Nolan's Wild
Status: enriched
Stephen Nolan has spent 30 years guiding anglers across New York's diverse waters, from the Lower Esopus River in the Hudson Valley to the remote lakes and rivers of the Adirondacks. He targets smallmouth and largemouth bass on the Lower Esopus, Oswegatchie River, and South Branch Grasse River during spring, summer, and fall, with fly and spin tackle equally at home in his hands. Winter finds him on the ice at Cranberry Lake pursuing northern pike and perch. His operation spans multiple techniques—fly fishing, spin fishing, bow fishing, and ice fishing—making him a true generalist guide who adapts to season, water, and client preference.
Details
- Species: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Common Carp, Northern Pike
- Tags: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, First-Time Anglers, Drift Boat, Shore / Wade Only, Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Year-Round, Family Friendly, Full Day, Wade Trip, Float Trip, Charter, Instructional, Catch & Release, Gear Provided, Freshwater
Waters Serviced (1)
| Destination | Type |
|---|---|
| Oswegatchie River | river |
FAQ — Nolan's Wild
Raw guide data (JSON)
{
"id": "d9cf1bed-b4fb-4df4-9295-1ac030bb278f",
"organizationId": "3b64bbdf-b5da-42cd-8c0a-6369898cbe71",
"name": "Nolan's Wild",
"guideName": "Stephen Nolan",
"slug": "nolans-wild",
"bio": "Stephen Nolan has spent 30 years guiding anglers across New York's diverse waters, from the Lower Esopus River in the Hudson Valley to the remote lakes and rivers of the Adirondacks. He targets smallmouth and largemouth bass on the Lower Esopus, Oswegatchie River, and South Branch Grasse River during spring, summer, and fall, with fly and spin tackle equally at home in his hands. Winter finds him on the ice at Cranberry Lake pursuing northern pike and perch. His operation spans multiple techniques—fly fishing, spin fishing, bow fishing, and ice fishing—making him a true generalist guide who adapts to season, water, and client preference.",
"yearsExperience": 30,
"descriptionShort": "Nolan's Wild offers year-round guided fishing across New York's Hudson Valley and Adirondacks. Stephen Nolan specializes in multi-species trips using fly, spin, bow, and ice-fishing techniques on rivers and lakes, welcoming anglers of all skill levels.",
"descriptionLong": null,
"editorialPitch": "Stephen Nolan rotates through New York's best-kept secrets—from smallmouth on the Lower Esopus to pike through the ice at Cranberry Lake—turning every season into a different adventure.",
"fishinessRating": 4,
"rating": null,
"reviewCount": 0,
"vertical": "guide_service",
"isOutfitter": false,
"hasMultipleGuides": false,
"guideType": "multi_species",
"tripStyle": "relaxed_family",
"fishingTypes": [
"fly fishing",
"spin fishing",
"bow fishing",
"ice fishing",
"drift boat"
],
"bestFor": [
"freshwater",
"fly-fishing",
"families",
"beginner",
"intermediate",
"advanced",
"smallmouth-bass",
"pike",
"catch-and-release",
"accessible"
],
"hasGoogleMaps": true,
"qualityTier": "good",
"thinData": false,
"possiblyClosed": false,
"city": "Elmont",
"stateProvince": "NY",
"countryCode": "US",
"country": null,
"timezone": "UTC-4",
"canonicalUrl": "https://nolanswild.com/book-a-trip",
"tripAdvisorUrl": null,
"googleMapsUrl": "https://maps.google.com/?cid=4347450790116708489&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA",
"openMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year offers a diverse experience across New York's stunning landscapes, from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks. In the Hudson Valley, the Lower Esopus River provides excellent opportunities throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall for both fly and spin fishing. This period is ideal for targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass, with the warmer months offering consistent action. As the seasons change, so do the opportunities. The Adirondacks present a unique year-round fishing experience. Cranberry Lake and the Oswegatchie River are prime locations for smallmouth bass and northern pike during the warmer months. When winter arrives, I transition to ice fishing on Cranberry Lake, offering a thrilling chase for northern pike and perch in a serene, frozen wilderness. Each season brings its own charm and challenges, ensuring a memorable trip no matter when you choose to book.",
"meetingPoint": null,
"providesGear": true,
"gearNotes": "All rods, reels, tackle, and specialized gear (including ice-fishing equipment and bow-fishing setup) are provided. Waders and boots are available. Clients of all ages and skill levels are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred.",
"kidFriendly": true,
"skillLevel": "all ages and levels",
"cancellationPolicy": null,
"licenseInfo": null,
"whatToExpect": "Trips vary by season and location: spring through fall on the Lower Esopus focuses on smallmouth and largemouth bass with both fly and spin setups, while summer and fall in the Adirondacks offers pike and bass on Cranberry Lake and the Oswegatchie River. Winter transitions to ice fishing on frozen Cranberry Lake for pike and perch in a serene wilderness setting. All gear is provided, and the pace accommodates all skill levels from families to experienced anglers.",
"status": "enriched",
"profileTier": "standard",
"pipelineId": 333,
"createdAt": "2026-06-08T18:24:39.313Z",
"updatedAt": "2026-06-15T17:15:09.688Z",
"credentials": [],
"geom": {
"type": "Point",
"coordinates": [
-73.7175019,
40.6936259
]
},
"tags": [
{
"slug": "beginner",
"name": "Beginner",
"tagType": "ability"
},
{
"slug": "intermediate",
"name": "Intermediate",
"tagType": "ability"
},
{
"slug": "advanced",
"name": "Advanced",
"tagType": "ability"
},
{
"slug": "first-time-anglers",
"name": "First-Time Anglers",
"tagType": "best_for"
},
{
"slug": "drift-boat",
"name": "Drift Boat",
"tagType": "boat_type"
},
{
"slug": "shore-only",
"name": "Shore / Wade Only",
"tagType": "boat_type"
},
{
"slug": "fly-fishing",
"name": "Fly Fishing",
"tagType": "fishing_style"
},
{
"slug": "spin-fishing",
"name": "Spin Fishing",
"tagType": "fishing_style"
},
{
"slug": "year-round",
"name": "Year-Round",
"tagType": "season"
},
{
"slug": "family-friendly",
"name": "Family Friendly",
"tagType": "theme"
},
{
"slug": "full-day",
"name": "Full Day",
"tagType": "trip_format"
},
{
"slug": "wade-trip",
"name": "Wade Trip",
"tagType": "trip_format"
},
{
"slug": "float-trip",
"name": "Float Trip",
"tagType": "trip_format"
},
{
"slug": "charter",
"name": "Charter",
"tagType": "trip_format"
},
{
"slug": "instructional",
"name": "Instructional",
"tagType": "trip_format"
},
{
"slug": "catch-and-release",
"name": "Catch & Release",
"tagType": "trip_format"
},
{
"slug": "gear-provided",
"name": "Gear Provided",
"tagType": "trip_inclusion"
},
{
"slug": "freshwater",
"name": "Freshwater",
"tagType": "water_type"
}
],
"faqs": [
{
"id": "105b72d7-bcfa-4ca1-ac39-6201b07ff0ac",
"question": "What is the deposit and payment policy?",
"answer": "50% deposit due upon booking. Trips are fully payable on the date of the trip. Date is subject to conditions. Must sign waiver.",
"category": "booking",
"sortOrder": 0
},
{
"id": "4979f58d-fbfa-40f5-8720-8d499db035b7",
"question": "What species can I catch with Nolan's Wild?",
"answer": "Nolan's Wild targets Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Common Carp. They specialize in multi-species freshwater angling.",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 0
},
{
"id": "fa17017f-0b7b-40b8-99bb-0b816e33aa6b",
"question": "What is included in the trip price?",
"answer": "All fishing equipment provided.",
"category": "trip",
"sortOrder": 1
},
{
"id": "d644cf19-4ee0-47d1-8d5b-b1a0e7cd6f7b",
"question": "What types of fishing does Nolan's Wild offer?",
"answer": "Nolan's Wild offers a variety of fishing methods including fly fishing, spin fishing, bow fishing, and ice fishing. They also utilize drift boats for river trips.",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 1
},
{
"id": "bfcd45a6-66f5-4012-915c-978e2a70a9cc",
"question": "What should I bring?",
"answer": "Must bring your own polarized sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, waders, weather-appropriate clothing, and additional food/beverage if needed.",
"category": "trip",
"sortOrder": 2
},
{
"id": "56edf594-572b-4944-8d03-4520ccd7740e",
"question": "Where does Nolan's Wild primarily fish?",
"answer": "Nolan's Wild guides fishing trips across New York's Hudson Valley and Adirondacks, with specific mention of the Oswegatchie River as a destination.",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 2
},
{
"id": "b8fd9e23-c5ea-472e-988d-6e4fa840702e",
"question": "Do I need a fishing license?",
"answer": "NYS Day Fishing License must be purchased here.",
"category": "fishing",
"sortOrder": 3
},
{
"id": "d9862e72-88f5-43e2-9f48-5ab23e73a40f",
"question": "Is Nolan's Wild suitable for beginners?",
"answer": "Yes, Nolan's Wild welcomes anglers of all skill levels, including beginners and first-time anglers. They offer instructional trips.",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 3
},
{
"id": "6e2b690d-83f7-4c98-b9c0-4f7b30fa8b58",
"question": "How many people can go on a trip?",
"answer": "Available for 1-2 people.",
"category": "booking",
"sortOrder": 4
},
{
"id": "c91cb4a5-37e8-4cc7-8c46-a7818e211880",
"question": "Are children welcome?",
"answer": "All ages and levels are welcome.",
"category": "children",
"sortOrder": 5
}
],
"destinations": [
{
"slug": "oswegatchie-river",
"name": "Oswegatchie River",
"type": "river",
"primary": true,
"confirmed": true,
"relationship": "nearby",
"distanceMeters": null
}
],
"primaryDestinationSlug": "oswegatchie-river",
"accommodations": [],
"species": [
{
"slug": "smallmouth-bass",
"commonName": "Smallmouth Bass",
"category": "freshwater",
"availableMonths": [
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Targeted in the Hudson Valley's Lower Esopus River and the Adirondacks' Cranberry Lake and Oswegatchie River. Available from Spring through Fall, offering excellent fly and spin fishing opportunities.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "largemouth-bass",
"commonName": "Largemouth Bass",
"category": "freshwater",
"availableMonths": [
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Found in the Hudson Valley's Lower Esopus River and the Adirondacks' Cranberry Lake. Best pursued during the Spring, Summer, and Fall.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "rainbow-trout",
"commonName": "Rainbow Trout",
"category": "freshwater",
"availableMonths": [
3,
4,
5
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Available in the Lower Esopus River during the Spring, offering a great opportunity for fly or spin fishing.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "brown-trout",
"commonName": "Brown Trout",
"category": "freshwater",
"availableMonths": [
3,
4,
5
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Can be found in the Lower Esopus River during the Spring, providing chances for both fly and spin anglers.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "common-carp",
"commonName": "Common Carp",
"category": "freshwater",
"availableMonths": [
4,
5,
6,
7,
8
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Bow fishing for trophy-sized carp on the Lower Esopus River is a unique experience available during the Spring and Summer.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "northern-pike",
"commonName": "Northern Pike",
"category": "freshwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "A prime target in the Adirondacks' Cranberry Lake and Oswegatchie River during the warmer months, and also a key species for ice fishing on Cranberry Lake in winter.",
"notes": null
}
],
"reviews": [],
"avgRating": null,
"imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/hero.webp",
"photos": [
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/hero.webp",
"altText": "Sunrise over a misty, snow-covered lake seen from a wooden deck through bare trees",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 0,
"purpose": "hero",
"category": null
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-001.webp",
"altText": "Nolan's Wild circular logo with mountains, a river, and a sun",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 1,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "branding"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-002.webp",
"altText": "Angler wading in a wide river surrounded by dense green trees under a cloudy sky",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 2,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-003.webp",
"altText": "Man in a plaid shirt holding a large golden Common Carp with bowfishing gear",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 3,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-004.webp",
"altText": "Panoramic view of a large lake surrounded by forests under a dramatic cloudy sky",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 4,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "environment"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-005.webp",
"altText": "Three children holding a Northern Pike on a vast, snowy frozen lake",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 5,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-006.webp",
"altText": "Man smiling, holding a large Rainbow Trout in a river with a snowy bank",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 6,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-007.webp",
"altText": "Two anglers holding a large Rainbow Trout under a concrete bridge",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 7,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-008.webp",
"altText": "Child ice fishing on a frozen lake with a small island of trees in the distance",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 8,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-009.webp",
"altText": "Man smiling, holding a Largemouth Bass by a pond with a cloudy sky",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 9,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-010.webp",
"altText": "Child in winter gear pulling a sled across a snowy, frozen lake",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 10,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-011.webp",
"altText": "Young boy in waders and a baseball cap holding a small Brown Trout in a river",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 11,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-012.webp",
"altText": "Close-up of a green and yellow fly with striped feathers on a blue surface",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 12,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "gear"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-013.webp",
"altText": "Young boy in a winter hat holding a Brown Trout in a river",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 13,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-014.webp",
"altText": "Large Common Carp and bowfishing gear lying in the bottom of a boat",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 14,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-015.webp",
"altText": "Sunset over a vast, snow-covered frozen lake with distant hills",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 15,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "environment"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-016.webp",
"altText": "Two people standing next to a drift boat on a snowy river bank",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 16,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "boat"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-017.webp",
"altText": "Man holding a Rainbow Trout by its mouth next to a pond",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 17,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-018.webp",
"altText": "Angler wading in a river under a green bridge surrounded by trees",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 18,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-019.webp",
"altText": "View from the bow of a boat on a wide river with bare trees on the banks",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 19,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "boat"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-020.webp",
"altText": "Three people in a drift boat on a calm river surrounded by autumn trees",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 20,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "boat"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-021.webp",
"altText": "Child ice fishing next to a sled and an ice auger on a frozen lake",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 21,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-022.webp",
"altText": "Exterior of a rustic cabin with a green metal roof surrounded by trees",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 22,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "environment"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-023.webp",
"altText": "Angler casting a fly rod in a river surrounded by autumn foliage",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 23,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-024.webp",
"altText": "Close-up of a fly line and reel with water splashing in a bright green river",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 24,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "action"
},
{
"url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/nolans-wild/gallery-025.webp",
"altText": "Man in waders standing by a drift boat on a rocky river bank",
"caption": null,
"sortOrder": 25,
"purpose": "gallery",
"category": "boat"
}
]
}