ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Ice fishing is a favorite pastime across New York, and one of its local lakes is getting national recognition as a premier destination.

Year-round, Soco Outdoor Sport Fishing owner Nicholas Sokolowski can be found on Oneida Lake.

With cold temperatures, that keep most people indoors. For Sokolowski, one of the top ice fishing spots in the United States is in his own backyard.

“We got lucky in 2018 when the housing market was good,” Sokolowski said. “We’re blessed to have this piece of property on Oneida.”

According to information released by Fishingbooker, an online travel agency that connects anglers with fishing guides and charter boats, Oneida Lake, the largest lake located entirely within New York state, has been chosen as the second-best location to ice fish in the country.

“Each morning I get out here early in the morning and get my shanny set up before clients arrive,”  Sokolowski said.

It’s a real catch for his business.

“It’s good to see that our lake ranks that, with walleye perch, because it does drive a lot of business into our towns,” Sokolowski said. “And, Oneida Lake’s a fun fishery. You can, fish shallow, deep water. There’s a lot of offshore structure points. There’s a lot of areas that you can get away from crowds, also and have your own space.”

He’s willing to overcome the winter elements and Mother Nature, to continue to pursue his passion.

“I love what I do and I am blessed to be able to do this every day,” Sokolowski said.

And to expand the love for the sport.

“When I see the smiling faces at the end of a trip,holding up the fish, and then getting people, you know, messaging me later on in the day saying, Nick, we had a phenomenal time out on your charter or out on the ice,” Sokolowski said. “Like, we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Makes me push that much harder to do better next year, the following season.”

Sokolowski’s business will continue to offer ice fishing charters from mid to late February. Open water charters begin May 1 on Oneida Lake.

“If you’re definitely looking into getting into this industry, you can either get one of us guides out on the lake to teach you and get you out,”  Sokolowski said. “I love seeing everybody have great success out on the lake, not just my business.”