All gear is provided on our private ice fishing trips Upstate New York, including rods, reels, tackle, and live bait. Our Fort Drum area ice fishing guides ensure every trip is beginner-friendly, family-friendly, and safety-focused, so you can focus on reeling in trophy fish like Northern Pike, Tiger Musky, Lake Trout, Walleye, Salmon, Perch, and Crappie

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The guides at Battle FishBlack River LLC are seasoned Upstate New York fishing guides with deep roots in the North Country. Each guide began their journey with a passion for local waters, learning the lakes and rivers through years of hands-on experience. What started as weekend fishing trips and time spent exploring frozen waterways evolved into a professional commitment to providing guided ice fishing in Upstate New York for anglers of all skill levels.With years of experience navigating the waters of North Country NY, the team brings expert knowledge of seasonal patterns, ice conditions, and fish behavior. These Fort Drum area fishing guides focus on safety, education, and results, ensuring every guest feels confident and comfortable on the ice. Their background in private fishing charters allows them to tailor each trip to match the group’s experience level, goals, and pace.Specializing in targeting trophy fish in Upstate New York, the guides are skilled in pursuing Northern Pike, Walleye, Lake Trout, Perch, and more. Their hands-on approach, patience with beginners, and strategic techniques for experienced anglers set them apart. Whether guests are new to ice fishing or chasing their next personal best, Battle Fish Black River LLC’s guides deliver a professional, memorable, and rewarding guided fishing charter experience in Upstate New York.

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Discover North Country NY Ice Fishing

Why Upstate NY is the Best ChoiceUpstate New York, especially the Fort Drum area and North Country NY, is a premier destination for private ice fishing trips. With its crystal-clear lakes, scenic rivers, and hidden honeyholes, anglers of all skill levels can enjoy a safe, rewarding, and unforgettable experience. Battle Fish Black River LLC brings local expertise to every trip, guiding you to the most productive waters and ensuring your private ice fishing experience Upstate NY is second to none.Fishing Info &amp; TipsWhether you’re exploring the frozen lakes of Jefferson County NY or venturing into lesser-known North Country waterways, the ice fishing season here offers unmatched opportunities. Guests enjoy half-day ($120) and full-day ($250) private trips, with all gear provided and beginner-friendly guidance from our Fort Drum area ice fishing guides. Safety, ice thickness checks, and expert navigation ensure your trip is enjoyable and worry-free.Fish Species in Upstate NYUpstate New York is home to a diverse range of species that make it perfect for trophy catches. During our guided trips, anglers target Northern Pike, Tiger Musky, Lake Trout, Walleye, Salmon, Perch, and Crappie, each offering a unique challenge and thrill. From first-time anglers to seasoned veterans, everyone can find excitement in North Country NY’s rich fishing ecosystem.Upstate NY Fishing HistoryFishing in Upstate New York has a long and storied tradition, with generations of anglers discovering its rich lakes, rivers, and bays. The region has been renowned for its trophy fish and pristine waters, attracting both local families and visiting enthusiasts. At Battle Fish Black River LLC, we combine this local knowledge with modern techniques to provide a private guided ice fishing experience Upstate NY that honors the history and culture of the area. Ready to experience the best ice fishing in North Country NY? Battle Fish Black River LLC offers private trips that are beginner-friendly, family-friendly, and fully equipped. Explore the hidden lakes and rivers near Fort Drum, target trophy fish, and create memories that last a lifetime. Book your private ice fishing adventure Upstate New York today!