Frequently Asked Questions

  • Trips can be booked directly through our online calendar here. For custom requests or larger groups, please email or text to book. A deposit is typically required to reserve your date.

    Early booking is recommended as dates tend to book up quickly. Email or text us to join the cancellation list for unavailable dates.

  • We offer guided fishing trips throughout the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake area from May to early September, with options ranging from shorter trips to full-day flexible experiences. View all available options and book online here.

    Common trip options include:

    • 2-hour trips (midday or evening)

    • 4-hour trips (morning or afternoon)

    • 8-hour trips (morning or afternoon)

    • Full-day flexible trip (sunrise to sunset)

    Trips are available on the following lakes:

    • Lake Placid

    • Oseetah/Saranac Lakes

    • St. Regis

    Note that 2-hour trips are Lake Placid only. Lake Placid is typically best for trout and panfish, while Oseetah/St. Regis are best for bass and pike. If you’re not sure which trip is best for your group, feel free to reach out and we can help recommend the best option.

  • Safety always comes first. If conditions are unsafe or uncomfortable for boating, trips will be rescheduled pending availability, or refunded.

    As long as conditions are safe — for example, rain without thunder or lightning — Zac is happy to give it a try. If weather cuts a trip short, pricing can be adjusted accordingly.

  • We understand plans can change. Please cancel as soon as possible, or at least 3 days prior to your booking for a refund of your deposit. Refer to the last question for weather related cancellations.

  • Where you will meet Zac on the day of your trip varies depending on the location of the trip booked. Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your scheduled trip time, as Zac typically has multiple trips scheduled throughout the day.

    Lake Placid:
    Lake Placid Public Boat Launch (NOT the private marina)
    30 George & Bliss Lane, Lake Placid, NY

    Oseetah:
    Lake Flower boat launch
    106–112 River Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

    St. Regis:
    Boat launch at 70–96 St Regis Carry Rd, Lake Clear, NY

  • Lake Placid: There is parking on the street on Mirror Lake Drive. There is also a parking lot next to the public boat launch - if you park in this lot, be sure to park in a single car space, not a truck/trailer space, otherwise there is a risk of ticketing.

    Oseetah/Lake Flower: There is parking at the boat launch.

    St. Regis: There is parking at the boat launch.

  • Yes. Anyone age 16 or older who plans to fish must have a valid New York State fishing license. Licenses can easily be purchased online before your trip or at the town hall. To purchase online, go to this link and click where it says “get started.”

    Guests who are simply coming along for the ride and not fishing do not need a license.

  • We recommend bringing:

    • Weather-appropriate clothing

    • Rain gear or outerwear depending on conditions

    • Sunglasses

    • Hat

    • Sunscreen

    • Food, snacks, and drinks

    • Valid NYS fishing license for any anglers 16+ who plan to fish

  • Yes. All rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing equipment are included with your trip. Everything is set up and ready to go so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

    Equipment is available for a wide range of fishing techniques, including:

    • Fly fishing

    • Spinning

    • Trolling

    You are also welcome to bring some of your own gear if you’d like.

  • Trips take place aboard Zac’s fully equipped 22’ Blazer Bay, outfitted with all required safety equipment.

    Your trip includes:

    • Experienced professional guide service

    • All fishing gear and tackle

    • Bottled drinking water

    • Emergency safety equipment

  • Yes — please let us know ahead of time about:

    • Any allergies or medical conditions

    • Mobility limitations or physical considerations

    • Any specific requests or goals for your trip

    • Any medications or emergency protocols that may be important on the water (for example, bee allergies requiring an EpiPen)

    The more information we have ahead of time, the better we can customize the experience and make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable.

  • Not at all. Trips are designed for both beginners and experienced anglers. If you’re new to fishing, Zac will walk you through everything step-by-step so you can quickly feel comfortable and confident on the water.

  • Absolutely. Kids are always welcome, and family trips are one of Zac’s favorite experiences to guide.

    If you’re bringing children, please let us know their ages and approximate sizes ahead of time so appropriate life jackets can be prepared. Kids trips are designed to maximize action and create a fun experience for everyone involved.

  • Trips are typically designed for up to five anglers on the boat for the best overall experience.

    If you have a larger group, please reach out ahead of time as this will require a custom booking. Additional boats or guides can often be arranged to accommodate larger parties.

  • Yes — dogs are welcome on board. Just let us know ahead of time so Zac can prepare for the extra guest.

  • Some fish may be kept in accordance with New York State fishing regulations and Zac’s discretion.

    Most trips focus primarily on catch-and-release fishing to help preserve the local fisheries. If fish are kept, Zac is happy to help with cleaning them for you.

  • Fishing success, especially for larger fish, always depends on weather, season, and conditions, but Zac carefully plans trips around the best opportunities possible and works hard to put clients on fish. Introductory and kids trips are always guaranteed fish.

  • There are great fishing opportunities throughout Zac’s spring/summer fishing season thanks to the variety of species in the Adirondacks.

    Typical seasonal patterns include:

    • Trout: May–June (Lake Placid)

    • Bass: June–September (Oseetah, St Regis)

    • Pike: May-July (Oseetah)

    • Panfish: All summer

  • Trips can be customized well beyond traditional fishing experiences. Depending on your interests and conditions, options may include:

    • Swimming

    • Cliff jumping

    • Snorkeling

    • Wildlife photography

    • Scenic lake tours

    • Historical and local sightseeing

    • Sunset cruises

    • Hiking

    Let us know ahead of time if you’d like to participate in any of these activities during your trip. If there’s something specific you’d like to do that isn’t listed, just ask.