
Upstate Guide Service is a full-time, licensed, insured, and professional expert guide service that has been providing safe and enjoyable angling trips on Skaneateles Lake since 2003!
As the longest-running and most experienced guide service on Skaneateles Lake, Upstate Guide Service provides successful fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
As a responsible steward, Upstate Guide Service shows obvious respect for the lakes’ environment and fishery.
Since 2003 Mike Crawford, owner of Upstate Guide Service, has led countless anglers on the pristine waters of Skaneateles Lake.
Upstate Guide Service remains the most experienced guide service on Skaneateles Lake.
Learn how to catch fish with the rod in your hand… Not in a rod holder! 
We take pride in introducing beginners to this fascinating lake, as well as providing challenging fishing for experienced anglers.
Spend time learning effective and fun techniques for catching fish with Upstate Guide Service!
Anglers and families enjoying a fishing trip with Upstate Guide Service are brought aboard a brand new 2021 Lund Impact! This state-of-the-art fishing machine is safe, comfortable, and effective.
Upstate Guide Service has been operating safely — with integrity — on Skaneateles Lake for 20 seasons!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (8)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
89%
Caught fish
100%
Jun 26, 2025
6 Hour Trip
Mike offers the best guide service available for Skaneateles. Professional and knowledgeable in every aspect. My buddy and I caught 50+ fish on our charter with a Mix of trout and smallmouth bass. Fabulous day, would recommend Mike to anyone.
Mike offers the best guide service available for Skaneateles. Professional and knowledgeable in every aspect. My buddy and I caught...
Jul 8, 2025
6 Hour Trip
Great trip Mike is an excellent captain
Great trip Mike is an excellent captain
Norman, OK
Jul 12, 2023
6 Hour Trip
One of the best guided fishing trips I've ever been on. I had requested ahead of time that I'd like to focus on Smallies during our trip, and Mike was happy to oblige. He had us on the fish from the outset, and I lost count of how many we caught during the day. We even stumbled across a few other species throughout the day. If you like to actually FISH, and not just troll around the lake, then Mike is the guide for you!
One of the best guided fishing trips I've ever been on. I had requested ahead of time that I'd like to focus on Smallies during...
Pittsford, NY
Oct 7, 2022
6 Hour Trip
My son and I had an awesome day with Mike. Caught a bunch of Lake trout, some rock bass and a monster 5lb smallmouth. Had a great time, learned a ton and made the most out of a cooler drizzly day. Mike was great with my 11 yr old who doesn’t always take instruction very well. Thanks Mike, heal up and we will find some time to go out again next year! Be well.
My son and I had an awesome day with Mike. Caught a bunch of Lake trout, some rock bass and a monster 5lb smallmouth. Had a great...
Rohrerstown, PA
Jul 21, 2023
6 Hour Trip
Captain Mike was so attentive the entire trip. He go us on the fish. Had a great day! Thanks Captain Mike
Captain Mike was so attentive the entire trip. He go us on the fish. Had a great day! Thanks Captain Mike
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (8)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
89%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip on June 26, 2025
Mike offers the best guide service available for Skaneateles. Professional and knowledgeable in every aspect. My buddy and I caught 50+ fish on our charter with a Mix of trout and smallmouth bass. Fabulous day, would recommend Mike to anyone.
Mike offers the best guide service available for Skaneateles. Professional and knowledgeable in every aspect. My buddy and I caught 50+ fish on our charter with a Mix of trout and smallmouth bass. Fabulous day, would recommend Mike to anyone.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip on July 8, 2025
Great trip Mike is an excellent captain
Great trip Mike is an excellent captain

Norman, OK
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip on July 12, 2023
One of the best guided fishing trips I've ever been on. I had requested ahead of time that I'd like to focus on Smallies during our trip, and Mike was happy to oblige. He had us on the fish from the outset, and I lost count of how many we caught during the day. We even stumbled across a few other species throughout the day. If you like to actually FISH, and not just troll around the lake, then Mike is the guide for you!
One of the best guided fishing trips I've ever been on. I had requested ahead of time that I'd like to focus on Smallies during our trip, and Mike was happy to oblige. He had us on the fish from the outset, and I lost count of how many we caught during the day. We even stumbled across a few other species throughout the day. If you like to actually FISH, and not just troll around the lake, then Mike is the guide for you!
Pittsford, NY
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip on October 7, 2022
My son and I had an awesome day with Mike. Caught a bunch of Lake trout, some rock bass and a monster 5lb smallmouth. Had a great time, learned a ton and made the most out of a cooler drizzly day. Mike was great with my 11 yr old who doesn’t always take instruction very well. Thanks Mike, heal up and we will find some time to go out again next year! Be well.
My son and I had an awesome day with Mike. Caught a bunch of Lake trout, some rock bass and a monster 5lb smallmouth. Had a great time, learned a ton and made the most out of a cooler drizzly day. Mike was great with my 11 yr old who doesn’t always take instruction very well. Thanks Mike, heal up and we will find some time to go out again next year! Be well.
Rohrerstown, PA
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip on July 21, 2023
Captain Mike was so attentive the entire trip. He go us on the fish. Had a great day! Thanks Captain Mike
Captain Mike was so attentive the entire trip. He go us on the fish. Had a great day! Thanks Captain Mike
