Port Henry Ice Fishing

As soon as Lake Champlain freezes in late December or early January, ice shanties sprout up around the town of Port Henry. During the peak season, one can expect to find between 800 and 1,000 shanties on the lake near Port Henry. These shanties will stay in place until the lake melts or until the season ends on March 15th.

Kay Hanson notes that these shanties create a wintertime fishing village of sorts, where people go from shanty to shanty socializing. Lately, families have been coming with sleds, so often one finds children riding up and down the lake among the shanties. Among the highlights for ice fishermen are the various fishing derbies held throughout the season on the lake.

Ice fishers target lake trout, salmon, walleye, yellow perch, and white perch using iigging lines and tip-ups with 30-pound test line. According to local experts, last year was the best fishing they've seen in a long time and they are hoping for similar success this year.


For those traveling to the area, Poor Man's Fishing Charters and Shanty Rentals rents 25 shanties, which can accommodate two, four and six persons respectively. Daily shanty rentals range in price from $40.00 to $105.000. The shanties can be booked for day or night fishing. Gas heat, and a ride in an enclosed sleigh to the shanty are included in the price, and visitors can book their accommodations in a local motel when they reserve their shanty rental. Also, anglers can buy some tackle if needed.

Also, Pete Hanson Shanties has about 8 shanties available for rent at a cost of $30.00 to $60.00, which includes heat and transportation to the shanty. Pete provides starter bait and can provide instruction to enable even the newbie angler to catch fish.


A New York or Vermont freshwater fishing license is required for fishing on Lake Champlain. Log on to www.dec.state.ny.us/website/reg5/r5fish/lakchamp for the latest updates on fishing regulations and other pertinent information about Lake Champlain.

For information about renting ice shanties in the Port Henry area contact: