Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake behind a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to reach Tupper Lake for extended paddling and boating, but it can also be a hub of activity, offering opportunities to paddle, boat, fish, ice fish, and birdwatch.

‍How to get there

From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 toward Piercefield. Continue for just under 1-mile to the park on the left. Here you'll find access for paddling, a small boat launch, and ice fishing.

‍Paddling

Raquette Pond is a large, open body of water that offers a scenic but sometimes challenging paddling experience. It serves as a gateway to longer trips into Tupper Lake and the Raquette River system, making it a useful starting point for extended routes. Because the pond is exposed, wind can quickly create choppy conditions and even whitecaps, so paddlers should stay alert and plan accordingly. On calmer days, exploring the shoreline and grassy edges can be especially enjoyable. Motorboats are present, so awareness and caution are important while navigating the water.

‍Fishing

Raquette Pond offers easy and accessible fishing for anglers of all experience levels. Its shallow waters—generally just over 10 feet deep—create ideal conditions for species like smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed. Shore fishing is possible from public access points, docks, and open shoreline areas, making it a convenient stop for casual visitors. More serious anglers often prefer small boats to reach weedy shallows and deeper pockets where fish tend to concentrate. Because the pond connects to the Raquette River system, it also provides opportunities to explore additional fishing areas nearby.

PLEASE NOTE: A large portion of the shore is private property, so please respect private lands.

‍Ice fishing

During winter, Raquette Pond becomes a popular and easily accessible ice fishing location in the Tupper Lake area. Its location near town allows anglers to reach the ice quickly without long travel, making it ideal for short outings. When conditions are safe, fish such as perch, bass, and pike can be targeted beneath the frozen surface. Anglers should be cautious near moving water, especially where the Raquette River flows into or out of the pond, as ice may be thinner in those areas. Overall, it provides a convenient and relaxed setting for winter fishing.

‍Birding

Raquette Pond provides a simple but productive birding stop, especially for those seeking open-country and wetland species in the Adirondacks. The pond’s grassy edges and shallow waters create ideal conditions for birds that are less common in heavily forested areas nearby. Birders can scan from the shoreline or nearby access points, where species such as Red-winged Blackbird, Savannah Sparrow, and various swallows are often active. Waterfowl may be present in calmer sections of the pond, particularly in the early morning. While not as species-dense as bog habitats, Raquette Pond offers easy viewing and a worthwhile habitat contrast.