New York’s Finger Lakes
FISHING & HUNTING GUIDE
AN OUTDOOR GUIDE TO THE WATERS & HUNTING GROUNDS OF THE FINGER LAKES
w w w. f i n g e r l a k e s . o r g
Fishing & Hunting in the Finger Lakes
Montreal
87
Toronto
Lake Ontario
Niagara Falls
Lake Erie
81 Syracuse NYS Thruway
90 Albany
90
Detroit
75
Rochester
390
86
Boston
Binghamton
Corning
17
Cleveland
90
W
hat makes hunting and fishing so special in the Finger Lakes?
Start with the 11 pristine Finger Lakes and 133,932 acres of water. Add Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, many smaller lakes and ponds and a host of rivers and streams and you have countless opportunities to pursue your favorite fish. The Finger Lakes and nearby Lake Ontario have long been known as a world class fishery. There is no other place in the entire world that produces consistent trophy-sized trout, salmon, bass, walleye, pike, carp and catfish. This fishing Mecca can be enjoyed during all four seasons. From winter steelhead stream fishing to summer king salmon, from fishing on the ice to pond fishing in the Finger Lakes National Forest, the Finger Lakes region of New York should be every angler’s destination. Whether you prefer the complexities of down rigger fishing from a boat, or simply casting a worm from shore, we have those options available. Make the commitment, pick a date, and we’ll provide the fish! Each year, the last full weekend in June is designated as Free Fishing Days throughout New York State when no license is required to fish the waters of the Empire State. It’s a great opportunity to introduce newcomers to great fishing in the Finger Lakes region. Now consider the 1/4 million acres of public hunting lands in 118 locations throughout a mostly rural region containing many heavily forested areas, fields, meadows and wetlands. Ranging in size from 16,000 acres in the Finger Lakes National Forest to 32 acres in the Cross Lake Wildlife Management Area, these lands provide hunters with many options. One can pursue trophy whitetail deer, many of world-class rank, in virtually any locale in the region in October, November and December. You may even have an opportunity to bag a black bear in Steuben, Chemung or Schuyler Counties. Waterfowl can be found in any of the abundant wetlands near Lake Ontario or elsewhere in the region. You might try calling in a frantically gobbling tom turkey in May; try your luck in bagging a flushed ruffed grouse in December or enjoy the baying of your hound on the trail of a cottontail in February. With so many great options of which water to fish and which land to hunt, plan your next trip to the Finger Lakes now. You may be the next lucky sportsman or sportswoman to bag that lunker trout or monster buck of a lifetime!
2
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
New York City
Pittsburgh
80
71 Columbus
87
15
79
80
70
Mass. Turnpike
76
81
Newark
Philadelphia
Harrisburg
83
81
95 Washington DC
Contents Introduction...................................................2 Fishing Fishing Derbies & Species Guide ................3 Great Lakes Lake Ontario...........................................4-5 Finger Lakes West to East Conesus ....................................................6 Hemlock ....................................................7 Canadice ...................................................8 Honeoye ....................................................9 Canandaigua......................................10-11 Keuka .................................................12-13 Seneca ...............................................14-15 Cayuga...............................................16-17 Owasco ...................................................18 Skaneateles .............................................19 Otisco ......................................................20 Onondaga ..................................................21 Oneida........................................................22 Other Lakes ................................................23 Rivers and Canals .................................24-25 Streams .................................................26-27 Hunting ........................................................28 Map Sources, Area Restrictions/Permits ....28 Licensed Hunting Guides and Preserves ..29 Map of Public Hunting Lands................30-31 Public Hunting Lands listings................32-35 Services Licensed Fishing Guides, Charters & Marinas ..............................................36-37 Travel & Outdoor Resources .....................38-39
Fishing Derbies
May June June June June June June June July July July July August August August August August October Nov.
Location Conesus Lake Owasco Lake Lake Ontario Naples Conesus Lake Lake Ontario Lake Ontario May Seneca Lake Oneida Lake Canandaigua Owego Cayuga & Seneca Cayuga Lake Corning Conesus Lake Cayuga Lake Conesus & Honeoye Seneca Lake Lake Ontario Lake Ontario Keuka Lake Sodus Bay, Cayuga & Seneca Lakes Oneida Lake Lake Ontario Oneida Lake Conesus Lake
Species Guide
Type Ice fishing Ice fishing Ice fishing Trout Walleye & Pike Trout & Salmon Trout & Salmon Owasco Lake Trout & Salmon Bass Lake Trout Catfish Carp Bass Bass & Pan Fish Bass Bass Bass Trout & Bass Trout & Salmon Multi-Species Bass Bass
Details Conesus Lake Memorial Open Ice Fishing Tournament. www.avonanglers.com Bass Pro Shops Annual Ice Derby. 315-258-2700, www.basspro.com\ Screwy Louie's Ice Fishing Derby. 315-947-6348, www.screwylouiessportshop.com Naples Rainbow Trout Derby. 585-374-2629 Conesus Lake Walleye/Pike Tournament. www.avonanglers.com LOC Fishing Spring Derby. 888-733-5246, www.loc.org LOC Fishing Summer Derby. 888-733-5246, www.loc.org Multi-SpeciesBass Pro Shops Charity Fishing Tourney 315-258-2700, www.basspro.com National Lake Trout Derby. 315-781-2195 or 315-789-8634 Rochester Bass Masters Tournament. www.rochesterbassmasters.com Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby. 585-394-4400 Annual Catfish Derby at Hickories Park. 607-687-1792 Finger Lakes Carp Derby. 315-568-9063 Seneca Cty. Chamber of Commerce Bass Derby. 315-568-2906 Father's Day Fishing Derby at Spencer Crest Nature Center. Kids. 607-962-2169 Conesus Lake Father's Day Bass Tournament. www.avonanglers.com Bass Weekend Tournament. www.bassmaster.com Rochester Bass Masters Tournament. www.rochesterbassmasters.com 2008 Reeling for Relief Fishing Tournament. 607-734-3317, www.redcrosselmira.org Wayne County Lake Ontario Pro-Am Series Tournament. www.lakeontarioproam.com Fair Haven Challenge. 315-947-6348. www.screwylouissportshop.com American Bass Anglers Tournament Trail. 585-589-6500 Rochester Bass Masters Tournament. www.rochesterbassmasters.com
Bass Trout & Salmon Bass Iron Man III
B.A.S.S. Elite Series and Junior World Campionships. 800-234-4797 LOC Fishing Fall Derby. 888-733-5246, www.loc.org U.S. Anglers Choice-Tournament of Champions. 800-234-4797 www.avonanglers.com
LAKES Canadice Canandaigua Cayuga Conesus Cross Hemlock Honeoye Irondequoit Bay Keuka Lamoka Oneida Ontario Onondaga Otisco Owasco Seneca Skaneateles Waneta RIVERS Chemung Conhocton Genesee Seneca Susquehanna Tioughnioga
Dates February February February April 1 May May May-July
Large Mouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Northern Pike Pickerel
• • • • • • • • • •
Walleye
• • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
• • • • •
Muskilunge
•
Tiger Muskie Coho/Chinook Salmon Landlocked Salmon Brown Trout LakeTrout Rainbow Trout
• • • • • • • • • •
• • • •
• • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • •
• • • • • • •
Brook Trout Smelt Pan Fish Carp
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
• • • • • • •
• • • • •
• •
•
•
• •
•
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
www.fingerlakes.org
3
Photo by Jack Kidd
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario, its associated bays and tributaries provide world-class fishing for a variety of game fish. Discounting the state big fish records that have been annually trashed over the years, an angler can expect to catch Chinook Salmon up to 30 pounds, Coho Salmon weighing 8 pounds, Lake Trout of 15 pounds, Rainbow/Steelhead and Brown Trout up to 20 pounds. Walleye of 10 pounds are common. A 12 pound Northern won’t turn a head and 6 pound Smallmouth are regularly ignored by most anglers. Throw in an occasional Atlantic Salmon, Largemouth Bass and giant Yellow Perch, and you have an angler’s paradise off the shores of the Finger Lakes region. 1 - Braddock Bay and Wildlife Management Area - In the spring, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon are fished near shore. Northern Pike, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are in
4
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
the streams, especially Salmon Creek.
bay in the fall of the year.
During summer and fall, Largemouth, Northern Pike, Pan Fish, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch are taken just outside the bay, while Walleye tend to remain in the bay.
Largemouth fishing is good throughout the bay. The shallows in the south end harbor Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Rock and Silver Bass, Bullheads, Crappie and Sunfish.
In fall, Salmon come back into the bay on their way to Salmon Creek. Later, Brown and Rainbow Trout become concentrated in the bay and feeder streams. (see pages 26-27)
3 - Sodus Bay presents some of the best year round fishing on Lake Ontario. Thousands of Chinook Salmon are stocked annually in Sodus Bay. These imprinted fish return in the fall and attempt to spawn in one of the many tributaries entering the bay.
2 - Irondequoit Bay is more of a lake than open bay. Its many coves, drop offs and shallows are great fish habitat. In spring, large numbers of Rainbows are in the southern area on their way to, or from, Irondequoit Creek. You might also catch Browns trolling the western shore and Salmon are often taken from the northern end of the Bay. You will also find Trout and Salmon coming back into the
After Labor Day, as the Salmon enter the bay, they can be fished from the light house pier or from a small boat. Later in fall you’ll find them along the shore adjacent to Sodus Creek. Brown Trout move into the bay in April and May with most taken from the west pier or trolling the center section southeast
Rochester - Irondequoit - Sodus Point - Fair Haven
4
1 Rochester
3
2
Sodus Point
5
Fair Haven 104
104
Lake Ontario Tackle Box: -----------------
Chinook, Coho, Atlantic Salmon Egg Sacs, Spoons, Flies or Plugs
of Sand Point. In October, Rainbow Trout are also caught off west pier and in the tributaries on egg sacs. Largemouth Bass fishing is good all summer and fall in shallow waters around grassy points and off the islands. TIP: Don’t overlook dock structures, especially the old trestle. In early summer, most Smallmouth Bass are taken from piers or trolling through the channel with crank baits and hair jigs; soft-shell crabs are also good. Later in the summer move your trolling out in the big lake, work t h e ro c k s t r u c t u re b e t w e e n Pultneyville and Maxwell Creek. Rock Bass come in good sizes and numbers in Sodus Bay. Use live bait from ice out to mid June at the points of islands and creek mouths. TIP: A particular hot spot is over a sunken pier off the west side of Newark Island. Perch angling is best in mid-November in the deep center of the bay and off islands fishing minnow tipped jigs. Northern Pike haunt the same habitats as Largemouth Bass. In early season, fish live bait close to bottom at the edges of weed beds, drop-offs and rock piles. Use spinners and live baits with a bobber in summer and fall. For some of the best Bullhead fishing around, head for the mouths of streams, muddy water and marshy shorelines after first heavy rain. The best area may be off the bay bridge or the marsh opposite LeRoy Island.
be had for Perch, Pike and Crappie. For Blue Gill, work in 15 feet anywhere. Favored locations are off the islands, in the south end, and in Connelly’s Cove.
-----------------
4 - Blind Sodus Bay features seasonal Trout and Salmon. Fish for spring Brown and Rainbow Trout by flat line trolling near shore or the barrier bar until early June.
Rainbow and Steelhead Trout
After Labor Day, barrier bar fishing picks up again as Chinook Salmon enter the bay through mid-October. The fall concentration of Trout and Salmon along the shore of Lake Ontario is tremendous.
Northern Pike
Lake Trout Spoons and Downriggers -----------------
Egg Sacs, Spoons, Spinners or Flies ----------------Spoons, Plugs, Spinners, Live Bait -----------------
Carp Dough, Canned Corn
The mid-September/October run of Salmon is followed by a November influx of Browns and Rainbows with some moving all the way to the south end of the bay and into Wolcott Creek.
Large numbers of Rock Bass and Crappie locate around docks and weed lines off rocky points. Yellow Perch prefer to be near the lakeshore or shallows near creek mouths in spring.
Spring Bullhead are caught in the channel. Bass fishing is spectacular in the bay. Work any point jutting into deep water.
By fall, they favor the deeper sections of points and drop offs. Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike are all around the perimeter weed lines, docks and trees.
TIP: After July the fish move to shoals off the mouth of the bay. This is considered some of the best Bass fishing on Lake Ontario.
5 - L i t t l e S o d u s B ay h a s Largemouth Bass in nearly all shallow areas. Northern Pike are also found throughout the bay in weedy areas, particularly in the south end. Brown Trout are easily taken from piers in the spring and fall.
-----------------
Bullhead Worms, Leeches -----------------
Brown Trout Minnows, Worms, Small Spoons, Plugs -----------------
Largemouth Bass Minnows, Plastic Worms, Spinner Baits -----------------
Smallmouth Bass Minnows, Crayfish, Jigs, Spinners, Plugs -----------------
Walleye Live bait, Stickbaits -----------------
TIP: Fall is also good for great numbers of Chinook and Coho Salmon as well as Rainbow Trout taken off piers. A hot spot can be Sterling Creek.
Muskellunge
______________________________
Yellow Perch
Plugs, Spinners, Chubs, Suckers ----------------Spoons, Grubs,
Unparalleled winter ice fishing can
Minnows, Worms, Small Spinners.
www.fingerlakes.org
5
Conesus lake Conesus Lake Tackle Box Walleyes Deep Running Large Billed Crank Baits, Fathead Minnows, Golden Shiners.
20A
256
CR 6
Physical Features: Elevation: .................818 feet Area: .................. 3,420 acres Length: ......................8 miles Maximum width: ..........1 mile Maximum depth: ........66 feet Thermocline: ....about 30 feet
Public Launches
Conesus Inlet Wildlife Management Area - Off West Lake Rd. (Rt. 256), at the south end of the lake.
---------------
Yellow Perch Perch Rigs, Crayfish, Minnows, Small Jigs tipped w/minnows, Grubs
CR8
Conesus Lake Public Boat Launch - East Lake Rd. (CR6) 4 miles south of Rt. 20A.
Pebble Beach - Off Pebble Beach Rd., northwest corner of the lake. Sand Point - located off Rt. 20A, north end of the lake.
---------------
Smallmouth Bass Crankbait Jigs, Bucktails, Mr. Twister, Flies, Crayfish, Minnows, Crabs ---------------
Northern Pike Shiners, Large Chubbs & Suckers, Spinners tipped w/Minnows, Silver Flat Fish, Crank Baits, Large Spoons ---------------
Largemouth Bass Plastic Worms, Spinner Baits, Plastic Grubs & Jigs, Shallow Crank Baits, Surface Lures, Mr. Twister Tails, Buzzbaits Minnows.
Conesus is a well developed and populous lake. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the best opportunities for visitor fishing are before 9am and after 4pm. During the other hours, the lake is busy with thousands of residents fishing its waters. Walleyes are very boat shy. Your best chance for Walleye is to use the Lake Erie method of deep running large billed crank baits 150-200 feet behind a boat off a planer board suspended in a deep central portion between Long and McPherson Points. When ice forms in the north end, fish for Perch, Pike, Walleye and Bass. Yellow Perch fishing on the lake is some of the best in the region. Off Long Point and between McPhersen and Old Orchard Points near the boat launch site area are the spots during spring and fall. TIP: For spring Perch, anchor along the edges of dormant weedbeds and still fish with worms, grubs or minnows. Using perch rigs (spreaders) increases the catch considerably. Still fish rocky bottom structure in deep water on the points between Long Point and Maple Beach in the summer. In fall, concentrate in the hole across from Cottonwood Point, the narrows between McPherson and
6
call us at 1-800-284-3352
Long Points and Eagle Point. Smallmouth Bass are more in the middle of the lake off structures at Old Orchard, Long and McPherson Points in the start of the season. As early summer warms the water, smallmouth locate in the deep water, deep weed lines and rocky ledges off points. Fly fishing can be very effective near shore in shallow water. Most of the best habitat is on the lower end on the west side along points from Long Point to Maple Beach. By late August, work the end of the points. October through November, fish over deep bottom structure. Northern Pike are well distributed throughout the lake and are especially good in the extreme north and south ends. Also try the Cove between McPherson and Old Orchard Points and between Long Point and the south side of Cottonwood Point. Most Northern Pike are caught in less than 30 feet of water on this lake. The majority of northerns spawn in Conesus Inlet Wildlife Management Area, so concentrate your early season action there. When they move to the flats, drift the bait slowly close to the bottom. After May, use a bobber to keep the bait off bottom.
TIP: TROPHY PIKE from 25 to 30 inches are often landed from weed beds north and south of Cottonwood Point especially in fall. Use large bait like a 12 inch sucker fished below a slip bobber. During summer, troll in and out of weed lines using a short wire leader to keep the razor sharp teeth from biting through the line. In winter, work shallow, weedy bays in the north and south ends or through the ice. Largemouth Bass are prevalent in the north end weed beds and take traditional baits on any given morning, especially at sunrise. July through September, fan cast or troll the well defined weed beds around McPherson and Old Orchard Points. The clear water requires small bait and tackle along the inside edge of weed beds or around docks at day break. At daybreak or sunset, cast buzzbaits just over the weeds. TIP: When water cools down switch to smaller jigs with a minnow or pork rind - slower fish slower retrieve. Still fishing live baits like small minnows under a bobber or a jig are more effective at this time.
Hemlock lake Elevation: .................905 feet Area: ..................1,800 acres Length: ......................7 miles Max. width: ...............0.5 mile Max. depth: ................91 feet Thermocline: ....about 30 feet
20A
Hemlock Lake Tackle Box Trout & Salmon Little Cleos, Sliver
Public Access
Spoons, Rapalas,
Northeast corner of the lake, off Rix Road, and at the southeast corner off Rt. 15A. Access is by permit only. Both unimproved access points have gravel ramps.
15A
Rebels, Smelt, Small Jig w/Minnow, Egg Sacs, Worms ---------------
Chain Pickerel Located in southeast Livingston County, Hemlock is one of the two Finger Lakes whose shorelines are virtually undeveloped. Special Regulations - Recreational use of Hemlock Lake is regulated by the City of Rochester Water Department. Fishing and boating are allowed by permit only. Boats may not exceed 16 feet in length and motors may not exceed 10 h.p. Annual permits can be obtained free of charge from a self-service booth at the north end of the lake or by sending a self addressed, stamped envelope to City of Rochester, Watershed Permit, 7412 Rix Hill Rd., Hemlock, NY 14466. Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Landlocked Salmon may be taken year-round. Please check your NYS Fishing Regulations Guide for size and bag limits. Trout and Salmon - Plentiful forage means Lake Trout grow fast and large. A six year old Lake Trout can average 10 pounds, but being well fed means they’re more difficult to catch. Brown Trout run from 3 to 8 lbs. and are taken more often here. For spring and fall Lakers, troll long lines off a planer board using little cleos, rapalas, rebels, or cast cut smelt using a slip sinker to bottom.
SPRING TIP: For Browns and Rainbows, slow drift along shore using a small jig with a minnow along the bottom. There’s an excellent Rainbow run in Springwater Creek – see below. Into summer, move to deep water fishing below the thermocline using downrigger or lead coreline. Then, in late summer, move back to the shallow water. Even worms catch Trout in this water. SUMMER TROUT TIP: For shallow fishing, long leaders and light lines on planer boards increase the catch rate. A variety of stick baits like rapala in black, silver, orange and gold are successful. Silver spoons or little cleos also will bring them in. Ice fishing means tip ups with minnows, jigging lures in the south end. Chain Pickerel can be found in any weed beds, especially in the southern end. June – August work outside the weed lines. In fall, recommended live baits include small suckers, shiners and minnows. Best lures for fall are spinner baits. In winter ice over, fishing for Pickerel and Northern Pike is best at the south end on live minnows, chubbs and small suckers.
Largemouth Bass average 2 lbs. and are limited to weed growth. Most are taken from the extensive weed bed at the south end. HOT SPOT: In the south end, look for the old submerged creek bed and fish deep diving crank baits, plastic worms and bucktail jigs with Mr. Twister Tails. While Mission Point is particularly good, rocky points and drop offs on either side are also worthwhile. For Smallmouth and Rock Bass start with the points on the northwest side. Then, go to any rocky point or ledge. If you find rubble at the mouths of feeder streams, drift over the site casting jigs. After that, switch to deep diving crank baits. TIP: Live bait along shore structure is capable of catching just about everything including Bass, Trout, Perch and other Pan Fish. Springwater Creek has excellent water quality. Fishing is allowed from Kellogg Road to Hemlock Lake, but you still need a permit from Rochester. The early spring and fall spawning runs are most productive for Rainbow Trout fishing egg sacs. The average Rainbow is 3-4 years old and weighs less than 2 pounds. Older specimens of up to 10 pounds are occasionally taken at Springwater Creek Inlet.
www.fingerlakes.org
Spinner Baits, Crankbaits, Silver & Blue Flatfish, Small Suckers, Shiners, Minnows, Chubbs ---------------
Largemouth Bass Diving Crank Baits, Plastic Worms, Bucktail Jigs, Mr. Twister Tails, Shelled Crayfish, Crabs ---------------
Smallmouth & Rock Bass Bugtail Jigs, Black, Yellow & White Mr. Twister Tails, Diving Crank Baits
7
Elevation: ..............1096 feet Area: ....................649 acres Length: .....................3 miles Maximum width: ......0.3 mile Maximum depth: .......95 feet Thermocline: about ...30 feet
Canadice Lake Tackle Box Rainbow, Brown
Access is by special permit only.
& Lake Trout
East side near the intersection of Canadice Road and Birch Hill Road.
Minnows w/Slip Sinker, Egg Sacs,
Canadice Lake Rd.
C anadice Lake
Other informal access points along the east shore are suitable for cartop boats, shore fishing and ice fishing.
Rapalas, Silver Spoons, Swedish Pimples -----------------
Rock Bass Nightcrawlers, Leeches, Crayfish, Small Spinners, Colored Jigs -----------------
Smallmouth Bass Surface Lures, Spinners, Dry Flies, Diving Crank Baits -----------------
Chain Pickerel Spinner Baits, Twister Tails, Hula Skirts, Diving Crank Baits, Shiners, Chubs, Suckers
The smallest of the Finger Lakes, Canadice Lake’s undeveloped, beautifully wooded shores and hillsides provide an unspoiled wilderness setting. It is steep sided with weed beds at each end and larger coves on the east side. With the highest elevation of the 11 Finger Lakes, it freezes before the others. Special Regulations - Recreational use of Canadice Lake is regulated by the City of Rochester Water Department. Fishing and boating is allowed by permit only. No swimming or bathing. Boats may not exceed 16 feet in length and motors may not exceed 10 h.p. Annual permits can be obtained free of charge from a self-service booth at the north end of nearby Hemlock Lake or by sending a self addressed, stamped envelope to City of Rochester, Watershed Permit, 7412 Rix Hill Rd., Hemlock, NY 14466. Lake Trout run bigger here and average 5 lbs. with 10 pounders not unusual. Since there are no tributaries, Browns and Rainbows are stocked and found along shore looking for the warmest water. During spring and fall, all trout species are in relatively shallow water and are vulnerable to surface trolling.
8
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Shoreline fishing is successful with live bait fished on the bottom with a slip sinker. Flat line trolling with rapalas and silver spoons is also worthwhile.
TIP: Fan casting for Smallmouth Bass or Rock Bass is more productive than trolling. Hot spots are the isolated gravel bars and rocky points.
SUMMER TIP: Trout concentrate in a narrow band between oxygen poor bottom and warm top layer. The fish are easy to catch on downriggers or still fishing when you find the proper depth.
Largemouth Bass are uncommon and limited to the northwest corner. They are also occasionally found in the southeast corner near tree stumps and larger weed beds.
In fall, work the loose gravel and rubble areas for Rainbows and Browns. In winter, ice fish tip ups with minnows and Swedish pimples and small jigging rapalas. Rock Bass are the most populous Bass in the lake and run larger than in other Finger Lakes. A good starting point is the large gravel cobblestone bars and trees on west side. Then, work rocky points along the east side. Smallmouth Bass are caught in some of the same places as Rock Bass, in the central section of the western shore and just south of the boat launch. In the shallow water of early summer, use surface lures, spinners and dry flies. When the Bass head out into the lake in summer, use deep diving crank baits. Fly fishing along deep weed lines, rocky ledges and over rocky points will also land some fish.
Chain Pickerel are wherever the weeds are all season long. Cast spinner baits, twister tails or hula skirts in spring and fall, or use deep diving crank baits along deep weed lines. In January, limited catches through the ice are common. Fish over weed beds at the south end using standard tip ups baited with shiners.
H o n e oy e L a k e Public Launches Public Boat LaunchSoutheast corner off East Lake Rd.
Honeoye 20A
Honeye Lake Tackle Box Largemouth Bass Rapalas, Shallow
CR36
E. Lake Rd.
Elevation: ........804 feet Area: ........1,772 acres Length: .........4.5 miles Max. width: ....0.8 mile Max. depth: .....30 feet
Sandy Bottom Beach off Sandy Bottom Rd., Northwest corner of the lake
Crank Baits, Surface Plugs, Buzz Bait, Spinner Baits, Plastic Worms, Live Minnows w/Bobber, Slowly Worked Jigs -----------------
Smallmouth Bass The second smallest Finger Lake, Honeoye is highly developed. The relatively shallow depth of 30 feet and weeds in all water under 15 feet provide exceptional habitat for Walleye, Bass, Pickerel and Pan Fish. Largemouth Bass - Since Largemouth are well distributed throughout this lake, trolling to cover more territory in finding them makes the best sense. In the spring, fish weedy areas in shallow water trolling along the weed lines with rapalas or shallow running crank baits. Later during summer, a hot spot develops just north of Log Cabin Point. Whip surface plugs, buzz bait or spinner baits across the opening of weed beds in the morning. In the afternoon, pitch plastic worms into the openings and allow the lure to flutter to the bottom. Winter ice fishing is best off California Point where you can expect to catch Perch, Crappie and Walleye. TIP: In the fall, when the water temperature gets below 55 degrees, Largemouth become lethargic, so fish live minnows with a bobber or very slowly worked jigs. Smallmouth Bass habitat is limited to gravel bottom areas or points, especially north of the state boat
launch. HOT SPOT: For Smallmouth and all other fish in this water, work the bottom structure around California Point. Summer fishing means working spinner baits and surface lures in shallow water from 6 to 9am. By afternoon, move to deeper water over weed lines and rocky outcroppings. Fish deep diving crank baits, jigs or live bait close to the bottom. By fall, Smallmouth disburse to deep water. Use live baits, chubbs, shiners, water dogs along weed lines and gravel beds to lure them in. Walleye are described as “elusive” but very good in Honeoye. The best time to catch them in May is by night trolling Rapala and Rebel stickbaits in shallow water in the southern end of the lake. During summer, good starting points are in the south end at Log Cabin Point and trolling the center of the lake fishing close to the bottom. Later in the season, fish deeper water at night with bait walkers or drag sinkers and worms or leeches. During the day, use downriggers and slow trolled stickbaits. Chain Pickerel are also widely distributed and found in the same areas as Largemouth Bass. Start in flats and the backsides of bays on
the southern end using spinners and fluttering spoons. Fly fishing is productive during the early season. Work weed lines and over the tops of weed beds with live bait, floating rapalas, silver flat fish, and weedless lures. In winter, Pickerel are all over the lake and taken through the ice on live bait. The Yellow Perch population is excellent. During spring, fish off edges of dormant weed beds or still fish with worms, grubs and minnows as well as small brown jigs. In summer, they’re in the central portion, the drop off at California Point and gravel beds. Live bait is the order of the day with worms, small crayfish, minnows or jigs tipped with minnows. Fall means fishing the deepest water close to the bottom with minnows across from California Point. TIP: For quantity fishing during winter, the hot spot is through the ice at Log Cabin Point. If you’re interested in larger (but fewer) Perch, set up with standard hard water jigs, tipped with mousie grubs, perch eyes or leaf grubs off California Point.
www.fingerlakes.org
Spinner Baits, Surface Lures, Diving Crank Baits, Jigs, Chubbs Shiners -----------------
Walleye Rapala & Rebel Stick Baits, Bait Walkers, Drag Sinkers, Worms, Leaches -----------------
Chain Pickerel Spinners, Fluttering Spoons, Flies, Floating Rapalas, Silver Flat Fish, Weedless Lures. -----------------
Yellow Perch Worms, Grubs, Minnows, Perch Eyes, Small Jigs, Small Crayfish
9
Photo by Jack Kidd
Canandaigua Lake
The fourth largest of the Finger Lakes, Canandaigua means “The Chosen Place” as named by the Native Americans. Unique features include a great holding area for fish, especially Trout, at the south end where there’s a drop off straight across the lake from Coise Point to Woodville and White Rock. Smallmouth Bass fishing is substantial and they’re well distributed throughout the lake. Canandaigua Lake Smallmouth average 1 to 3 pounds but 7 pounders are also caught each year. Look for them near deep drop-offs strewn with rock and rubble all along most points on the east and west shores plus Squaw Island and the pump house.
10
hang around weed bed lines under rocky points or ledges such as Otetiana Point and Deep Run Park, as well as the weed beds in the south end. During fall, Smallmouth are found in similar areas to spring, especially the ledges along High Banks. White Rock, Granger Point and Cook Point hold largest numbers of fall Bass. Lake Trout are the most abundant species in the lake and maintained totally through stocking. The average Laker goes 21 inches and from 3.5 lbs. to as much as 15 lbs. Starting in March, Lake Trout are close to shore and near the mouths of flowing tributaries such as Seneca, Menteth, Tichenor and Willow Grove Points.
By June, the fishery moves from structure out deeper to where shallows meet dropoffs for spawning concentrated at 15 - 20 feet. Continue fishing off Squaw Island, the rocky ledges south of Long Point (high banks), above and below White Rock, the south side of Seneca Point and the rock bottom cover just north of Otetiana Point. Fish the shore there down to Deep Run Park, particularly around Stoney Island.
HOT SPOT: For spring Lakers, fish just out from White Rock in the south end.
After June, spawning Smallmouth head for deeper water. While some will disburse over the thermocline, others will
Fishing slows for spawning during late September – October. Then, it picks up and runs well into January with very large
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Trout leave the shallows in mid-June and head for just under the thermocline in the deep center of the lake. From early July to early September, downrigging works best. Night fishing is also popular in summer. Hang a dim lantern over edge of boat to attract bait. The Trout will follow them and take saw bellies fished at 50-70 feet.
catches in deep water to 150 feet. Onanda Park not only has winter access, it also offers the best shore fishing on the lake. TIP: On hooking and landing Trout. The Trout doesn’t swallow bait until after it has run with it. Don’t try to set the hook at first. Wait for the run and stop - set hook when he wants to run again and land him for sure. Brown Trout average about 3 pounds with 10 pounders taken here every year. The temperature oriented Brown Trout are caught in spring and fall at the water flumes of tributaries. In early May through June, they’re near shore in shallow water. Try trolling spoons on the east side starting from between White Rock and Whiskey Point. Fish along shore from sunrise until the sun comes up over the hills. You can also catch Browns from shore in Canandaigua on live bait in spring. Late spring, take them off the bar at southern end trolling parallel to weed beds at the drop off. Fair mornings, fly fishermen using large streamers are also successful at the south end of the lake. After fishing slows in the summer, Brown Trout fishing picks up in late October especially at the two outlet dams at the north end.
C a n a n d a i g u a , Na p l e s
If the lake freezes, Browns are taken through the ice on tip ups baited with minnows just 2 to 4 feet below the surface.
Elevation: ........................ 688 feet Area: ....................... 10,558 acres Length: ....................... 15.5 miles Maximum width: ................ .5 mile Maximum depth: ............. 276 feet Thermocline: ........... about 35 feet
Largemouth Bass average 1.5 lbs. and get to be 6 lbs. in this water. The majority are found in large weed beds in the south end. They are also taken in bays off Vine Valley and Cottage City.
Canandaigua
Smallmouth Bass Jigs, Crankbaits, Mr. Twister Tails, Worms, Crayfish, Minnows ------------
5&20
Lake Trout
In late spring and early summer, fish the shallow water along weed lines or other structures, especially the shallow portions of the south end or the mouth of West River. In summer, continue to fish the weed lines or under the hundreds of docks along shore.
Smelt, Frozen Sawbellies, Light Flutter Spoons, Seth Green Rigs, Hemlock Spinner
364
------------
Brown Trout
21
When the bass go deeper during fall, use smaller lures and slower retrieve spinner baits, deep diving crank baits, along deep weed lines.
During fall, troll with downriggers or Seth Green rigs on west side between Menteth and Black Points.
Rainbow Trout - Spring features tremendous runs from Naples Creek (see pages 26-27) and outflows of several other tributaries including Menteth, Tichenor, Walton, Cook and Seneca Points using spinner gear or fly fishing.They are also taken with Browns off the bar in the southern end.
Pickerel average 4-5 lbs. and are in the south end off weed beds. Look for Perch around Squaw and Stoney Islands as well as High Banks, especially in fall. You’ll also catch Smallmouth, Perch, Largemouth and Pickerel (south only) in the weed beds at each end of the lake.
D u r i n g s u m m e r, R a i n b o w s disburse but are likely to be caught from Long Point to Cottage City. From June to August, night fishing is good adjacent to the deep water off Menteth or Seneca Points from sundown to sunrise.
Bluegills and Pumpkinseeds locate in coves in the south end. Early spring Bullheads and Black Crappie are located at the mouths of Sucker Brook and West River.
Hemlock Spinners w/Smelt or Sawbelly Silver Spoons or Spinners, Large Streamers and Tandem Hooks, Rapalas or Silver Spoons ------------
Largemouth Bass
247
Spinners, Safetypin Spinnerbaits, Plastic Worms, Crankbaits, Weedless Worms, Buzzbaits, Jigs w/Mr. Twister Tails ------------
21 245
Naples Public Launches Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park- Off Rts. 5 and 20 in the city of Canandaigua. Woodville- Rt. 21, north of Naples West River- Hand launch off Rt. 245, Sunnyside Rd. Onanda- West Lake Rd., restricted to winter launching.
www.fingerlakes.org
Rainbow Trout Small Rebels, Rapalas, Mepps Spinners, Streamers, Sawbellies, Egg Sacs, Worms, Flies ------------
Pickerel Mepps Spinners, Spinnerbaits ------------
Pan Fish Small Jigs, Mr. Twister Tails, Minnows, Worms
11
Keuka Lake
P e n n Ya n ,
close to shore in spring and can be taken from the walls in either Hammondsport or the Keuka Lake State Park. Also try trolling just below the surface. By September, it’s back to the shallows at the mouths of larger streams looking for bait fish. Then during winter, you can take them from the Hammondsport wall. Northern Pike are in weed beds near Branchpor t, Penn Yan and Hammondsport. Early spring is time for Bullhead in the Keuka Inlet, Guyanoga Creek, the marshes in Penn Yan and Kendall Power Plant. Smallmouth Bass average 12 to 14 inches in length and weigh from 3 to 5 lbs. They spawn in mid-June and are most available from opening day, the third Saturday in June, to mid-July. Keuka Lake is the third largest of the Finger Lakes. Its ‘Y’ shape provides nearly 60 miles of shoreline, although the lake is just 22 miles in length. Steep sided shoreline makes superior habitat for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass and Perch. Its depth also provides a dynamic habitat for the Trout and Salmon species. Weekend anglers get their serious fishing in before 11am and after 4pm, leaving the midday clear for recreational boaters. The Keuka Lake Trout population is suppl i e d t o t a l l y th ro u g h n a t u r a l reproduction. Lakers average 3.5 pounds with 14 pound catches possible each year. Start fishing the shallows of tributaries of Keuka Lake on April 1st at Cold Brook, Sugar Creek and the Keuka Lake Outlet. As the season progresses, Lake Trout move to deeper water just off Bluff Point remaining there through the summer. TIP: A summer hotspot for Lake Trout is the triangle area between Bluff and Marlena Points and Harbor Lights Marina. Use downriggers or sawbellies off the bottom to the thermocline at 40 to 70 feet down. Night fishing for Lake Trout is popular off Bluff Point with Sutton spoons, bait and artificial lures working equally well. During spawning in mid to late November, Lake Trout can be found off nearly all major points in 30 to 40 feet of water. Over the
12
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
winter months, the Trout will follow the available baitfish heading toward the southern end. Brown Trout on Keuka Lake average 3 lbs. with record catches up to 23 lbs. Essentially, Browns are known as a spring and fall fishery here. In spring and early summer, troll close to the shoreline with any of a variety of lures. Work the warmer outflow of tributaries, such as the Keuka Inlet and Kendall Point, with jigs, spoons and sawbellies and you’ll pick up a Landlocked Salmon as well. Come fall, shore fish from the wall in Hammondsport. Rainbow Trout average just under 3 pounds with record catches of 21 pounds. Rainbows are found in the same haunts as Browns. In early April, fish the warm outflow of feeder creeks and the mouths of the Keuka Inlet, Guyanoga Creek and the Kendall Power Plant. During September, fish close to shore off points in the south end, especially the Keuka Inlet. During winter, if you can get a boat out, the fishing is described as a bonanza for all Salmonids at the southern end. Landlocked Salmon follow similar patterns to other Salmonids. In early spring they’re caught at the mouths of streams, particularly the Keuka Inlet and Kendall Point, flowing into the lake. Landlocks are
Start by casting in shallow water off rock rubble near Willow Grove, Keuka College, Bluff Point, Eggleston and Marilena Points. In the south arm, try Urbana and Willow Points first. Summer Smallmouth fishing is best after sundown. They go into shallows to eat crayfish and you can catch them near the dropoffs found in the Hammondsport area and Bluff Point. During the winter, start fishing the ledges near dropoffs, rubble slopes off shoreline and points. Close to the bottom around Bluff Point works well throughout the winter. If ice occurs Smallmouth can be caught (along with Perch) through the ice at the north end, especially on the Penn Yan side. Yellow Perch are present during early spring until mid-April in shallow waters where they spawn and Keuka has many good grounds. For shallow flats adjacent to deep water of 45 to 50 degrees start in the Penn Yan branch south of Keuka College, Camp Iroquois, or Willow Grove. In summer, you have your best chance fishing in 40 to 50 feet of water off Bluff Point and between Elms and Willow Points. In winter, fish the same locations as Smallmouth Bass using minnows through the ice or from the boat. Pike and Pickerel are limited to
Branchport, Bluff Point, Hammondsport
Elevation: .......................715 feet Area: ......................11,584 acres Length: .........................22 miles Maximum width: ..........1.9 miles Maximum depth: ...........183 feet Thermocline: between 30 - 35 feet
Keuka Lake Tackle Box --------------Lake Trout Alewives, Sawbellies, Smelt, Spoons, Peanut Plugs, Flatfish, Downriggers
Penn Yan
54
--------------Brown Trout & Landlocked Salmon Tandem Hooks,
Branchport
54A
Streamers, Pimples, Rapalas, Silver or White Spoons, Jigs,
Largemouth Bass are in many locations, particularly large weed beds near Branchport and Penn Yan. There are a few in the narrow band of weed beds in the south end off Champlain Beach. Also, check out Brandy Bay. You can also try skipping jig n’ pigs under the hundreds of boat docks along the shores. The quieter early morning, evening and night times are the best fishing especially, in the Penn Yan branch north of Keuka College and Willow Grove. July through September work the edge of weed beds and in fall, fish near dropoffs and deeper weed lines. Winter fishing is good in water or through the ice in the Penn Yan branch or shallow bay off Branchport. Tributaries Keuka Lake Inlet (Cold Brook) is very good seasonal water for Rainbow, Brown Trout, Smelt and Bullhead. The big April spring run for adult Rainbows is productive all along the stream and
Worms, Minnows.
especially good along diggers built to prevent erosion. Good spring Bullhead is found in lower reaches and fairly accessible all along the stream.
Golden Shiners
--------------Rainbow Trout Rapalas, Rebels, Silver
Guyanoga Creek (Sugar Creek) flows out from the western branch of the lake near Branchport with seasonal fishing during spring. A good run of Keuka Lake Rainbow Trout happens here each spring. The location is locally popular during the first two weeks of the season and the fishing outlasts the crowds. Try for Bullheads in the lower reach. The stream is good to mid November depending on rainfall. Fall fishing is restricted from the mouth to Rt. 54A. Keuka Lake Outlet flows from the Penn Yan branch as an 8 mile stream to Seneca Lake at Dresden. It’s a very scenic waterway and is used to regulate the level of Keuka Lake. Small pools and wide-open shores make fly fishing possible. There are Seneca Lake Rainbow Trout below the set of falls about midway down during spring. The lower reaches also have Smallmouth Bass during season. The electric plant in Dresden attracts Largeand Smallmouth Bass, Bullhead and Yellow Perch. Above the Cascade Falls is a great spot for stocked Brown Trout. Accessibility to the stream isn’t an issue with a hiking trail and parking areas along its entire length.
Spoons, Worms, Minnows, Egg Sacs
Bluff Point
54
--------------Smallmouth Bass Crank Baits, Deerhair Jigs, Mr. Twister Tails, Slab Spoons, Stick
54A
Baits, Crayfish, Minnows
--------------Largemouth Bass Hammondsport
shallow weed areas in the north ends and, to a lesser degree, in the south. Abundant pan fish of Rock Bass, Crappie and spring Bullhead are caught in the muddy wash of tributaries. In the winter they are best found in the Penn Yan branch, but have the same summer haunts as Largemouth Bass.
Jig n’ Pigs, Small Safety 54A
Pin Spinners, Shallow
54
and Deep Diving
Public Launches Keuka Lake State Park Off Rt. 54A just east of Branchport (fee)
Village of Penn Yan Site - Off Rt. 14A on Keuka St. Guyanoga Creek Site - Rt. 54A bridge at Branchport north of the lake. Keuka Village, Rt. 54 Jake’s Boat Livery, Rt. 54A (fee) Harbor Lights Marina, Rt. 54A (fee)
Crank Baits, Spinner Baits.
--------------Pike & Pickerel Spinner Baits, Plastic Worms, Top Water Plugs
--------------Yellow Perch Slab Spoons, Deer Hair Jigs, Mister Twister Tails, Worms, Crayfish, Minnows, Oak Leaf Grubs.
www.fingerlakes.org
13
Seneca Lake
Geneva -
Rainbow Trout reproduce naturally with the largest numbers coming from Catharine Creek at the south end of Seneca Lake. (See Pages 26-27 for details) Other streams which offer smaller runs of Rainbows include Keuka Lake Outlet, Lodi Creek, Hector Falls Creek, and Indian Creek. In April, the streams are your best chance for a lunker and egg sacs are the preferred bait. As the Rainbows move back to the lake, fish the upper column of water, no more than 30 feet deep but trolling small silver lures at a speed of 2.2 mph or faster. The use of planer boards is particularly productive in the early spring.
At over 600 feet in depth, Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes. It offers a wide diversity of fishing from Trout and Salmon to scrappy Sunfish. It is most noted for its Lake Trout. The Seneca Strain of Lake Trout is the brood stock for the rest of the Finger Lakes and the majority of Lake Trout stocked in Lake Ontario.
poor water and the upper warmer layer. Lake Trout prefer to suspend in or just below the thermocline while other salmonids often swim just above it. Using multiple lure systems such as downriggers set at and above the thermocline or the multi leader Seth Green rigs, anglers have been known to catch different species at the same time.
For nearly 40 years, each Memorial Day weekend, over 2,000 anglers compete in the annual Lake Trout Derby. Cash prizes in Lake, Brown and Rainbow Trout total over $29,000.
TIP: In summer, when in doubt, fish a depth of 90 feet for Lakers. Use sawbellies or troll with downriggers and silver-plated Sutton spoons.
DEC fishing diary data shows the average Seneca Lake Salmonids will tip the scales at 3.8 lbs. for Lake Trout, 3 lbs. for Rainbows, 4.4 lbs. for Brown Trout and 2.4 lbs. for Landlocked Salmon. Lake Trout - Starting in April, Lake Trout search the shallows for smelt, alewives and sculpin also known as tomcats. While Lake Trout are near shore during spring and fall, anglers may find success by fishing a sawbelly on an English hook weighted down with a slip sinker. Casting silver spoons and yellow Rooster Tail spinners while using a slow retrieve has proven very effective at the north end of the lake in fall of the year. From mid-June to late-September summer Lake Trout fishing is dictated by the thermocline, an abrupt change in water temperature between the colder oxygen-
14 Call us at 1-800-284-3352
HOT SPOT for lunkers: near the steep contours south of Hector Falls in the southeast part of the lake. Also try downrigging the thermocline in the deep water off Lodi, Sampson and Kashong Points for better than average sized Lakers. A hot spot anytime of year is the "Belhurst Hole" off the west side, south of Geneva, just out from Belhurst Castle Restaurant. Still fishing with a live sawbelly or trolling spoons close to the bottom works well there. During September and October, Lakers concentrate on the east side from Valois to Peach Orchard Point and on the west side from Starkey to Glenora. Beginning in December, many Lake Trout are in the north end, particularly near Glass Factory Bay south of Geneva.
Come September, Rainbows return off the mouths of streams, and in October they may run up stream again. While the fishing is not as plentiful as spring, it is very productive and you're likely to have a large section of the stream to yourself until the season closes December 31. Brown Trout seek the warmest water they can find in the early spring. This is a boon for shoreline anglers. A productive fishery can be found off Clute Park at Watkins Glen on live bait. Local wisdom says, if you're not getting bites there, then find the bait off one of the tributaries. You may also find Brown Trout in the spring off Lodi Point and the Seneca Lake State Park seawall in Geneva. Small spoons in silver and silver/blue/orange combination colors will work well. As the Browns move off shore, begin trolling the upper layer of water with stick baits off planer boards or flat line your lures with very long leaders. In October and November, the Brown Trout tend to return to shallow water where they were stocked off Severne Point, Lodi and Sampson. At this time, troll as close to shore as possible with minnow imitation lures. Smallmouth Bass are found in the rock rubble habitat on either side of the lake. Drift fishing with crayfish along these habitats is a favored way of catching these fish. Favored locations are High Banks to Sampson, Willard on the east side and Kashong and Dresden on the west side. Light line and tackle to avoid spooking the fish will be needed in the ultra-clear water.
Dresden - Watkins Glen - Hector - Ovid
TIP: Use buoy markers to locate the rubble areas where these fish lurk and get your offering on the bottom. During the summer, daytime fishing slows, early morning and evening low light will produce Smallmouth Bass.
Fishing the outer edges of weed lines and over submerged weed beds with large spoons such as the classic red and white Daredevil, crank baits or large flat fish may boat a trophy Northern.
Drifting crayfish or fathead minnows 18 to 30 feet deep for Smallmouth may also hook a Perch or Northern Pike.
During winter, work the extreme northern end through the ice (if any) or cast from shore in the central portions such as Starkey Point and either side of Valois.
Largemouth Bass are less common in Seneca than other species. They like weed beds found off Dresden Bay and Glass Factory Bay. For the best Largemouth fishing try waters of the Barge Canal at Watkins Glen and the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, at the north end. During summer, try casting under any docks at dusk and dawn. In fall go to the deepest weed lines you can find and use smaller spinner and deep diving crank baits. TIP: Colder water slows the movement and reaction time of the fish. Use slower retrieves to give them the chance to notice and hit at the lure. Northern Pike are best at the beginning of the season in the southeast corner of the lake. When the season opens, fish near the bottom along the edges of weeds. Live bait fished under a bobber is very productive for Northern Pike as well as large crank baits. TIP: Northerns are easily spooked, stay back from the weed lines to avoid scaring them off. If you're after really big Pike, fish with big bait such as a 10 inch sucker and a slip sinker.
Yellow Perch - Seneca is one of New York State's best lakes for Yellow Perch. One and two pound Perch are common. The season fishing starts in March as the Perch move into the shallows to spawn. Best bets for both spring and fall Perch are in the weed lines off Dresden, Pontious Point, Long Point and High Banks, Kashong and Mellon's Coves. TIP: Perch travel in schools. If you don't get a bite in reasonable time, move to a different location. If they are small fish, move again. Approach the area quietly. The most successful anglers use an electric motor to move in the final 20 yards. Anchor or drift in 15 to 30 feet of water outside the weed lines and be sure to use light line and tackle. Like most species, Perch move to deeper water during the summer. Fish the same areas but not as deep as 50 to 60 feet. They will move up the points at dusk and dawn. Brown Bullheads are most often caught during March and April in stained waters at the mouth of the canals at each end of the lake.
Elevation: ........................445 feet Area: ........................43,343 acres Length: ............................38 miles Maximum width: ...approx 3 miles Maximum depth: .............618 feet Thermocline: ...........60 to 125 feet
Geneva 2
5&20 1
96A
3
Ovid Dresden 14
4
Lodi
5 414
6
Public Launches 1-Seneca Lake State Park On Rts. 5 and 20 and 96A at the City of Geneva. 7 Watkins 2-Geneva Chamber of Glen Commerce - In Geneva on Rts. 5 and 20. Free. 3-Sampson State Park - On Rt. 96A, 12 miles south of the City of Geneva. (Park fee) 4-Lodi Point State Marine Park - Off County Rd. 136, west of the Village of Lodi. (Park fee) 5-Severne Point - Located on Severne Point Rd., off Rt. 14, 8 miles south of Dresden. 6-Smith Memorial Park - Located off Rt. 414 at Hector. Dirt and gravel launch; steep dirt access road; launching of boats not recommended; (fee) Winter launching possible. 7-Watkins Glen - Located off Rt. 414 on the canal portion of Catharine Creek. Photos this page by Jack Kidd
www.fingerlakes.org
Seneca Lake Tackle Box Lake Trout Sculpin, Sawbelly Rapalas, Silver Spoons, Roostertail Spinners, Flutter Spoons, Hemlock Spinners, Downriggers or Seth Green Rigs --------------------Rainbow Trout Worms, Minnows, Egg Sacs, Rapalas, Spoons & Stickbaits --------------------Brown Trout Sawbellies, Smelt, Sculpin, Hemlock Spinners, Raplala off Planer Board, Rebel or Rapala Minnow Imitations --------------------Smallmouth Bass Night Crawlers, Soft Shell Crabs, Flathead Minnows, Crank Baits, Deerhair & Lead Head Jigs, Mister Twister Tails. --------------------Largemouth Bass Small Spinners & Spinnerbaits, Shallow Crankbaits, Jigs with Mr. Twister Tails or Plastic Worms --------------------Northern Pike Shiner, Sucker or Chubb & Slip Sinker. Rapala & Rebel Minnow Plugs, Spinner Baits w/minnow. Daredevil Crankbaits & Large Silver Flatfish --------------------Yellow Perch Deerhair Jigs, Jigs Tipped with Minnows Oakleaf Grubs, Mealy Worms or Spikes.
15
Photo by Jack Kidd
Cayuga Lake
Though not the deepest, Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes. The combination of nearly a quarter of the lake in shallows and deep water provides habitat for the greatest fishing diversity in the region. Access is excellent and professional tournament fishing for Largemouth Bass is the rule on weekends. For fun, there’s a Seneca Falls International Carp Derby in June with 30 lb. winners. Lake Trout angling heats up in April at shoreline fishing hot spots between Canoga and Sheldrake Point, off Myers Point, Taughannock Falls State Park, and the area north of Sovocool Point (formerly Milliken Station). Still fishing or casting silver spoons or white hair jigs are popular methods. Deep trolling off Sheldrake, Myers Point and Taughannock Falls State Park is popular among boat anglers. From May to mid-June, as bait moves into the shallows, Trout concentrate south of Sheldrake Point along the shale shelves in 30 feet of water. Copper anglers bounce their lure on the bottom and consistently take limits of Lake Trout. TIP: Cayuga Lake Trout generally move clockwise through the lake as the seasons progress. In early spring, they are concentrated off Sheldrake, after stratification they move to Long Point and in the fall they cross the lake to spawning grounds off Taughannock.
16 Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Downriggers are most effective to fish the thermocline. A Seth Green Rig is preferable when there is no stratification. Lake Trout are bottom oriented, but if they are suspended, you will find them at or below thermocline. Other Salmonids will be found just above it and as shallow as 30 feet below the surface. In late fall and winter, Lakers, Brown Trout and Landlocked Salmon can be taken from shore off Taughannock. Cast spoons or spinners or fish shiners under a bobber. The warm water discharge attracts Salmonids in the winter to the area of Sovocool Point (formerly Milliken Station). Landlocked Salmon fishing occurs mainly in the central and southern waters. Beginning in mid-March, fish the warmest water you can find, usually near discharges from such tributaries as Cayuga Inlet, Salmon Creek and Taughannock Creek. Troll with flat lines along mud lines. Lures may be small silver spoons or tandem streamer flies. Spring Landlocks are also taken from shore by casting or wading out from areas such as Esty and Myers Points. When Cayuga Lake stratifies, Landlocks disburse. But on windy, choppy days, try fishing the same productive points fished prior to the thermocline. The Landlocks are there chasing bait pushed toward shore by the wind.
As leaves change color, the fish migrate to Taughannock Point and other tributaries in preparation of spawning. Brown Trout prefer the warmest water they can find. In early spring, flat line with stickbaits at the channel off Ithaca. As the waters warm, fish the shallows using planer boards early and late in the day when low light conditions allow the Browns to chase bait in the shallows. Browns will suspend in summer. Fish downriggers with long leaders at depths of 30 to 40 feet. Trolling the triangle of Taughannock to Sovocool Point to Salmon Creek and back to Taughannock should be productive. Rainbow Trout are self-sustaining in Cayuga Lake. Spawning waters include Cayuga Inlet, Fall and Salmon Creeks. When the tributaries open to fishing on April 1, Rainbows are easily caught on egg sacs drifted with the current along the bottom of the stream. Once they return to the lake, you will find them with Browns and Landlocks off Sovocool, Myers and Sheldrake Points. Use a fast trolling speed and set your downriggers in the top 30 feet of water. In the fall, they return to the estuaries of the tributaries in anticipation of entering the streams.
S h e l d r a k e - Tr u m a n s b u r g - U n i o n S p r i n g s King Ferry - Ithaca Smallmouth Bass are a healthy population concentrated in the central portions of the lake along the rock rubble points on both the east and west sides. Productive areas include East Varick to Taughannock Point on the west side and Frontenac Island south to Sovocool Point. Also recommended are the Yacht Club, the water intake straight across from the Yacht Club and Myers to Sovocool Points. Another good spot is “Flat Rock,� a ledge from Taughannock to Willow Point. Casting tight to the banks will also land a Perch or two. Crank baits and jigs are favorite lures. As surface waters warm, you will be fishing in the 18 to 30 feet deep range. Drifting crayfish off the weed lines at these depths is one of the more productive methods. Largemouth Bass - Cayuga Lake State Park hosts 50 plus Bass tournaments annually including major events. An average bass tournament fish is 1.5 to 3 lbs. Winning limits of five bass will weigh between 15 and 20 lbs. The lunker of most tournaments will be in excess of 6 lbs. The majority of Largemouth Bass action is found in the weedy northern six miles of the lake. Good catches happen as far south as Frontenac Island off Union Springs and down to Varick on the west side. When Bass season opens the third Saturday in June, start in the shallow
weedy areas north of Union Springs and cast conventional Bass hardware. Stay in the shallowest areas you can find until mid-July. Then, work the deeper weed lines, especially in the navigation channel from Union Springs north to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal.
Elevation ........................382 feet Area ......................42,956 acres
Maximum depth .............435 feet
Cayuga Lake Ta c k l e B o x
Thermocline .....................70 feet
___________
Shoreline ....................84.8 miles Mean depth ...................118 feet
Seneca Falls
TIP: For summer Bass, find the twin buoys at the end of the northern navigation channel and fish the weed edges with a deep water tackle such as the rat-Ltrap.
Pan Fish - Cayuga Lake State Park has excellent Crappie fishing in the spring. Another good spot is along the railroad dike crossing the north end. Sunfish and Rock Bass can be found throughout the lake.
Smelt, Shiners,
Cayuga
Sawbellies, Cowbells, Alewives Spoons, Spinners
2
Northern Pike fishing is best through the ice in winter over the northern shallows. In open water, try off weed edges of Sovocool Point and Ithaca Yacht Club. At other times, Pike are also found in Smallmouth Bass haunts but not in predictable numbers. When the season opens in May, keep your bait near the bottom. Later, fish it off the bottom with a bobber. Fall is the most productive time to fish Pike, working the deep weedlines.
Lake Trout
5&20 1
& Downriggers 8
89
-----------------Landlocked Salmon, Brown & RainbowTrout
Union Springs
90
Worms, Minnows, Egg Sacs, Mepps
3
Spinners, Little Cleos, RoosterTails, Rapalas
Aurora 5
-----------------Largemouth Bass
90
King Ferry
Spinnerbaits, Jig & Pigs, Mr. Twister Tails,
Sheldrake
Nightcrawlers,
89
Rapalas, Swedish Pimples
Perch are best found in the similar habitat as the Smallmouth.
-----------------Smallmouth Bass
34B
Bullheads are most abundant in the early spring off Mud Lock (CayugaSeneca Canal) and the Cayuga Inlet.
Deer Hair Jigs, Mister Twisters, White Spinner Baits, Deep
Trumansburg
4
6
Photo by Jack Kidd
Public Launches 1-Mud Lock, off Rt. 90 34 2-Cayuga Lake State Park off Rt. 89 3-Deans Cove, Varick 13 off Rt. 89 7 Ithaca 4-Taughannock Falls State Park Rt. 89 5-Long Point State Park off Rt. 90 6-Myers Point at Lansing Town Park off Rt. 34B 7-Allan Treman State Park off Rt. 89, Ithaca 8-Frontinac Park off Rt. 90, Union Springs
www.fingerlakes.org
Diving Crankbaits, Crayfish, Minnows
-----------------Northern Pike Suckers, Shiners, Big Yellow Jigs, Flashy Spoons, Mr. Twister Tails, Deep Diving Minnow Imitations
-----------------Pan Fish Worms, Fathead Minnows
17
Owasco Lake Owasco Lake Tackle Box Lake Trout Downriggers, Silver Spoons, Large Stickbaits, Sawbellies, Minnows, Single Hook Spoons, Golden Shiners, Buckeyes. ----------------
Brown Trout Landlocked Salmon Large Stickbaits or Spoons on Seth Green Rigs or Flatlines ---------------
Rainbow Trout Small Spoons, Egg Sacs ---------------
Northern Pike Large Shiners, Chubs, Suckers, Bucktail & Yellow Jigs w/Minnow & Mr. Twister Tail ---------------
Smallmouth Bass White Plastic Jigs, Small Brown Jigs, Live Minnows, Leeches, Deep Diving Crank Baits ---------------
Yellow Perch Jigs, Minnows or Grubs on Perch Rigs
Fishing is considered generally good and Owasco Lake is small enough where, if they’re not biting on one side, you can easily move to the other side where they will be. Public access is limited to a launch at the north end at Emerson Park and a private marina at the south end of the lake. Lake Trout average 3.5-4 pounds according to DEC records and 1720 pounders have been caught. After ice out and in early spring, troll downriggers set close to the bottom at the north end. By mid-April the Lake Trout concentrate along the eastern shore from the Boy Scout camp north to Burtis Point and off the point at Indian Cove near the south end. You’ll also find them close to shore at the mouths of streams at Ensenore, Indian Cove, Dutch Hollow Brook and Burtis Point. During May the best spot is in the northeast corner off Burtis Point. On the west side, start at Ensenore and head south around the end of the lake to Indian Cove, and then along the east shore from Seward to Long Point. Late June to mid-September follow the Trout back to deep water off Burtis Point and Ensenore Points. Fish downriggers or Seth Green rigs trolling at or just below thermocline. You’ll also pick up Rainbows, Browns and Landlocked Salmon using small spoons. HOT SPOT: For Lake and Brown Trout, fish the west side off Ensenore Point. Trolling with downriggers and small spoons will net larger Lakers of 5-8 pounds. You’ll also catch 45 pound Browns, Rainbows and Landlocked Salmon above thermocline. Winter Lake Trout are caught south of Ensenore through the ice. Brown Trout are good sized in Owasco averaging 4 pounds with 10 pounders regularly taken. In
18
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
-
Moravia
spring, flat line fishing near shore Elevation ...................711 feet Area ....................6665 acres in the northeast corner and south Shoreline ...............24.7 miles of Buck Point is consistently Mean depth ................97 feet productive. Next, try between Maximum depth .......180 feet Ensenore and Edgewater. Thermocline.................37 feet Stratification begins later in June and the Browns disburse along western shore near Wyckoff Station and the Polish Home Camp. It’s slow fishing for Browns at this time of year, but prospects off Ensenore are good. TIP: Ensenore is a really hot area in the fall as great concentrations of Brown Trout return to where they were stocked in spring. There’s also good fall Brown Trout off the south end of Rocky Point to Indian Cove and Owasco inlet. Northward try Dutch Hollow Brook and the pool below the dam in the outlet. If there’s ice, fish close to surface on the western shore in the south end between Wyckoff Station and Buck’s/Post Point. Landlocked Salmon average 3 pounds and are most often taken in winter at the south end and off the western shore. Significant runs occur during fall off Dutch Hollow Brook and Owasco Inlet. Rainbow Trout are best caught in spring at the south end off the mouth of Owasco Inlet prior to spawning. Cast small spoons in 20-30 feet of water at the mouths of most tributaries from Edgewater to Willow Cove. In summer, most Rainbows are taken with downriggers in the deeper part of the lake when fishing for Lake Trout. Northern Pike are localized and found in good numbers at the weedy southern end, south of Willow Cove, the lower half-mile of Owasco outlet on opening day or very close to the mouth of Owasco Inlet in the early season. As with other Finger Lakes, the best time to catch Northerns is through the ice. On Owasco, the place to be is at the shallow
Auburn
38
Public Launches Emerson Park - off Rts. 38 and 38A, Auburn South Shore Marina - Southwest corner of the lake (fee)
38
38A
Moravia
southern end fishing a tip up with sucker or shiner. Smallmouth Bass are generally distributed throughout the shallows of Owasco Lake. Best starting points are the shallows and the seawall at Emerson Park at the north end. Excellent Bass fishing on the east side is south of Martin’s to Long Point. East of the outlet at Martin’s Point in the north end has produced quality Bass to six pounds. Later in the season, focus on Martin’s Point and the seawall at Emerson Park at the north end. Summer Smallmouth are taken with deep diving crank baits close to the bottom and from shallow rocky areas during low light. These techniques work well all day in late fall over rocky points. TIP: Smallmouth Bass feed voraciously in fall. Limits are common when fishing the seawall at Emerson Park and Martin’s Point at the north end, and also Casowasco on the southwest side. Yellow Perch fishing is best during late April into May when they are schooled close to shore. Good spots are on the east shore just north of Dutch Hollow Brook at Burtis Point.
Photo by Jack kIdd
Auburn
Sk aneateles Lake Skaneateles - Mandana - Glen Haven
Skaneateles Lake serves as the water supply for Syracuse and, as such, is very clear, pristine and protected. The steep cliff-like sides and little shallow water make it colder than the other Finger Lakes, so it takes longer for the fish to grow here. Alewives and Sawbellies are illegal on this water and fishing requires smaller lures than found in most Finger Lakes tackle boxes. The low level of forage for the resident fish translates to a relatively hungry fishery ready to hit most any lure. Lake Trout average just under 2 lbs. and since they don’t have forage fish to pursue, they’re found in shallow water of 30 feet or less, close to bottom. TIP: Big Lake Trout are usually taken off Harold Brook north of Mandana in early May. Still fish with live large minnows with a sinker and English hook. Due to the colder temperature, the thermocline sets up closer to the surface compared to the other lakes. After it does, by mid-June, Seth Green rigs or down riggers trolling small silver spoons up and down the center of the lake in 15-30 feet works all summer long. Lake Trout, during fall spawning season, move closer to shore along cliffs southeast of Ten-Mile and Wickwire Points. Work the points with jigs up against the cliffs. Winter Lake Trout are successfully fished off the Skaneateles Village Pier. Landlocked Salmon average 1.5 pounds and 15 inches. In spring, the hot spot is shallow trolling out from 5-Mile-Point and north of the state boat launch. Late summer into winter, they are in southern third of the lake taking live minnows. Rainbow Trout are taken more often than Lake Trout. In early April, fish the top ten feet of water off points on the southeast side with jigs. Or troll the surface at the south end and 5 Mile Point.
For a mixed creel of fish, cast jigs in 20-30 feet of water over rubble points. During July and August, Rainbows are disbursed but can be taken trolling. Rainbow fishing resurges in late September. Try streamer fishing, trolling just under the surface with small rapalas and jigs in the south end. Off the southeast side, work the points after frost. Smallmouth Bass are located along just about every shoreline area against rock ledges. The closer to shore the cast, the better the chances for a Smallmouth and even Rainbows, Browns and Landlocks. The size limit for Smallmouth is 10 inches. There’s a narrow band of shallow water ringing the lake. A couple of good spots are south of Mandana on the west side and 5-Mile-Point on the east side.
Elevation ........................863 feet Area .........................8960 acres Shoreline ....................32.8 miles Mean depth ...................145 feet Maximum depth .............315 feet Thermocline ......................35 feet
Skaneateles 20
Yellow Perch average a good-sized 10 inches. Beginning the first week in March at each end of the lake, try jigging or still fish with minnows on perch rigs. Summer means drifting minnows in either end. For Northern Pike, there’s a good spot off Mile Point just north of the state launch.
Smaller Silver Spoons Such as Sutton 5 or Silver Plated Small Stinger -----------------
Lake Trout Large Minnows, English Hooks, Seth Green Rigs, Rapalas, Swedish Pimples -----------------
41A
Landlocked Salmon Sutton Spoons, Alpena Diamonds, Rapalas, Live Minnows -----------------
41
Mandana
HOT SPOT: Especially good Smallmouth fishing occurs along the cliffs at 10-MilePoint and Wickwire Point. Cast jigs toward shore and slowly work down to the base of cliffs. Late July, drifting large minnows in 20-30 feet of water off Wickwire Point in the south end is good for Smallmouth and might also net a few one pound Yellow Perch in the process.
Skaneateles Lake Tackle Box
Rainbow Trout Streamers, Rapalas, Mayfly or Scud Imitations, Little Cleos, Sutton Spoons, Night Crawler, Dipsey Spinner, Marshmallows, Worms -----------------
41A
Smallmouth Bass Jigs with Bucktails or Mr. Twisters, Crank Baits
Glen Haven
-----------------
Yellow Perch Minnows on Perch Rigs
Public Launches Skaneateles - West shore off Rt. 41A south of the village
Mandana on Rt. 41A - limited parking accepts small boats.
-----------------
Northern Pike Large Spoons, Suckers, Shiners -----------------
Other species in Skaneateles are Rock Bass, Pumpkin Seeds and Bluegills in the shallow portions. Fish for Rock Bass from any rocky point using small jigs, leeches or crayfish. Brown Bullhead are very good in late April and concentrated near the mouth of Grout Brook.
www.fingerlakes.org
19
Otisco lake Elevation .....................788 feet Area.........................2214 acres Shoreline ..................13.4 miles Mean depth ...................34 feet Maximum depth ............76 feet Thermocline ...................33 feet
Otisco Lake Tackle Box Largemouth Bass Crank & Spinner
174
Baits, Jigs, Plastic Worms, Minnows -----------------
Public Launches
Walleyes
Public Access hand launch at causeway off West Valley Rd.
Bait Harnesses w/worms, Jigs, Rapalas, Minnows
Photo by Jack Kidd
41
-----------------
Tiger Muskie Mepps Spinners, Jigging Lures, Minnows, Shiners -----------------
Brown Trout Jointed Stick Baits Minnows -----------------
Perch & Crappie Jigs Tipped w/Spikes, Mousie Grubs or Fathead Minnows -----------------
Bullheads Worms, Minnows
Farthest east of the Finger Lakes, Otisco has abundant forage and the well-fed fish grow to good size. On the other hand, they are not as hungry for fishing lures. The lake has two sections divided by a shallow causeway breaking the water into a small shallow holding basin and the larger lake. HOT SPOT: The channel through the causeway and on the lakeside edges. TIP: Fishing at night with live bait, especially minnows could catch any of the fish swimming in the lake, including large Tiger Muskies and Walleyes up to 12 pounds. The Smallmouth Bass grow to 1418 inches in Otisco. At the opening of the season they’re along both sides of the causeway, and off points such as Lundy and Ladder. Trolling rapalas at 10-20 feet below the surface at dusk and dawn is the popular fishing method. During summer, there’s good fishing at the northwest corner of the lake and along the entire east s h o re . Yo u c a n a l w a y s f i n d Smallmouth and most other fish at the causeway. Favored methods of fishing are worms with a slip sinker. Drift fishing with night crawlers or
20
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Fall anglers most often drift crayfish off the rocky points and ledges and along the causeway.
Tiger Muskellunge (Muskie) are taken in early May in the narrows toward the north end, along the causeway and in Turtle Bay using large Mepps spinners. You can also successfully still fish from shore with minnows.
TIP: Summer Bass, Trout, Walleye and an occasional Tiger Muskie are suspended in deeper water along the west side in the southern half of lake. Fish the upper 30 feet of water.
Trophy size Muskies are most often taken in winter fishing through the ice at the outer edge of weed lines or in the narrows using shiners or jigging lures.
As the season opens, Largemouth Bass are found on either side of the causeway and taken by fishing shallow, running crank and spinner baits.
You’ll also catch Muskies, Perch and Crappie in the southern waters off the causeway.
spinner/wor m combos is also productive. Drift the bait down the steep sides of the lake, or back-troll along the weedlines.
During the summer months, fish the deeper water along the pipeline with jigs and plastic worms. You can also work crank and spinner baits under docks and overhanging willows at dawn and dusk. The best Walleye fishing is between 10pm and 3am. Use stickbaits and bait harnesses with worms as close as you can get to the southeast shoreline. Night trolling as close as possible to the shore of small points and along the causeway with jigs and rapalas will be rewarding.
For Brown Trout in April, flat lining from planer boards at the north end and on the clear side of the causeway using jointed stickbaits is the order of the day. During summer, downrigging in the north end at 35 feet below the surface should work. Look for Browns in the shallows in fall and in the narrows through the ice. The winter fishery also includes White and Yellow Perch and Crappie. Fish the southern waters using jigs tipped with spikes, mousie grubs or fathead minnows. Bullhead fishing is good during spring at the causeway.
Onondaga lake Erie Canal
Onondaga
I-90
Lake Tackle Box
Liverpool
Largemouth Bass
370
690
I-81
Syracuse
Worms, Crayfish, Spinners, Buzz Baits, Plastic Worms -----------------
Walleyes Live Baits,
Elevation: ....................400 feet Shoreline: ....................12 miles Maximum depth: ...........71 feet Thermocline: ....................none
Spinners with
Public Launches Onondaga Lake Park Marina 315-453-6721
Situated to the northwest of the city of Syracuse, Onondaga Lake features 12 miles of metropolitan shoreline which provides a national class fishery for smallmouth and largemouth bass as well as carp.
boat launch operated by Onondaga County Parks at the Onondaga Lake Park Marina (315-453-6721). This marina is easily accessed via Vine Street (near Route 370) in the Village of Liverpool.
The lake connects to several other waterways with no barriers to block fish passage. Species from Oneida Lake traverse to Onondaga via Nine Mile Creek, while the lake outlet flows into the Seneca River allowing an abundance of warm water varieties to be found here.
The Onondaga County Dept. of Water Environment Protection monitors the variety and movement of the community of fish in the lake with a yellow “spaghetti tag� below the dorsal fin. Anyone catching a
worms, Bright Spoons -----------------
tagged fish should record the number on the tag, the length, weight and location caught, then report this information to OCDWEP at 315-435-2260 ext. 360. There are health advisories as to whether the fish caught in Onondaga Lake should be eaten. Please check with the County Dept. of Water Environment Protection for this advice before making a meal of your catch.
Smallmouth Bass Crabs, Minnows, Worms, Small Plugs, Small Spinners -----------------
Perch Worms, Snmall Minnows, Grubs, Perch Eyes -----------------
This sacred ancestral home to the Haudenosaunee is five miles long by one mile wide with over 60 species of identified fish existing in the lake. Due to limited deep water structure, the best fishing is along the shoreline drop-offs and in the Onondaga Lake outlet to the Seneca River.
Bullheads Worms, Minnows -----------------
Northern Pike Spoons, Plugs, Spinners, Live Bait
Close to the NYS Thruway as well as Interstate 81, Onondaga Lake is accessible via the New York State Canal system through the Seneca River as well as the paved
www.fingerlakes.org
21
Oneida lake 81
49
11
Oneida Lake Tackle Box
Constantia
Cleveland
Brewerton
North Bay Sylvan Beach
Largemouth Bass 31
Worms, Crayfish, Spinners, Buzz Baits,
81
Plastic Worms
Bridgeport
31
Lakeport
-----------------
Elevation: ....................370 feet Shoreline: ....................55 miles Mean depth: ..................22 feet Maximum depth: ...........55 feet Thermocline: ....................none
Walleyes Live Baits, Spinners with worms, Bright Spoons -----------------
Smallmouth Bass Crabs, Minnows, Worms, Small Plugs, Small Spinners -----------------
Perch Worms, Small Minnows, Grubs, Perch Eyes -----------------
Bullheads Worms, Minnows -----------------
Northern Pike Spoons, Plugs, Spinners, Live Bait
Oneida Lake is the largest inland lake in New York State, covering 97,000 acres, and is known worldwide for its fabulous Walleye fishing. The lake was formed nearly 12,000 years ago when, as the Ice Age ended, a glacier damned the St. Lawrence River, flooding much of Central New York. As global warming occurred and the ice mass shifted northward, the St. Lawrence outlet to the Atlantic Ocean opened, and Oneida Lake was created when water remained in a deep depression in what was formerly known as Lake Iroquois. From its glacial beginnings, Oneida Lake has been known as an “Anglers Paradise”…year-round! Along with the Walleye, Oneida Lake supports a very diverse fish community, with over 74 different species. Yellow Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass are popular game fish, while Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Bluegills, and Black Crappie are sought-after Pan Fish. Brown Bullheads, White Suckers, and Channel Catfish can be found in the lake’s shallows.
22
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Drum are accidentally caught during many Oneida Lake outings, and Burbot typically bite during winter.
When the lake freezes for the winter months, ice fishermen enjoy an abundance of Walleye, Perch, Crappie and Pan Fish.
In recent years, Northern Pike have experienced a minor population resurgence and specimens often weighing well over 10 pounds have been landed.
Favorite lures for Walleye include live baits, (when rigging worms for Walleye, hook once near the head, and let the worm dangle naturally) spinners with worms, and bright spoons.
The warmer temperatures that come with springtime into early summer mean an abundance of Walleye opportunities, often causing the need for a limit to catches. Deep trolling techniques, at this time, often lead to success in attracting Walleye, as well as Bass and Perch, however, the best time for Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and Perch is toward the end of July. Smallmouth gather in the shallow waters around rock piles and rubble, while Largemouth are often found within the breaks of weeds. Perch also gather in the shallow weedy areas. Autumn brings with it another chance at those fabulous Walleyes particularly around rocky shoals and drop-offs.
For Largemouth Bass, try live baits including worms, crayfish, spinners or buzzbaits on surface, and plastic worms on the bottom. For Smallmouth Bass, crabs, minnows, worms, small plugs and spinners. For Perch, worms, small minnows, grubs and perch eyes.
Public Launches Brewerton Boat Yard (fee) (315) 676-3762 Theisen Marina (fee) (315) 676-2291 Oneida Shores Park (fee) (315) 676-7366 Aero Marina (fee) (315) 699-7736
Other Lakes WANETA and LAMOKA LAKES
Elevation ......................373 feet Area.........................2086 acres Maximum depth .............65 feet Thermocline ...................30 feet
These two lakes are joined by a channel on which a DEC boat launch is located on County Road 23 about 2 miles west of Tyrone in the western section of Schuyler County. Boaters can access Waneta Lake to the north or Lamoka Lake to the south from the boat launch. Both lakes have excellent warm water fisheries and have extensive weed cover throughout most of the area. Both lakes also freeze early in the season due to their shallow depths and offer very good ice fishing for Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch and Black Crappie.
Dugar Rd
CROSS LAKE
370 Rd er Tet Sprague Rd
n do
ss Cro
Jor
d
eR
Lak
Rd
WANETA LAKE Elevation ....................1099 feet Area...........................813 acres Maximum depth .............29 feet
LAMOKA LAKE Elevation ....................1317 feet Area...........................588 acres Maximum depth .............40 feet Weston
Wayne 230
ke
La Rd
26
ca
Channel Cats can often be found around the two islands and in the river.
Rd
The inlets are good spots for Smallmouth Bass in the fall. Walleyes can also be caught in the inlet, especially in the spring. Try a bit further downstream in the river as well for Walleyes.
Tyrone
Lake
The shallow, weedy areas in the bays, at the ends of the lake and on the west side can be very productive for Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass.
23
t Wes
Cross Lake is slightly larger than Honeoye Lake, but its deeper waters make it more like Conesus Lake’s fishery with ample populations of N o r t h e r n P i k e , Wa l l eye s , Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch. The deeper area also produces large populations of White Perch, White Crappie and Channel Catfish.
Rd
Waneta Lake Rd
Cross Lake is formed by the Seneca River and is located on the boundaries of Onondaga and Cayuga Counties, west of the city of Baldwinsville between I-90 and NY370.
ne
ay W
mo
es
im
Gr
Rd
La
Rd
Stevens Rd
on
em
ol Jor
25
226
23
Both Bass species are ver y prevalent in Waneta, Largemouths in the shallow weedy areas and in the channel and Smallmouths in the deeper gravelly areas on the east side. Largemouths tend to grow to large sizes as in Lamoka, but the Smallmouths rarely exceed a couple pounds. Muskellunge are stocked by New York State and seem to thrive in Waneta, with 40 pounders not uncommon. They can be found outside the weed beds and by fast trolling with large perch-like lures. Large Pickerel up to 5 or 6 pounds, Black Crappie, Brown Bullheads, Yellow Perch and Pan Fish can be found easily throughout the lake.
Largemouth Bass is the most prevalent game fish in Lamoka, with sizes in the 6 to 8 pound range commonplace, and some up to 10 pounds. Largemouths can be found just about anywhere on the lake except on the gravel banks in the northeast side, where one is more likely to catch Smallmouth Bass. Chain Pickerel can also be found anywhere on the lake. Muskellunge were stocked in the lake several years ago but the practice was discontinued. It is still possible to catch a 40 pound holdover, fishing the drop offs and near the island at the north end. Good populations of Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead and Pan Fish also provide excellent fishing, especially for the youngsters.
www.fingerlakes.org
23
Rivers and the river. Canoeing is highly recommended for both the pleasure of it as well as for better access to more remote fishing spots. HOT SPOT: For Walleye, just below Mt. Morris Dam. BAIT TIP: Fish Mister Twisters tipped in white, yellow or chartreuse. Position Mister Twisters above the fish and let the lure drift to them. Otherwise, a night crawler, minnow or jig will catch a Walleye day or night. Northern Pike locate around the mouths of tributaries such as Black Creek, and along wider weed beds south of Rochester.
Chemung River - Chemung & Steuben Counties. The Chemung combines the Tioga, Cohocton and Canisteo Rivers in the southern Finger Lakes, starting in Corning and running through Big Flats and Elmira into Pennsylvania. Principal game fish are Smallmouth Bass and Walleye, with enough Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Cats, Bullheads, Pike, Suckers, and Muskie to make things interesting. Carp are also plentiful and offer excellent sport on light and medium weight tackle. Prime seasons for fishing the Chemung are summer and fall, with good Walleye and Muskie action well into December. Ninety per cent of the river is wadeable in summer, and there are several access points where canoes and small boats can be put in. HOT SPOTS: for Smallmouth include Bottchers Landing, the Walnut Street Bridge Elmira, below the dam in Elmira, at the Wellsburg Lowman crossover and most creek tributaries. Traditional Walleye hot spots include Patterson Bridge west of Corning, below the dam in downtown Elmira and near the state line west of Waverly. Rock and Largemouth Bass are large in size, if not numbers, in the large back eddies and slack water areas. Cohocton River - Livingston & Steuben Counties. A popular and productive Trout stream with its source at Springwater, the Cohocton’s upper reaches carry good Brook Trout best fished with live bait in the deep pools. At
24 Call us at 1-800-284-3352
the Livingston-Steuben county line, a barrier dam pool is a genuine hot spot for Brown Trout all year. South from Wayland to Rt. 415, nice Browns can be taken with ultra light spinning gear or live bait with best chances by fishing from a canoe. Atlanta to Bath, try fly fishing from early spring into October. Spinning tackle users fish small silver or gold spinners. When in doubt, night crawlers work for just about everything. Trout are heavily stocked in the town of Wallace. Limits are two, 12 inches or more, in the special regulations areas and five of any size in other parts of the water but no more than two larger than 12 inches. Two HOT SPOTS are restricted to artificial lures only. An artificial-only area starts at the VA Hospital and runs up stream to Knights Brook. The second runs from Avoca up stream a couple of miles. Another HOT SPOT with lots of Trout is the pool under the bridge at the entrance to the VA Hospital. This area is just outside the artificial-lures-only water. Genesee River - Livingston & Monroe Counties. The Genesee has a dozen species and winds over a variety of remote, backwoods and urban settings. Large and Smallmouth Bass, Bullhead, Channel Catfish Walleye, Crappie, Carp and Suckers are common throughout the river. Access from every road crossing is fairly easy along most of
At the city of Rochester, a series of waterfalls flow into a steep sided gorge and the fishery changes to the Lake Ontario species. (see pages 4-5) During Spring, Brown and Rainbow Trout are caught in droves down from the falls. Lake Trout are taken from piers at the mouth of the river. The fall run of Coho and Chinook Salmon is followed by Brown and Rainbow Trout. All are easily taken between Seth Green Island and the falls. Otselic River - Cortland County The Otselic River runs through the southeastern quarter of Cortland County. This large, partially open stream offers two very distinct fishing experiences. From the village of Cincinnatus upstream, Trout fishing is good, especially for Brown Trout. Below Cincinnatus, you will find Bass, Walleye and pan fish. Canoes or small boats can put in at Rt. 26 in Taylor, at Landers Corners or the Rt. 41 bridge in Willet. Susquehanna River - Tioga County HOT SPOT: If there’s one spot that’s popular with all species and the fishermen trying to catch them, it’s between Hiawatha Island and Owego. Smallmouth Bass and Tiger Muskies up to 20 lbs. live there. Smallmouth generally congregate near the riffled heads of pools while Walleyes school in deeper slower areas. The Bass are distributed evenly in the river, but there are some really big ones between Smithboro and Barton as well as Owego and Hiawatha Island. Walleye are scattered in the deep pools around Hiawatha Island and at Big Bend
C a n a l s off the state ramp in Nichols. There are also nice pools of good habitat near Barton. Fall Walleye fishing is exceptionally good in the slack water between Owego and Hiawatha Island. Muskies are found in the deepest pools around sunken trees and structures in the river and near Hiawatha Island, Big Bend, Nichols, the pools at Barton and south. Pan Fish are abundant throughout the river. Public access includes Hickories Park, Owego - hard surface ramp; Hand launch at village of Barton off Rt. 17C; East of Nichols on East River Dr. - hard surface ramp; West of Nichols, West River Rd. - hand launch; exit 66 off Rt. 17 in Apalachin – hard surface ramp; Rt. 434 in Apalachin on Marshland Rd. – hard surface ramp. Tioughnioga River - Cortland County A diverse water with fishing in three branches. The main branch runs along Rt. 11 south of the city of Cortland. The west branch runs near Rt. 11, while the east branch is paralleled by Rt. 13. In the main stream, good fishing starts below Blodgett Mills with Brown and Rainbow Trout, Bass, Pickerel, Walleye and Northern Pike in deep pools. Fly fishing is popular throughout the river. The East Branch extends north of Cortland and is known for its Smallmouth Bass, Pickerel and pan fish. Brown Trout appear above the village of Homer. East of Homer, Walleye, Largemouth and Northern Pike have especially good habitat in deep slow moving sections between Homer and Truxton. The middle reaches have Trout at tributaries of branching creeks. Toward Truxton, fish for Brown Trout with some Brook Trout. Above Truxton, try wet and dry fly fishing.
The West branch runs from Cortland to Tully Lake and has good Brown and Brook Trout fishing, especially at the mouths of creeks and above Homer to Tully Lake. Most people start fishing for Brook and Brown Trout and Pickerel at the park in Homer and from there to Cold Brook. May and Caddis fly hatches make for good fly fishing along this branch. Canals - The Erie Canal has been dubbed “America’s Great Waterway”. 363 miles of the waterway connect Lake Erie to the Hudson River. The Finger Lakes has prime claims to great fishing along its sections of the Canal from Syacuse to Rochester. Erie Canal - This system offers a good variety of Large and Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike Channel Catfish, Bullhead, Pan Fish. Walleye are found where streams enter the canal. The best Bass fishing is at the wide water section west of Newark. The Cayuga - Seneca Canal traverses Seneca County and connects Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. Fishing is best in weed areas at either end as opposed to the middle. It’s also better around islands and tributary mouths, below the dams in Waterloo and Seneca Falls and in Van Cleef Lake. Best Bass fishing is under docks and in weed beds in the western end between the Seneca Lake State Park and Kendig Creek, especially in fall. They’re also caught in the small channels and open pockets in the eastern portion. Northern Pike are the second most abundant game fish in the canal. Best bets include weed beds adjacent to major islands in the extreme wester n end and downstream from Lock One (mud lock) at the very eastern end.
abundant between Lock One and the Erie Canal as well as at the mouth of Kendig Creek. Seneca Lake Brown Trout move into the canal in late fall.
Rivers Chemung
The canal is paralleled by Rts. 5 and 20. There is a launch at Waterloo and at the Seneca Lake State Park. Shore fishing access is plentiful.
Elmira, Corning
Seneca River - Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca Counties - The river is an integral part of NY’s Erie Canal System starting at Howland Island Wildlife Management Area and flowing 47 miles before joining the Oneida River to form the Oswego River at Baldwinsville.
Cohocton, Savona,
The best fishing is upstream toward the outlet of Onondaga Lake. It’s especially good for Channel Catfish in deeper water where there are no weeds. HOT SPOT: Mosquito Point off the eastern end of Haiti Island where Rt. 38 crosses the river...especially good for Bullheads. Walleye like the deeply dredged sections of the river used for canal traffic, especially downstream to Cross Lake. A good spot is below Baldwinsville Bridge in late spring. Northen Pike are prevalent from Howland Island to Haiti Island. In summer and early fall, try drift fishing along submerged weed beds or from shore on Mosquito Point. HOT SPOT: For trophy Northerns, work the channel between Bonta Bridge and Cross Lake. Largemouth Bass are well distributed near vegetation and overhanging willows. Pan Fish including Bluegills, Perch and Crappie are concentrated upstream near Onondaga Lake. Smallmouth are not prevalent, but can be found in the dredged channel.
---------------
Cohocton Bath, Corning ---------------
Erie and Cayuga-Seneca Canals Montezuma, Seneca Falls, Waterloo, Geneva, Rochester, Syracuse ---------------
Genesee Mt. Morris, Geneseo, Rochester ---------------
Otselic Willet, Cincinnatus, Taylor ---------------
Seneca Howland Island, Cross Lake, Baldwinsville ---------------
Susquehanna Owego, Nichols, Barton, Apalachin ---------------
Tioughnioga Tully Lake, Homer, Cortland, McGraw, Marathon
Bullhead and Channel Catfish are
www.fingerlakes.org
25
S t r e a m s Desserville Creek, Cayuga County. As with Decker, fish below the falls near Moravia and Owasco Inlet for spring and fall Rainbow Trout. Above the falls and inland, wild Rainbows and Browns compete with wild Brook Trout in the upper reaches. Fly fishing or small spinners should provide plenty of action.
Butternut Creek, Onondaga County. High quality Trout water from its headwaters to the Jamesville Reservoir. There’s especially good Trout fishing with live bait in spring. Browns are fewer but bigger closer to the reservoir. From Jamesville to Minoa there is a variety of fish. You’ll catch some Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bullhead and Pan Fish as the water deepens near East Syracuse. Canandaigua Outlet, Ontario County. This long and diverse water provides anglers with Smallmouth Bass, Pickerel, Bullhead and an occasional Trout. Access is limited, but the fly fishing is superior. Canaseraga Creek, Livingston County. The creek runs from the southern county line and connects to the Genesee River near Geneseo. Brown Trout are taken in spring and fall in the upper section. There are a lot of Largemouth Bass and Bullheads in the swamps around Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area. For Walleye, fish the lower reaches during spring. Catatonk Creek, Tioga County. This creek has good access to stocked sports Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and Pan Fish. Medium sized, partly open stream. Stocked section is from the county line to Reniff Rd. north of Waverly off Rt. 34. Catharine Creek, Schuyler & Chemung Counties. In April this tributary offers one of the finest runs of wild Rainbow Trout in the eastern US. The creek winds along Rt. 14 through Watkins Glen, Montour Falls and continues south to Chemung County. It features 11 miles of public fishing rights and several parking areas. April 1 is opening day of the statewide Trout season and is a spring ritual for many. Thousands of anglers wade in the water opening day and opening weekend. Good spring fishing runs from opening day to mid June. Impressive fishing returns in the fall when Rainbows enter from the lake in November and December. Cayuga Lake Inlet, Tompkins County. Shore fishing along the flood control channel
26 Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Factory Brook, Cortland County. A premier Trout stream, the seven mile long waterway has consistent, even, cold water flow most of the year. Wild Brook Trout roam the upper reaches; Browns are in the lower waters in good numbers. Little bank cover on some sections makes this brook very fly fishing friendly, and it has excellent May and Caddis Fly hatches. Look for public use signs as well as posted property. is good for Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bullhead and Pan Fish. It’s also a spring and fall Trout fishery. Trout and Salmon are above the flood control dam. The Rainbow Trout fishing is excellent in the spring and again mid-October through November. Fall Landlocked Salmon are also found in the tributaries off Cayuga Inlet, such as Enfield Creek. Above the falls in that creek you’ll find Trout in pools and fly fishing is possible. You’ll find good Brown Trout fishing upstream above the state park. Cayuta Creek, Tioga County. This creek has good access to stocked Brown Trout, Pan Fish and Smallmouth Bass in medium-large open stream. Stocked section includes Rt. 96 to Gridleyville Crossing Rd. Smallmouth Bass and Walleye fishing are limited to the area near Owego. Conesus Inlet, Livingston County. This water is prime spawning ground for Walleyes and Northern Pike. Look for Bullhead in spring. The stream has several parking areas and a car top boat launch. Decker Brook, Cayuga County. The brook is six miles in length and located south of Owasco Lake. Below the falls in the brook, you’ll find spring and fall fishing for wild Rainbows and Browns from Owasco Lake. Fish for Brown Trout and Brook Trout in the head waters above the falls.
Fall Creek, Cayuga &Tompkins Counties. This long and diverse stream flows into Cayuga Lake through a portion of the city of Ithaca. From the lake to the falls behind the high school, is the principle spawning stream for Cayuga Lake Salmon. Below the falls and to the lake are wild Rainbows in the spring and Landlocked Salmon and Browns in the fall. During June and July, you’ll find acceptable Smallmouth Bass, Perch and Pan Fish in this water. Above Beebe Lake to Freeville, fly fishing for abundant Smallmouth Bass is very popular. Up from Freeville, work the pools for Brown Trout. Upstream to Groton is a small, high quality Brook Trout stream. Irondequoit Creek, Monroe County An extensive waterway stretching from Irondequoit Bay down to Mendon Ponds where you’ll find Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Pike, Smaller Sunfish, Stone Rollers and many others. Keuka Lake Tributaries, Steuben & Yates Counties. Keuka Lake Inlet (Cold Brook) enters the lake at Hammondsport and is very good seasonal water for Rainbow, Brown Trout, Smelt and Bullhead. Guyanoga Creek (Sugar Creek) flows into the western arm of the lake near Branchport. It, too, has seasonal runs of Rainbows during spring and fall.
Keuka Lake Outlet flows from the Penn Yan arm as an eight mile stream to Seneca Lake at Dresden. Small pools and wide-open shores make fly fishing possible. A hiking/biking trail runs the length of the outlet and provides easy access. (See Keuka Lake pages 12-13 for more details) Maxwell Creek, Wayne County. One of Wayne County’s most popular streams for its large runs of Rainbows, Browns and Salmon. Two DEC parking areas provide easy access to water on either side of the Lake Rd. You’ll catch Bullhead, Smelt and an occasional Northern Pike in the lower estuary before it enters the lake. Mill Creek, Livingston & Steuben Counties. A better wild Trout stream than most, fish for Brookies north of Patchenville. Work small pools south of there for nice Brown Trout using worms or small spinners. In the middle section, below the crossing of Rt. 390, most anglers take their limit of five Trout per day drifting a small spinner or worm. Naples Creek, Ontario County. One of the state’s most productive Trout streams, fishing Naples Creek on opening day is a rite of spring for hundreds of anglers. Three to six pound Rainbows are common and caught on egg sacs. There is good fishing in the Eelpot and Grimes Creek tributaries to Naples. Fishing fall Rainbows, if the water levels are up, is a special treat. Nine Mile Creek, Onondaga County. The outlet of Otisco Lake is a top Brown Trout stream, but from Otisco Dam to Marcellus Falls, it’s a warm water fishery. North of the falls is a thriving cold water Trout habitat with good fishing in the neighborhoods of Camillus and North Amboy. Access is marked by public fishing signs, and more than a dozen bridges cross the stream as it runs along Rt. 174. Posted signs are few. The best hot spot is pocket water around Marcellus Falls or deep pools
at Martisco Railroad crossing and Camillus. Salted minnows, worms, and light spinners are favored baits. There are heavy fly hatches in late May and early June. Oatka Creek, Monroe County. From Mumford and its confluence with Spring Creek, to the Genesee River, this is a blue ribbon Trout stream. The creek is known for good fly fishing mid-winter into spring. Special regulations apply to nearly four miles of the creek during the fall and winter months. Beware of posted areas. Owego Creek, Tioga County. The creek consists of a main branch from Flemingville to Owego. The east and west branches run through the northeast part of the county. Both branches have Brown and Brook Trout. In the east branch, Brown Trout fishing is good above Berkshire and Brook Trout are found toward the Tioga County line. Bait fishing is most productive. In the west branch the best quality Brook and Brown Trout action is above Speedsville. On the main branch at Owego you will find Smallmouth and Walleye. Salmon Creek, Cayuga & Tompkins Counties. Also known as Big Salmon Creek, it is said to have the best spring smelt run on Cayuga Lake. Intensely fished in spring for wild Rainbows, the creek also offers up an occasional Landlocked Salmon, especially in the fall if the water levels are up. Above the falls at Ludlowville, the Brown
Trout are found in long still pools making for good fly fishing. There’s public fishing access in the Town of Genoa. Skaneateles Creek, Onondaga County. This high quality Trout stream runs from Skaneateles Lake to the Seneca River and offers many bridges and road side parallels for access. From old Seneca Tur npike bridge downstream to Jordan Road bridge, this 10.2 miles of water is a no-killartificial-lures only area. Dry fly fishing during May and June is exceptional especially between Elbridge and Jordan. Spring Creek, Livingston County. Also known as Springbook and the source water for the Caledonia Fish Hatchery. The stream has good numbers of wild Brown, Brook and Rainbow Trout all year. Special regulations are enforced in this unique water. The Trout are also some of the most educated fish in the state. Sterling Creek & Pond, Cayuga County. Running through Fair Haven Beach State Park, there are spring and fall spawning runs of Trout and Salmon. The Creek’s lower reaches offer Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Bullhead and smaller populations of Largemouth, Pike, Pickerel and Pan Fish. West River, Yates County. A warm water stream flowing into Canandaigua Lake, most fishing is by boat in the 2.5 miles of navigable waters. Largemouth Bass is the principle species. Fish the extensive weed beds and lily pads. There’s also a “duck channel” that starts near Canandaigua Lake that holds chain Pickerel and Pan Fish - particularly Crappie - in good numbers. A hot spot for Crappie is the old marina off Rt. 245. Bullhead are throughout the river and are especially good in spring.
Branchport Caledonia Canandaigua Conesus Cortland Dresden Fair Haven Geneseo Hammondsport Ithaca Jamesville Marcellus Moravia Mumford Naples Newark Owego Penn Yan Skaneateles Sodus Watkins Glen
www.fingerlakes.org
27
Hunting Hunters in the Finger Lakes region have many prime opportunities for pursuing their favorite prey. From areas just outside large cities to remote forests far from civilization, hunters can choose from among 118 public sites, totaling nearly 1/4 million acres. The largest is Finger Lakes National Forest with over 16,000 acres. Most are New York State (NYS) Forests, NYS Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and NYS Parks. A few are county forests, city owned land and privately owned lands made available to the hunting public. Additionally, countless private lands can be accessed simply by seeking permission from landowners. Commercial hunting preserves and licensed hunting guides provide other options. There exists additional public lands in the Finger Lakes region which are available for hunting and are excluded from this guide as they are unnamed State lands or there is insufficient information available for inclusion. Whitetail deer is the most popularly sought game. NYS’s Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) statistics show that the Finger Lakes region and western counties consistently report the highest densities of total deer taken in the state – over 10 deer per square mile in six of the Finger Lake’s counties. Steuben County rates at the top of the list for most deer harvested, at over 20,000 annually and Yates County ranks near the top with nearly 6 bucks taken per square mile each season. Most of the remaining counties in the Finger Lakes account for 6 to 10 deer (bucks and does) per square mile. Many of the bucks are true trophies of world class score. DEC manages our deer herd size through management of the antlerless deer permits, which provide many more hunters with an excellent opportunity to end up with some venison. Steuben, Chemung and part of Schuyler Counties have an open season for black bear, which presents many deer hunters with an additional exciting possibility.
Waterfowlers have great opportunities in the vast wetlands in Lake Ontario bays as well as the numerous wetlands on the Finger Lakes, smaller lakes and ponds, rivers, streams, marshland and swamps throughout the region. Wild turkey populations are abundant throughout the region. A spring season for toms only occurs during the month of May and a fall season in part of October and November allows for turkeys of either sex. Other small game – ruffed grouse, pheasant, cottontail rabbit, varying hare and squirrel are plentiful in the scenic hills, valleys, forests and fields of the Finger Lakes. There are also open seasons for fox, opossum, raccoon, coyote and weasel. With so much to offer, plan next season’s hunt in some of our many public lands. Better yet, combine an archery hunt in late October and set aside some time for a turkey hunt or even a fishing outing on one of our beautiful Finger Lakes!
Sources for Maps, Area Restrictions and Permits
Cayuga ----------315-253-1366 Chemung -------607-739-3896 Cortland ---------607-753-9377 Livingston-------585-243-6700 Monroe ----------585-226-2466 Onondaga ------315-435-3176 Ontario-----------585-396-4000
Schuyler -----------607-535-2531 Seneca-------------315-549-8454 or 607-869-3964 Steuben------------607-664-2268 Tioga ---------------607-687-0302 Tompkins ----------607-274-0300 Wayne --------------315-946-5600 Yates----------------315-536-2336
Photo: Eagle Eye Outfitters
The directions to public hunting areas described in this guide are in most cases only one of several ways to access the area and may not be the shortest or easiest way depending upon your direction of travel. It is highly recommended you obtain a detailed map of the area in which you intend to hunt. The most detailed maps may be those available from the county highway departments, listed below. Most will require a small fee.
Other sources of reliable maps include the Finger Lakes Special Area Map available from some auto clubs or at many bookstores, convenience stores, supermarkets or sporting goods stores. Many of the hunting units described herein may have maps and/or brochures available by calling the listed phone number. As many of the units consist of hundreds or thousands of acres, it would be most useful to obtain a USGS map of the area to not only help you move about in these areas but also to aid in planning your hunts most effectively in that terrain. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has brochures available for many of the State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The brochures include maps, restrictions and other useful information. They may be obtained by calling the offices included in the Public Hunting Lands section. State parks have restrictions, including permits in many cases, regarding hunting. Many permit bow hunting only. Each park should be contacted at the number included in the Public Hunting Lands section for specific information.
28
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Licensed Hunting Guides & Preserves Name ABC Ranch Adventure Game Calls, Inc. Bristol Hills Outfitters Collins Cabins Eagle Eye Outfitters Fallow Hollow Deer Farm Farmer Phil’s Cabins Finger Lakes Flyers Shooting Facility Finger Lakes Guide Service Finger Lakes Outdoor Adventures Hill Top Lake Farms Hunting Club Joe Rigoli Lakeside Outfitters Lucky Shot Lodge Upland Game Preserve Pine Lodge,The Ranger Outfitters Rainbow Connection Outfitters Ringneck Preserve Seneca Chief Hunting & Fishing Guide Summit To Stream Adventures Thunderbird Atlatl Triple R Mountain Spring Farm Turkey Trot Acres and Hunting Lodge Up A Creek Guide Service Wendlandt & Associates Whaleback Farm, Inc. Whispering Pines Hideaway Whitetail Valley Wildlife Properties Wine Country Outfitters
Address Turnpike Rd. POB 154, 89 Leonard Rd. POB 272
City/State/Zip Hornell, NY 14843 Spencer, NY 14883 Canandaigua, NY 14424
1675 Oak Leaf Ln. 125 Williams Rd. 7678 Cnty Rt. 55 35 S. Vandekarr Rd. 1920 Bordwell Rd. 3094 Rt. 364 345 Cass Hill Rd. 3130 Valley Rd. 180 Disbrow Hall Rd. 12789 Rt. 38
90 Main St. 5760 MIlls Road 188 Tubbs Hill Rd.
Penn Yan, NY 14527 Candor, NY 13743 Howard, NY 14843 Barton, NY 13734 Penn Yan, NY 14527 Penn Yan, NY 14527 Candor, NY 13743 Owego, NY 13827 Dundee, NY 14837 Berkshire, NY 13736 Montour Falls, NY 14865 Candor, NY 13743 Corning, NY 14830 Sodus Point, NY 14555 Candor, NY 13743 Lodi, NY 14860 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Candor, NY 13743 Campbell, NY 14821 Candor, NY 13743
South Hill Road 548 Townline Rd. RD 2, POB 207-I POB 418
Corning, NY 14830 Middlesex, NY 1587 Lyons, NY 14489 Rome, PA 18837 Big Flats, NY 14814
101 DelMauro Rd. 267 Sunset Drive POB 2 56 Olkowski Rd. 2250 Skinner Rd.
County Steuben Tioga Ontario Steuben Yates Tioga Steuben Tioga Yates Yates Tioga Tioga Yates Tioga Schuyler Tioga Steuben Wayne Tioga Seneca Schuyler Tioga Steuben Tioga Steuben Steuben Yates/Ontario Wayne Tioga Steuben Steuben
Telephone 607-324-0896 607-589-4611 877-486-8246 607-765-0043 315-536-9768 607-659-5976 607-324-4024 607-687-5064 315-730-8333 315-536-6327 607-659-7843 607-687-1057 607-292-3557 607-657-8278 607-546-4263 607-659-7719 607-329-8661 315-483-9828 607-659-3208 607-582-6089 607-535-2701 800-836-4520 607-382-0506 607-659-7849 585384-9192 607-937-5262 585-943-4698 315-946-6170 570-395-3667 607-562-7414 607-742-6163
TAXIDERMISTS American Wildlife Taxidermy 1335 Roosvelt Hgwy. Hilton; 585-392-3920
Emms Taxidermy 4100 Wilawanna Rd. Elmira; 607-529-8891
Jim Dorn Taxidermy 7511 Lake Ave. Williamson; 315-589-3736
Rice's Wildlife Taxidermy 3948 County Rt. 14 Canisteo; 607-698-9239
Stoney’s Taxidermy 6397 Stoner Rd Dansville; 585-335-7138
Aquatic Taxidermy 236 Pearl St. Corning; 607-962-4429
F & F Taxidermy 5674 Cty. Rt. 33 (S. Bristol) Honeoye; 585-229-5578
Lake Country Taxidermy 4115 E. Main St. Williamson; 315-589-9923
Rod Zulauf’s Taxidermy 51 Washington St. Livonia; 585-346-0194
Tracks Custom Taxidermy 194 Pennsylvania Ave. Apalachin; 607-625-4755
Big Stream Taxidermy S. Glenora Rd. Dundee; 607-243-5944
Fish Fabrications Taxidermy 4007 Meads Creek Rd. Painted Post; 607-936-8657
Land & Sea Taxidermy 38 Dublin Rd. Lansing; 607-533-7478
S.L. Taxidermy 1653 Plank Rd. Webster; 585-872-2318
Valley Taxidermy Studio 41 Chapel St. Mount Morris; 585-658-2400
Bill Yox Taxidermy 5554 Redman Rd. Brockport; 585-637-2450
Fur-Fin-Feather Taxidermy Studio, 206 Moul Rd. Hilton; 585-392-9220
Mountainman Taxidermy 6354 Miller Hollow Rd. Chemung; 607-598-7351
Sandy's Wildside Taxidermy 176 Honeyoye Falls No. 6 Rd. Rush; 585-226-3761
Wild World Taxidermy Coopers Rd. Campbell; 607-527-4412
Cedar Swamp Taxidermy 47 Havenwood Hollow Fairport; 585-388-8565
Henry's Taxidermy 4483 McKay Rd. Nunda; 585-335-3815
Naturally Wild Taxidermy Studio. 5972 Rt. 11 Homer; 607-749-3254
Scorza Bros. 206 Oak St., E. Rochester 585-586-5311
Willowbrook Taxidermy 8693 Rt. 34 Weedsport; 315-834-6275
Clingerman Taxidermy 4995 Brick Schoolhouse Rd. N. Rose; 315-587-2259
J.D. Taxidermy 1413 Long Pond Rd. Rochester; 585-865-7217
Paul M. Adams Taxidermy Studio, 53 Lemoyn Ave. Rochester; 585-621-3753
Streeter's Taxidermy 2297 Rt. 104 Ontario; 315-524-0020
Windy Hill Taxidermy 3594 Burtless Rd. Moravia; 315-729-0849
Custom Taxidermy by Phil Hershey, 6448 Grimble Rd. Canandaigua; 585-657-6103
Jack's Taxidermy 25 Redwood Ave. Cortland; 607-753-0820
Pickering's Taxidermy Rt. 54.; Bath; 607-776-2832
Steger’s Taxidermy Studio 3 Rt. 224 Van Etten; 607-589-4694
www.fingerlakes.org
29
Locator Map of Public Monroe
11
SODUS POINT
117
390 104
11
Wayne
590 36
21
ROCHESTER
88
490 490
I-90
31
LYONS
31
118
14 5 64
390
I-90
96
3
2
332
20
GENESEO
WATER GENEVA 5
245
96A
AIG
10
64
14A
AND
HONEOYE L.
UA
L. 8
CANADICE L.
. HEMLOCK L
7 15
9
11
256
106
NAPLES
Yates 13
12
390
DRESDEN
364
245
36
54
PENN YAN
14
21
Livingston
DANSVILLE
14
54
14A
53
15
18 36
19 20
17 21
390
I-86 26
DUNDEE
230 54A
L.
KEU KA
16
20 247
21
4 20A
CONESUS L .
6
488
Ontario
364
15A
39
MT. MORRIS 5
CANANDAIGUA
CAN
36
20
5
L .
30 Call us at 1-800-284-3352
LAKE ONTARIO
1
A S E N E C
MAP REF # .............AREA 1........Braddock Bay State WMA 2........Rush Oak Openings State Unique Area 3........Ganondagan State Historical Site 4........Honeoye Creek WMA 5........Letchworth State Park 6........Sonyea State Forest 7........Conesus Inlet State WMA 8........Hemlock and Canadice Lakes Watershed 9........Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area 10......Stid Hill WMA 11......Bare Hill State Forest 12......Hi -Tor WMA 13......Italy Hill State Forest 14......Keuka Lake State Park 15......Rattlesnake Hill WMA 16......Ossian State Forest 17 .....Canaseraga State Forest 18......Stony Brook State Park 19......Pigtail Hollow State Forest 20......Urbana State Forest 21......Waneta-Lamoka WMA 22......Cold Brook WMA 23......Mt. Washington State Forest 24......Birds Eye Hollow State Forest 25......Moss Hill State Forest 26......Canacadea State Forest 27......Burt Hill State Forest 28......Call Hill County Forest 29......Rock Creek State Forest 30......Greenwood State Forest 31......Turkey Ridge State Forest 32......West Cameron WMA 33......Cameron State Forest 34......Cameron Mills State Forest 35......Helmer Creek WMA 36......Tracy Creek State Forest 37......Pinnacle State Park 38......McCarthy Hill State Forest 39......Erwin Mountain State Forest 40......Erwin WMA 41......Erwin Hollow State Forest 42......West Hill State Forest 43......Meads Creek State Forest 44......South Bradford State Forest 45......Dry Run State Forest 46......Cinnamon Lake State Forest 47......Beaver Dams State Forest 48......Goundry Hill State Forest 49......Sugar Hill State Forest 50......Coon Hollow State Forest 51......Watkins Glen State Park 52......Catharine Creek WMA 53......Catlin State Forest 54......Mark Twain State Park 55......Maple Hill State Forest 56......Oakley Corners State Forest 57......Ketchumville State Forest 58......Jenksville State Forest 59......Fairfield State Forest
WANETA LAKE
21
LAMOKA LAKE
22
HAMMONDSPORT
17
54
HORNELL
BATH
27
23
226
49
25
48 44
Steuben
28
43 42
I-86
29 31 30
32
33
36
17
Schuyler 50
46
45 47 414
41
CORNING
40
34
39
35 417
WATKINS GLEN 51
24
ELM
36 37 38
225 15
Che
Hunting Lands OSWEGO 115
STERLING
FAIR HAVEN
117
104A
I-81 481 ONE
113
104
112 370
114
34
89
ON DA
SYRACUSE
GA
20
174
175
CO
A
L.
L
E
S
L
97
.
.
A U G C A Y
41
34
MORAVIA
80
96
95
101
I-81
100
34
Seneca
CORTLAND
38
87 86
34B
TRUMANSBURG 67
13
79 80 78
ITHACA 69
65 64
224
85 221
77 79
75
76 71
13
72
96
I-81
60
34
62
74 73
96B
63
61
59 96
CANDOR
38
57
58
54
56
96
Tioga
A
84
81
70
Tompkins
52
83
82
96 228
41
11
68
66
90
Cortland 88
90
103
91 89
13
L .
96
104 414
94 93 92
91
98 102
20
IS
E E
38A 41A 99
L
34B 90
Onondaga
OT
A N S K
C O O W A S
T
38
96
14
80 20
107
3
481
SKANEATELES
AUBURN
5
414
05
L.
Cayuga
109
79
690
5
I-90
OVID
I-90
ON
414
89
E
111
110
O
LAK
CROSS LAKE
38
SENECA 108 FALLS
IDA
96/38
34
OWEGO
55
I-86
mung
17
WAVERLY
I-86
17
BINGHAMTON
I-86 I-81
See pages 30-33 for directions to Public Hunting Lands
60 .......Shindagin Hollow State Forest 61 .......Danby State Forest 62 .......Arnot Forest (Cornell University) 63 .......Newfield State Forest 64 .......Cliffside State Forest 65 .......Connecticut Hill WMA 66 .......Texas Hollow State Forest 67 .......Finger Lakes National Forest 68 .......Taughannock Falls State Park 69 .......Robert H. Treman State Park 70 .......Buttermilk Falls State Park 71 .......Potato Hill State Forest 72 .......Anderson Hill State Forest 73 .......Turkey Hill State Forest 74 .......Beaverdam State Forest 75 .......Michigan Hill State Forest 76 .......Robinson Hollow State Forest 77 .......Griggs Gulf State Forest 78 .......Hammond Hill State Forest 79 .......Yellow Barn State Forest 80 .......Dryden Lake WMA 81 .......James D. Kennedy Mem. State Forest 82 .......Tuller Hill State Forest 83 .......Hoxie Gorge State Forest 84 .......Gee Brook State Forest & Papish Pond State Forest 85 .......Whitney Point Multiple Use Area (Federal) 86 .......Baker School House State Forest 87 .......Seacord Hill State Forest (AKA Taylor Valley State Forest) 88 .......Donahue State Forest 89 .......Dog Hollow State Forest 90 .......Cuyler Hill State Forest 91 .......Maxon Creek State Forest 92 .......Highland County Forest 93 .......Morgan Hill State Forest 94 .......Labrador Hollow State Unique Area 95 .......Kettlebail State Forest 96 .......Hewitt State Forest 97 .......Spafford County Forest 98 .......Bear Swamp State Forest 99 .......Frozen Ocean State Forest 100 .....Summerhill State Forest 101 .....Fillmore Glen State Park 102 .....Long Point State Park 103 .....Cayuga-Tompkins Cooperative Hunting Area 104 .....Willard WMA 105 .....Bonavista State Golf Course 106 .....Sampson State Park 107 .....Canoga Marsh WMA 108 .....Northern Montezuma Wetlands WMA, Cayuga Lake Unit 109 .....Northern Montezuma Wetlands WMA 110 .....Camillus Forest Unique Area 111 .....Cicero Swamp WMA 112 .....Hamlin Marsh WMA 113 .....Three Rivers WMA 114 .....Cross Lake Islands WMA 115 .....Fair Haven Beach State Park 116 .....Chimney Bluffs State Park 117 .....Lake Shore Marshes WMA 118 .....Galen Marsh WMA
www.fingerlakes.org
31
Public Hunting Lands Directions to public hunting lands usually originate from the nearest city or large village or from the nearest interstate highway exit. Numbers refer to location on map pgs. 28-29. See Sources for Maps, Area Restrictions and Permits (pg. 27) for further information regarding access to sites. Area.........................................MAP REF # Anderson Hill State Forest ................# 72 Tioga County, 554 acres. Ithaca, NY79 past Caroline to CR32, S to Anderson Hill Rd. 607-753-3095 Arnot Forest (Cornell University) .....# 62 Schuyler & Tompkins Counties, 4200 acres. Ithaca, NY13, S to Alpine Junction, to NY224, W to Jackson Creek Rd. (CR13), N to gate. This private land is open to the public by permit only. Many restrictions apply. Their “Earn-a-Buck� program is a unique for m of QDM. Details at www.dnr.cornell.edu/arnot. 607-589-6076 Baker School House State Forest ....# 86 Cortland County, 1276 acres. Exit 10 Cortland off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY41, E to McGraw-Marathon Rd. (CR116), S to Baker School House Rd., then W. Upland. 607-753-3095 Bare Hill State Forest.........................# 11 Yates County, 298 acres. Penn Yan, NY364, W to Town Line Rd., W to Bare Hill Rd., S to Van Epps Rd., then W. Uplands, ponds. 585-226-2466 Bear Swamp State Forest..................# 98 Cayuga County, 3316 acres. Skaneateles to NY41A, S near S end of Skaneateles Lake. Upland, wetland, camping, parking lots. 607-753-3095 Beaver Dams State Forest.................# 47 Steuben County, 534 acres. Exit 46 Corning off I-86/NY17 to NY414, N to Kerrick Rd., to Buck Hollow Rd. 607-776-2165 Beaverdam State Forest ....................# 74 Tioga County, 1148 acres. Ithaca, NY79, E past Richford to Michigan Hill Rd., N to State Lands Rd., E. Near Tioga/Broome Cty. line. 607-753-3095 Birds Eye Hollow State Forest ..........# 24 Steuben County, 3446 acres. Exit 40 Savona off I-86/NY17, E on NY415 to Robie Rd., then N. Upland, ponds. 607-776-2165 Bonavista State Golf Course............# 105 Seneca County, 247 acres. Ovid, S on NY96A, to Gilbert Rd., W to CR132 (Upper Lake Rd.), then N. Bow hunting only. 607-869-5482 Braddock Bay State WMA .....................# 1 Monroe County, 2402 acres. On Lake Ontario, NW of Rochester at terminus of I390. Upland, wetland. Includes areas around Buck Pond, Long Pond, Cranberry Pond, Braddock Bay and Rose Marsh. All, except Braddock Bay, are connected to the lake by intermittent channels. Some restrictions. 585-226-2466 Burt Hill State Forest .........................# 27 Steuben County, 403 acres. Exit 34 Hornell off I-86/NY17 to NY36, S to Canisteo, to Feenaughty Hill Rd., N to Hammer Creek Rd. 607-776-2165
32 Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Buttermilk Falls State Park................# 70 Tompkins County, 792 acres. Ithaca, NY13, S of Ithaca. Deer - bow only. Permit required. 607-273-5761 Call Hill County Forest ......................# 28 Steuben County, 329 acres. Exit 34 Hornell off I-86/NY17 to NY36, S through Hornell to Canisteo, to NY248, S to Call Hill Rd. Cameron Mills State Forest...............# 34 Steuben County, 544 acres. Exit 38 Bath off I-86/NY17 to Washington St., E to Morris St., E to Cameron St. (CR10), S to Cameron, E on CR119 for 1 mi. 607-776-2165 Cameron State Forest........................# 33 Steuben County, 1990 acres. Exit 38 Bath off I-86/NY17 to Washington St., E to Morris St., E to Cameron St. (CR10), S to W. Cameron Rd. (N of Cameron). 607-776-2165 Camillus Forest Unique Area..........# 110 Onondaga County, 340 acres. NY173, 8 mi. W of Syracuse. Parking on W side of road. Small game & deer archery only. Access to Nine Mile Creek, popular trout stream. 607-753-3095 Canacadea State Forest ....................# 26 Steuben County, 1623 acres. Exit 34 Hornell off I-86/NY17 to Sanitarium Rd. (CR65), S to NY21, S to Mill St. (which becomes Crosby St., also CR 68), W to Flanagan Rd. 607-776-2165 Canaseraga State Forest ..................# 17 Livingston County, 1287 acres. Exit 5 Dansville off I-390, to NY436, W to Ossian Hill Rd. (CR9), S to Scott Hill Rd. Uplands, wetlands. 585-226-2466 Canoga Marsh WMA.........................# 107 Seneca County, 104 acres. Seneca Falls, US20, E to NY89, S past Cayuga Lake S t a t e P a r k . We t l a n d s , u p l a n d s . 607-776-2165 Catharine Creek WMA........................# 52 Schuyler County, 620 acres. Watkins Glen, NY14, then S. Wetland. Part of the 890 acre Queen Catherine Marsh, one of the largest remaining cattail marshes on the East coast. 585-226-2466
Catlin State Forest .............................# 53 Chemung County, 613 acres. Elmira, NY14, N to Pine Valley, W on Pine Valley Rd., to N on Murphy Hill Rd., to S on Chambers Rd. 607-776-2165 Cayuga-Tompkins Cooperative Hunting Area ................................................# 103 Cayuga & Tompkins Counties, 5000 acres. E side of Cayuga Lake, S of Long Point State Park, S to Milliken Rd. Hunting by permit only. Other regulations including QDM. These are private lands for which owners have agreed with NYS to allow controlled hunting. 316-364-7777 Chimney Bluffs State Park ..............# 116 Wayne County, 597 acres. Exit 42 Geneva off I-90 to NY14, N to NY104, E to Lake Bluff Rd. which becomes Garner Rd., then N. 315-947-5205 Cicero Swamp WMA.........................# 111 Onondaga County, 3787 acres. Exit 35 East Syracuse off I-90 to NY298, then E. Upland, wetland, parking lot. 607-753-3095 Cinnamon Lake State Forest ............# 46 Schuyler & Steuben Counties, 1786 acres. NY414 between Watkins Glen & Corning. W on Hornby Rd. at Beaver Dams, past Beaver Dams State Forest. 607-776-2165 Cliffside State Forest .........................# 64 Tompkins & Schuyler Counties, 973 acres. Ithaca, NY13, S to CR135 (Cayuta Rd.) just before Alpine Junction, S to Morrell Rd. 607-753-3095 Cold Brook WMA ................................# 22 Steuben County, 63 acres. Hammondsport, NY54, S for 1 mi. 607-776-2165 Conesus Inlet State WMA ....................# 7 Livingston County, 1120 acres. Exit 7 Mount Morris off I-390 to NY63, S to E. Groveland Rd. (CR44), E to Maple Beach Rd. (CR45), S to NY256, S to Sliker Hill Rd., take left then immediate right into parking lot. Wetlands, uplands. Cartop boat launch. 585-226-2466 Connecticut Hill WMA .........................# 65 Tompkins & Schuyler Counties, 11645 acres. Ithaca, 16 mi. SW off NY13 & 1 mi. NE of Alpine. Second largest parcel of State hunting land in the Finger Lakes region. Diverse habitat with mature hardwood forests, evergreen stands, fields, meadows ponds and streams. Upland, waterland, parking lots, camping. 607-387-7041 Coon Hollow State Forest ..................# 50 Schuyler County, 2456 acres. Watkins Glen, NY414 S to CR16 past Sugar Hill State Forest. Area on S side of road.607-776-2165 Cross Lake Islands WMA.................# 114 Onondaga County, 32 acres. Formed by Seneca River, off NY370 W of Baldwinsville. Privately-owned launches. Wetlands. 607-753-3095
In The Finger Lakes Cuyler Hill State Forest......................# 90 Cortland County, 5503 acres. Exit 14 Tully off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY80 thru Tully, to NY91, S to NY13, W to Cheningo Rd., S to Cheningo Salon Pond Rd., E to Cuyler Hill Rd, to Lincklaen Rd. 607-753-3095 Danby State Forest................................# 61 Tompkins & Tioga Counties, 7086 acres. Ithaca, NY96B, S to Danby, Bald Hill Rd., S to Michigan Hollow Rd., then S. 607-753-3095 Dog Hollow State Forest.....................# 89 Cortland County, 728 acres. Exit 14 Tully off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY80, thru Tully to NY91, S to NY13, W to Bells Mills Rd., to South Hill Rd., to Brown Rd. 607-753-3095 Donahue State Forest ........................# 88 Cortland County, 1093 acres. Exit 14 Tully off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY80, thru Tully to NY91, S to NY13, W to Cheningo Rd., S to Tower Rd. 607-753-3095 Dry Run State Forest...........................# 45 Steuben County, 1062 acres. Exit 42 Coopers Plains off I-86/NY17 to Meads Creek Rd. (CR26), to E. Campbell, E on Dry Run Rd. to Duvall Rd. Uplands. 607-776-2165 Dryden Lake WMA..............................# 80 Tompkins County, 201 acres. Ithaca, NY13, N to Dryden, CR157 (Lake Rd), S to W. Lake Rd., then S. 607-753-3095 Erwin WMA..........................................# 40 Steuben County, 2490 acres. Exit 42 Coopers Plains off I-86/NY17 to NY415, E to Smith Rd. or exit 44 Gang Mills to NY15, S to Beartown Rd. Uplands, wetlands, camping. 607-776-2165 Erwin Hollow State Forest.................# 41 Steuben County, 531 acres. Exit 43 Painted Post off I-86/NY17 to NY415, E to Erwin Hollow Rd. Uplands, wetlands. 607-776-2165 Erwin Mountain State Forest.............# 39 Steuben County, 507 acres. Exit 44 Painted Post off I-86/NY17 to US15, S to Gang Mills, W on Beartown Rd. Erwin Mtn. State Forest on S side of road; Erwin WMA on N side. Uplands. 607-776-2165 Fair Haven Beach State Park ...........# 115 Cayuga County, 865 acres. Oswego, NY104A, W to Fair Haven village. Waterfowl only in designated areas. 315-387-7041
Fairfield State Forest .........................# 59 Tioga County, 815 acres. Exit 64 off I86/NY17 Owego, to NY38, N to CR33 (W Creek Rd.), N to Fairfield Rd., N to Barden Rd., to Lathrop Hill Rd., to State Lands Rd. 607-753-3095 Fillmore Glen State Park....................# 101 Cayuga County, 941 acres. Auburn, NY38A, S to Moravia for 1 mi. Deer. Bow hunting and muzzleloader only. 315-497-0130 Finger Lakes National Forest............# 67 Seneca & Schuyler Counties, 16036 acres. Watkins Glen, NY414, N to ranger station at 5218 NY414, Hector, NY 14841. Largest parcel of public land in Finger Lakes Region. Info & maps by phone at 607-546-4470. Varied forests, pastures, fields, shrub lands, ravines, hills, wildlife ponds. Over 30 miles of interconnecting trails. 3 developed campgrounds. Frozen Ocean State Forest................# 99 Cayuga County, 754 acres. Auburn, NY38A, S thru Niles to Old State Rd., which becomes Murray Rd., then Corrigan Rd. Wetland, upland. 607-753-3095 Galen Marsh WMA ............................# 118 Wayne County, 712 acres. Exit 42 Geneva off I-90 to NY14, N to Alloway (S of Lyons), E on Shon Alloway Rd., to Schwab Rd., to Lyons-Marengo Rd. (CR344), W to River Rd., then N. Upland, wetland, boat launch, parking, camping. 585-226-2466 Ganondagan State Historic Site .........# 3 Ontario County, 535 acres. Exit 44 Canandaigua off I-90 to NY332, S to CR41, W to just past NY444. Bow hunting only. 585-924-5848 Gee Brook State Forest & Papish Pond State Forest.....................................# 84 Cortland County, 833 acres. Exit 10 Cortland off I-81 to NY41, E to Gee Brook Rd. Upland, wetland. 607-753-3095 Goundry Hill State Forest..................# 48 Schuyler County, 2112 acres. Watkins Glen, NY414, S to Beaver Dams, Hornby Rd. W to CR16, N to Switzer Hill Rd., W to Goundry Hill Rd. 607-776-2165 Greenwood State Forest......................# 30 Steuben County, 907 acres. Exit 34 Hornell off I-86/NY17 to NY36, S thru Hornell to Canisteo, to NY248, S to Rock Creek Rd. (CR62), W to Brown Hollow Rd. 585-226-2466 Griggs Gulf State Forest....................# 77 Cortland County, 2343 acres. Exit 9 Marathon off I-81 S from Syracuse, to NY221, W to NY200, S to Griggs Gulf Rd. 607-753-3095 Hamlin Marsh WMA ..........................# 112 Onondaga County, 1473 acres. Exit 37 Syracuse off I-90 to Henry Clay Blvd. or from NY11 to Bear Road or from Wetzel Rd. Wetland. 607-753-3095
Hammond Hill State Forest ...............# 78 Tompkins County, 3618 acres. Ithaca, NY13, N to Dryden, NY38 to Schutt Rd., S to Harford Rd. Look for State Forest signs. Patchwork of parcels throughout. Upland. 607-753-3095 Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area....................................................# 9 Ontario County, 678 acres. Canandaigua, US 5&20, W to US 20A, to Honeoye, to CR36 (Canadice Hill Rd.) for 6 mi. Upland. No late season following regular season. 585-335-8111 Helmer Creek WMA ............................# 35 Steuben County, 126 acres. Exit 41 Campbell off I-86/NY17 to Campbell MillsRisingville Rd. (CR333), W to Cameron Mills-Risingville Rd. (CR24), S. Just before Cameron Mills. Uplands. 607-776-2165 Hemlock & Canadice Lakes Watershed.....# 8 Ontario & Livingston Counties, 7000 acres. Canandaigua, US20, W to Lima, NY15A, S to Rix Hill Rd. at N end of Hemlock Lake. Undeveloped land around the 2 lakes owned by City of Rochester. Permits required & are available free at kiosk on Rix Hill Rd. or at www.cityofrochester.gov Hewitt State Forest.............................# 96 Cortland County, 937 acres. Exit 12 off I81 S from Syracuse to Homer to NY41, N to Hewett Rd., then E. 607-753-3095 Hi-Tor WMA ...........................................# 12 Yates & Ontario Counties, 6108 acres. Naples, NY245, N to wetlands N of NY245 or continue on to West Rd. and Wolfanger Rd. for the uplands tract on South Hill. NY53, S to CR21, to Bassett Rd. to 3400 acre upland tract. Steep wooded hills, gullies, marshlands, overgrown fields. Area drained by Naples Creek, famed for rainbow spawning runs and West River with good bass & crappie fishing. 585-226-2466 Highland County Forest ...................# 92 Onondaga County, 2759 acres. Exit 14 Tully off I-81 S from Syracuse, to NY80, E for 12 miles. 315-683-5550 Honeoye Creek WMA.............................# 4 Ontario County, 717 acres. Canandaigua, US 5&20, W to W. Bloomfield, to CR37 S for 5-1/2 mi. Upland, wetland. 585-226-2466 Hoxie Gorge State Forest ..................# 83 Cortland County, 2064 acres. Exit 10 Cortland off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY11, S to Hoxie Gorge Rd., to Freetown-Hoxie Gorge Rd. 607-753-3095 Italy Hill State Forest..........................# 13 Yates County, 1990 acres. Penn Yan, NY54A, S to Branchport, W on Italy Hill Rd, S on Italy-Friend Rd, N on Pulver Rd to end. Uplands. 607-776-2165 James D. Kennedy Memorial State Forest ..# 81 Cortland County, 4429 acres. Exit 9 Marathon off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY221, W to Clarks Corners Rd., to Quail Hollow Rd., to Valentine Hollow Rd., then N. 607-753-3095
www.fingerlakes.org 33
In ThePublic Finger Lakes Hunting Jenksville State Forest.......................# 58 Tioga County, 1349 acres. Exit 64 off I86/NY17 to NY38, N thru Newark Valley, to Tappen Rd., W to Howard Hill Rd., N to Shirley Rd. Totally forested. Camping 607753-3095 Ketchumville State Forest..................# 57 Tioga County, 500 acres. Exit 64 Owego off I-86/NY17 to NY38 N thru Newark Valley to Wilson Creek Rd., E to Davis Hollow Rd., to Chamberlain Rd. 607-753-3095 Kettlebail State Forest...........................# 95 Cortland County, 597 acres. Exit 14 Tully off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY80, E to Tully, to Truxton Rd., S to Kettlebail Rd. 607-753-3095 Keuka Lake State Park .......................# 14 Yates County, 621 acres. Penn Yan, NY 54A, 6 mi W to Pepper Rd. on W branch of Keuka Lake. Bow hunting and muzzleloader only. 315-536-3666 Labrador Hollow State Unique Area .# 94 Cortland & Onondaga Counties, 1483 acres. Exit 14 Tully off I-81 S of Syracuse to NY80 thru Tully to NY91, then S which will bisect the area. Some hunting restrictions, including permitted area, so highly recommended you contact DEC region 7 for map & brochure. No camping. 607-753-3095 Lake Shore Marshes WMA ................# 117 Wayne County, 6130 acres. Several parcels on Lake Ontario, from Sodus Bay eastwards to Fair Haven. Includes S. Sodus Bay, Root Swamp, East Bay, Port Bay, Beaver Creek, Red Creek and Black Creek Units. Many access points off NY414 and NY104. Brochure available from NYS. Wetland, upland, parking lots. 585-226-2466 Letchworth State Park ..........................# 5 Livingston County, 14350 acres. Exit 7 Mount Morris off I-390 to NY408, W to NY36, N to park entrance. The park extends into neighboring Wyoming County. Largest parcel of state land in the region. Camping and rental cabins are available. Permits required and some restrictions apply. 585-493-3600 Long Point State Park.......................# 102 Cayuga County, 272 acres. Auburn, US20, W to NY90 S through Aurora. Deer, small game & waterfowl. 315-497-0130 Maple Hill State Forest .......................# 55 Chemung County, 604 acres. Exit 59 Chemung off I-86/NY17 to Wynkoop Creek Rd., N to Pryne Rd. 607-776-2165 Mark Twain State Park ........................# 54 Chemung County, 469 acres. Elmira, NY17, N to NY14 for 2 mi. Turn right on Wygant Rd., go 1 mi, turn left on Ridge Rd., go 1 block & turn left on Middle Rd. Deer - bow only. 607-739-0034
34 Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Lands
Northern Montezuma Wetlands WMA, Cayuga Lake Unit ..........................# 108 Seneca County, 225 acres. Seneca Falls, US20, E to NY89, S to Demont Rd, or boat launch off US20 on W side of Seneca River or at Cayuga Lake State Park. Cattail marsh & wooded swamps. 315-365-2134
Maxon Creek State Forest..................# 91 Cortland County, 908 acres. Exit 14 Tully off I-81 S of Syracuse to NY80, W to NY91, S to NY13, E to Crains Mills Rd., S to Pease Hill Rd. or Pardee Rd. 607-753-3095 McCarthy Hill State Forest .................# 38 Steuben County, 794 acres. Exit 44 Painted Post off I-86/NY17 to NY417, S to Addison, S on CR5 to Ackerson Rd., then W. Passes thru Pinnacle State Park. 585-226-2466 Meads Creek State Forest..................# 43 Steuben County, 1452 acres. Exit 42 Coopers Plains off I-86/NY17 to Meads Creek Rd. (CR26). Uplands. 607-776-2165 Michigan Hill State Forest ....................# 75 Tioga County, 1209 acres. Ithaca, NY79, E to Richford, to NY38, then N. 607-753-3095 Morgan Hill State Forest ....................# 93 Onondaga & Cortland Counties, 5560 acres. Exit 14 Tully off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY80 thru Tully to Shackman Rd., S which will bisect the area. Upland, heavily forested & hilly. Spruce Pond is stocked with trout. 607-753-3095 Moss Hill State Forest ........................# 25 Steuben County, 1813 acres. Exit 40 Savona off I-86/NY17 to NY415, W to O'Brian Rd. Upland. 607-776-2165 Mt. Washington State Forest..............# 23 Steuben County, 440 acres. Exit 38 Bath off I-86/NY17 to NY54, N to Mt. WashingtonArgus Hill Rd. (CR113), then W. Upland. 607-776-2165 Newfield State Forest .........................# 63 Tompkins County, 1552 acres. Ithaca, NY13, S to Bull Hill Rd., S to Chaffee Creek Rd. 607-753-3095 Northern Montezuma Wetlands WMA.....# 109 Cayuga & Wayne Counties, 6304 acres. NY31, W from Clyde to Savannah. State lands are along NY89, N of Savannah & Savannah-Spring Rd., E of Savannah. Includes Howland's Island, Savannah and South Butler Units. Upland, wetland, parking lot. 315-365-2134
Oakley Corners State Forest..............# 56 Tioga County, 1042 acres. Exit 64 Owego off I-86/NY17 to NY38, N to Wade Hollow Rd. which turns into Dutchtown Rd. Parking at intersection of Hullsville Rd. & also S on Hullsville Rd. Forests, ponds, camping. 607-753-3095 Ossian State Forest ............................# 16 Livingston County, 1303 acres. Exit 5 Dansville off I-390 to NY436, W to Ossian Hill Rd. (CR9), S to Linzy Rd.,W to Scovil Rd. 607-776-2165 Pigtail Hollow State Forest ................# 19 Steuben County, 998 acres. Exit 37 Kanona off I-86/NY17 to NY53, N to Renchans, E on Mitchellsville Rd., N on Hungry Hollow Rd. Uplands. 607-776-2165 Pinnacle State Park.............................# 37 Steuben County, 715 acres. Exit 44 Painted Post off I-86/NY17 to NY417, S to Addison, S on CR5 to Ackerson Rd., then W. Deer, turkey, small game. Bow hunting & muzzleloading only. Permit required. 607359-2767 Potato Hill State Forest ......................# 71 Tompkins County, 915 acres. Ithaca, NY79, E to Caroline to Level Rd., S to Green Rd., S to Blackman Hill Rd., then E. 607-7533095 Rattlesnake Hill WMA .........................# 15 Livingston County, 5147 acres. Exit 5 Dansville off I-390 to NY436, W to Ossian Hill Rd. (CR9), S to Linzy Rd., to Dannack Hill Rd. Uplands, wetlands, camping. 585226-2466 Robert H. Treman State Park..............# 69 Tompkins County, 1073 acres. Ithaca, NY13, 5 mi S. Deer - bow only. Permit required. 607-273-3440 Robinson Hollow State Forest...........# 76 Tioga County, 1937 acres. Ithaca, NY79, E past Caroline to NY38, S to Robinson Hollow Rd., then N. 607-753-3095
In The Finger Lakes Rock Creek State Forest ...................# 29 Steuben County, 704 acres. Exit 34 Hornell off I-86/NY17 to NY36, S thru Hornell to Canisteo, to NY248, S to Rock Creek Rd. (CR62), W to O'Haragan Rd., then E. 585-226-2466 Rush Oak Openings State Unique Area....# 2 Monroe County, 400 acres. Exit 11 off I390 S from Rochester to NY15, S to Honeoye Falls - 5 Points Rd. Wetlands, uplands. 585-226-2466 Sampson State Park ........................# 106 Seneca County, 1913 acres. Geneva, NY96A 11 mi S on E side of Seneca Lake. Deer, waterfowl, small game. Permit required. 315-585-6392 Seacord Hill State Forest (AKA Taylor Valley State Forest) ........................# 87 Cortland County, 4638 acres. Exit 10 McGraw off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY41, E to Telephone Rd., to Kiwanis Rd. which becomes Mt. Roderick Rd., to Taylor Valley Rd. 607-753-3095 Shindagin Hollow State Forest .........# 60 Tompkins & Tioga Counties, 5265 acres. Ithaca, NY96B, S to CR17, N to Honeypot Rd. (near Candor). 607-753-3095 Sonyea State Forest ............................# 6 Livingston County, 922 acres. Exit 6 Sonyea off I-390, to NY36, N to Ridge Rd., S to Moyer Rd. 585-226-2466 South Bradford State Forest..............# 44 Steuben County, 1819 acres. Exit 41 Campbell off I-86/NY17, to NY418, N to McNutt Run Rd. (CR17), N to Dennis Hill Rd. in So. Bradford. Upland. 607-776-2165 Spafford County Forest .....................# 97 Onondaga County, 701 acres. Skaneateles, NY41, S to Spafford (near S end of Otisco Lake), W on Coldbrook Rd. 315-683-5550
Stid Hill WMA ......................................# 10 Ontario County, 790 acres. Canandaigua, US 5&20, W to NY64, S for 8-1/2 mi. 2nd parcel 2 mi. S in So. Bristol. Upland, parking lot. 585-226-2466
Tuller Hill State Forest .......................# 82 Cortland County, 2436 acres. Exit 11 Cortland off I-81 S from Syracuse to NY13, S to NY215, S to NY392, E to Clute Rd. 607-753-3095
Stony Brook State Park ......................# 18 Steuben County, 568 acres. I-390 to NY36, 3 mi S of Dansville. Deer - bow only. East side of Stony Brook Glen only. 585-335-8111
Turkey Hill State Forest .....................# 73 Tioga County, 1118 acres. Ithaca, NY13, E past Richford to Marsh Rd., S to Tubbs Hill Rd., then W. 607-753-3095
Sugar Hill State Forest ......................# 49 Schuyler County, 9085 acres. Watkins Glen, NY409, W to CR28 to CR23, S on CR21, W to Tower Hill Rd. Upland, mix of hardwoods & conifers. Archery course, camping. 607-535-2797
Turkey Ridge State Forest.................# 31 Steuben County, 676 acres. Exit 44 Painted Post off I-86/NY17 to NY417 thru Addison to NY248, N, Norton Hollow Rd., then W. 585-226-2466
Summerhill State Forest..................# 100 Cayuga County, 4355 acres. Auburn, NY38, S on W side of Owasco Lake thru Moravia to Tollgate Rd. (CR54), S to Hoag Ave., then E. Upland. 315-497-0130 Taughannock Falls State Park ..........# 68 Tompkins County, 745 acres. Ithaca, NY89, 8 mi N. Deer - bow only. Permit Required. 607-387-6739 Texas Hollow State Forest ................# 66 Schuyler County, 937 acres. Watkins Glen, NY414, N to NY79, E to Texas Hollow Rd., then S. 607-776-2165 Three Rivers WMA............................# 113 Onondaga County, 3611 acres. Exit 39 Baldwinsville off I-90 to I-690, N to Kellogg Rd. Upland, wetland. 607-753-3095 Tracy Creek State Forest ...................# 36 Steuben County, 569 acres. Exit 44 Painted Post off I-86/NY17 to NY417, S to Addison. Continue on to Tracy Creek Rd. (CR80). 607-776-2165 Photos below and opposite page by: Eagle Eye Outfitters
Urbana State Forest...........................# 20 Steuben County, 2690 acres. Exit 38 Bath o ff I - 8 6 / N Y 1 7 t o N Y 5 4 A , N t o Hammondsport, to Reservoir Hill Rd. Uplands, wetlands. 607-776-2165 Waneta-Lamoka WMA........................# 21 Schuyler County, 195 acres. Watkins Glen, NY409, W to CR28, to CR23 W past Tyrone. Wetland, upland, parking lot, boat launch. Channel connects Waneta & Lamoka Lakes. 607-776-2165 Watkins Glen State Park...................# 51 Schuyler County, 776 acres. Watkins Glen, NY14 to NY329. Deer - bow only. 607-535-4511 West Cameron WMA ..........................# 32 Steuben County, 170 acres. Exit 38 Bath off I-86/NY17 to Washington St., E to Morris St., E to Cameron St. (CR10), S to Cameron, to CR119, W to Angel Rd. Uplands. 607-776-2165 West Hill State Forest ........................# 42 Steuben County, 887 acres. Exit 43 Painted Post off I-86/NY17 to NY415, E to West Hill Rd., N. Uplands. 607-776-2165 Whitney Point Multiple Use Area (Federal) ..........................................# 85 Cortland County, 4645 acres. Exit 10 Cortland off I-81 to NY41, E to NY26, S for boat launch. Wetland, upland. No hunting permit required. 607-753-3095 Willard WMA .....................................# 104 Seneca County, 158 acres. Ovid, S on NY96A, to Gilbert Rd., W to CR132 (Upper Lake Rd.), then S. Upland, parking lot. 607-226-5380 Yellow Barn State Forest ...................# 79 Tompkins County, 1275 acres. Ithaca, NY13, E almost to Dryden to Yellow Barn Rd., S. 607-753-3095
www.fingerlakes.org
35
Licensed Fishing Guides, Keuka Lake
Onondaga Lake
Marinas______________
Marina _____________
Barger Landing Charter Service, 570-398-1218
Onondaga Lake Park Marina, Vine Street, Liverpool, 315-453-6721
Basin Park Marina PO Box 446 Keuka Park 315-595-8808 East Bluff Harbour Marina 654 East Bluff Drive Penn Yan; 315-536-8236
Canandaigua Lake Marinas ____________ German Brothers Marina 3907 W. Lake Rd. Canandaigua 585-394-4000
Hideaway Harbor 853 Backus Rd. Cayuga; 315-889-5560
Finger Lakes Angling Zone Guide Service 607-387-3098
Inland Harbor Marina Rts. 5 & 20. Waterloo 315-789-7255
John Gaulke Finger Lakes Angling Zone Guide Services 607-387-3098
Smith Boys Marina 7099 Rt. 21 Naples; 585-374-2384
Lockview Marina Rt. 90, RD # 1, Box 482 Cayuga; 315-255-2936
Charters____________
Oak Orchard Marina PO Box 148, Rt 89 North Seneca Falls
Release Tyme Charters 368 Backus Rd., Union Springs; 315-729-0509
Trade-A-Yacht, Inc. Hibiscus Harbor, Harbor Dr. Union Springs; 315-889-5086
Conesus Lake
Reel Magic Charters 585-374-5197 Valley of the Shadows 585-721-5814 Whaleback Farm, Inc. 585-385-9725
Cayuga Lake Marinas ____________ Barrett Marine 485 W. River Rd. Waterloo; 315-789-6605 Beacon Bay Marina 6255 Water St. Cayuga; 315-252-2849 Castelli's Marina, Inc. 21 Basin St., Union Springs 315-889-5532 Cayuga Marina 6721 River Road, Rt. 90 Caugua; 315-252-5754 Don's Marine Service 427 Powers Rd. King Ferry; 315-364-8921 Finger Lakes Marine Service, 44 Marina Rd. Lansing; 607-533-4422 Hidden Harbour Marina Rts. 5 & 20. Waterloo 315-539-8034
Troy's Marina, Inc. Backus Rd., RD 1 Cayuga; 315-889-5560 Twin Oaks Marine, RD #1, Firelane 14, Lake Rd. Cayuga; 315-889-7725 Waterloo Oak Island Rts 5 and 20 Waterloo; 315-539-8848 Willis Marine, Carr's Cove, Box 22, Union Springs 315-889-5125 Charters____________ Black Bandit Sportfishing 315-587-4306 Canalside Adventures 315-651-4443 David Passmore Finger Lakes Fly Fishing 607-347-3792 Eagle Rock Charters 315-889-5925
36 Call us at 1-800-284-3352
Kingtown Beach 607-387-6606
Marinas ____________ Lakeville Marine Serice 4096 East Lake Road Lakeville; 585-346-6010 Smith Boys Marina 5750 E. Lake Rd. Conesus; 585-346-2060
Cross Lake Marinas______________ Cross Lake Marina 12946 Dungar Rd. Cato; 315-626-6718
Erie Canal & Seneca River Marinas__________ Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing 1865 Canandaigua Rd. Macedon; 800-808-4511 Midway Marina 2898 Ditmar Rd. Weedsport; 315-834-6829 Riverforest Marina 2526 Riverforest Rd. Weedsport; 315-834-9458
Lake Ontario Marinas ____________ Anchor Resort & Marina 14380 W. Bay Rd. Fair Haven; 315-947-5331
Harbor Club Marina 42 West lake Rd. Branchport; 315-595-2215
Arney's Marina, 7250 Rt. 14 N., Sodus Point 315-483-9111
Morgan Marine 100 E. Lake Rd. Penn Yan; 315-536-8166
Bayside Marina W. Bay Rd., POB 265 Fair Haven; 315-947-5773
North End Marina Inc 3553 Rt 54, Branchport; 315-595-2853
Chinook Harbor & Marina King Rd., POB 43 Fair Haven; 315-947-6677
Charters____________
Davenport Boat Livery & Marina - 9667 Resort Rd, North Rose 315-587-4434
Bobbers Fishing Excursions, 607-569-2791 Eagle Eye Outfitters 315-536-9768 Finger Lakes Guide Service 315-730-8333
Fair Haven Marine Service, King Rd. PO Door M, Fair Haven 315-947-5604
Fishing the Finger Lakes Guide Service 607-739-9123
Four Point Marina W. Bay Rd. Fair Haven; 315-947-6111
Keuka Bigfoot Charters 607-569-2988
Fowler’s Marina 9276 LeRoy Is. Rd., Wolcott; 315-587-9767
Ketchum Fish Charters 607-569-2325 Keuka Charters 315-536-9364 Keuka Watersports 607-569-2889 My Dream Charters on Keuka Lake NY 570-437-2756
Oneida Lake Marinas______________ Aero Marina 9080 Beach Rd. Brewerton; 315-699-7736 Brewerton Boatyard 5405 Bennett St. Brewerton; 315-676-3762 Theisen Marina Theisen Rd., Brewerton 315-676-2291
Hadcock Marine Main St., Rt. 104A Fair Haven; 315-947-5355 Hughes’ Marina 5003 East Lakes Rd. Williamson; 315-589-2752 Katlynn Marine, Inc 7448 Rt 14, Sodus Point 315-483-9102 Krenzer Marine 8495 Greig St., Sodus Point; 315-483-6986 Mill Street Marina 4135 Mill Street Puntneyville; 315-589-9350 Oak Park Resort Marina, I6483 Lake Bluff Rd. North Rose; 315-587-2300 Shawn's Marina 14738 Lake St., Fair Haven; 315-947-6635
Charters and Marinas Charters____________ AAA-Coho-Motion Charters 315-587-2743 AAA Trophy Hunter Charters 315-483-6886 Advocate Charter Fishing 585-385-8500 Argo Charters 888-739-7155 Bay Bridge Sport Shop 315-587-9508 Billy V Sportfishing 607-257-1804 Bulldog Charters 585-704-5578 Bullseye Charter 585-703-4704 Candy Charters 585-872-3455 Carl D. Colemens Fly Shop 585-352-4776 Cherry Grove Charters 315-594-8320 Dream Catcher Charters 585-314-2407 Enticer Charters 585-671-2362 Expeditor Charters 607-535-7558 Fantasy Charters 315-947-6328 Fishing Fantasy Charters 585-732-3171 Fishing Fool Charters 315-536-6020 Fish Lander Charters 585-576-3797 Fishin’ Magician Charters 315-333-5428 Fish On Charters 585-732-4995 Fishin "Pole" 585-323-9173 Freedom Charters 585-749-9732 Get-A-Way Fishing 315-524-7559 Hammerhead Charters 585-315-7222 Honey Hole Charters 315-539-0918 Hooked Up Charters 585-388-1100
Irondequoit Bay Charters 585-671-5168
Stanton Fishing Charters 315-685-0651
King Me Charters 585-747-7897
Stingray Charters 315-374-9277
L&M Sport Fishing 315-594-8209
Trout N About Charters 585-615-6504
Summit To Stream Adventures 607-535-2701
Lady J. Charter, The 315-695-4765
Valley of the Shadows 585-721-5814
Seneca Lake
Waterloo Harbor Rts. 5 & 20 Waterloo, NY 13165 315-539-8848
Limit Catcher Charters 315-576-3600
Owasco Lake Marinas__________
Marinas______________
Charters____________
Barrett Marine 485 W. River Rd. Waterloo; 315-789-6605
Canalside Adventures 315-651-4443
Off The Hook Fishing 585-750-8874 Omega II Charter Service 800-46-TROUT Orka Charters 315-483-8537 Pequod Charters 315-573-2139 Pier One Charters 315-594-2704 Pier One II Charters 315-594-2704
A-1 Marine, 1499 Rt. 38 Moravia; 315-497-3726 Owasco Marine 377 Owasco Rd., Auburn 315-253-0693 Sevey's Boatyard, Inc. Glen Cove Rd. Moravia; 315-496-2092 South Shore Marina 2810 Fire Lane #1 Moravia; 315-497-3006
Pier One III Charters 315-594-2704
Trade-A-Yacht Marina 147 Pulsifer Dr, Auburn 315-258-9096
Popeye Charters 570-296-4978
Charters____________
Predator Charters 315-585-6412 Prime Time Charters 315-483-8600 Rainbow Connections Outfitters 315-483-9829 Raindance Charters 315-699-0929 RJ's Guide Service 315-597-3490 Rebel Fishing Charters 585-964-2106 Ready For Action Charters 585-703-1440 Reel Crazy Sport Fishing Charter 888-210-2901 Reel Easy Sport Fishing Charters 585-586-2499 Reel Time Sportfishing Charters 315-736-3725 Rustic Charters 315-947-5415 Salmon Bound Charters 585-721-2632 Salmon Grabber Charters 315-483-6208
Cascade Grill Fishing Charter 315-497-2266 Fish “Tale” Charters 315-252-4033 Gary's Guide & Charter 518-883-4193 Showtime Charters 315-877-2656
Regional Eagle Eye Outfitters 315-536-9768 Finger Lakes Guide Service 315-730-8333 Finger Lakes Outdoor Adventures 315-536-6327
Fishing The Finger Lakes Guide Service 607-739-9123 Joe Rigoli 607-687-1057
Ervey’s Marina 40 Fairgrounds Lane Watkins Glen 607-535-2671 Glen Harbor Marina East 4th Street Watkins Glen 607-535-2751 Hidden Harbour Marina Rts. 5 & 20 Waterloo, NY 13165 315-539-8034 Inland Harbor Marina Rts. 5 & 20 Waterloo, NY 13165 315-789-7255 Montour Marina Marina Drive, Montour Falls 607-535-9397 Roy's Marina 4398 Clarks Pt. Geneva, NY 14456 315-789-3094 Seneca Marine 501 E. 4th St. Watkins Glen, NY 14891 607-535-6690 Stivers Marine, Inc. Rt. 96A, Waterloo 315-789-5520
Village Marina 2 Seneca Harbor Watkins Glen 607-535-7910
Expeditor Charters 607-535-7558 Finger Lakes Angling Zone Guide Service 607-387-3098 Seneca Chief Hunting & Fishing Guide 607-582-6089 Waterloo Oak Island Rts 5 and 20 Waterloo; 315-539-8848
Skaneateles Lake Marina __________ Skaneateles Marina 1938 W. Lake Rd. Skaneateles; 315-685-5095 Charters
_________
Gary’s Guide & Charter Service 518-883-4193 Fish Tales Sport Fishing 315-685-3257 Lakeview Charters 315-685-8176 Sailboat Shop, The 1322 E. Genesee St. Skaneateles; 315-685-7558
Conhocton River Guided Fly Fishing on the Conhocton River 607-776-4968
Outfitters Bristol Hills Outfitters 877-486-8246 Eagle Eye Outfitters 315-536-9768 Lakeside Outfitters 607-292-3557 Panorama Outfitters 585-396-3010
Sodus Point Charters 315-483-2183
www.fingerlakes.org 37
Travel and Outdoor Resources A Finger Lakes Visitors Connection 25 Gorham St., Canandaigua, 14424 877-386-4669, 585-394-3915 www.visitfingerlakes.com info@visitfingerlakes.com Cayuga County Office of Tourism 131 Genesee St., Auburn, 13021 800-499-9615, 315-255-1658 www.TourCayuga.com Chemung County Chamber of Commerce 400 E. Church St., Elmira, 14901 800-MARKTWAIN, 607-734-5137 www.chemungchamber.org Info@chemungchamber.org Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau 37 Church St., Cortland, 13045 800-859-2227, 607-753-8463 www.cortlandtourism.com cortcvb@odyssey.net Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance 309 Lake St., Penn Yan, 14527 800-530-7488, 315-536-7488 www.fingerlakes.org info@fingerlakes.org Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention & Visitors Bureau 904 E. Shore Dr. Ithaca, 14850 800-28-ITHACA, 607-272-1313 www.VisitIthaca.com info@visitithaca.com Livingston County Chamber of Commerce 4635 Millennium Dr. Geneseo, 14454 800-538-7365, 585-243-2222 www.fingerlakeswest.com tourlivingston@frontiernet.net
Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce 100 N. Franklin St. Watkins Glen, 14891 800-607-4552, 607-535-4300 www.schuylerny.com tourism@schuylerny.com
Fishing and hunting in New York State require licenses. Use these resources to get information on the best location to obtain your license and to clarify the rules and regulations pertaining to the type of hunting or fishing that you plan on enjoying.
Seneca County Chamber of Commerce 2020 US Routes 5 & 20 Seneca Falls, NY 13148 800-732-1848, 315-568-2906 www.fingerlakescentral.com info@senecachamber.org
New York State Canal System 800-4-CANAL-4 (800-422-6254) www.canals.state.ny.us
Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau 1 W. Market St., Suite 301 Corning, 14830 866-946-3386, 607-936-6544 www.corningfingerlakes.com sccvb@corningfingerlakes.com
New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 7: 315-426-7400 Region 8: 585-226-2466 www.dec.state.ny.us
Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau 572 S. Salina St. Syracuse, 13202 315-470-1910, 800-234-4797 www.visitsyracuse.org cvb@visitsyracuse.org Tioga County Tourism 80 North Ave., Owego, 13827 800-671-7772, 607-687-7440 www.visittioga.com info@visittioga.com Visit Rochester 45 East Ave., Suite 400 Rochester, 14604-2294 800-677-7282, 585-546-3070 www.visitrochester.com info@visitrochester.com Wayne County Tourism 9 Pearl St., Lyons, 14489 800-527-6510, 315-946-5469 www.waynecountytourism.com tourism@co.wayne.ny.us Yates County Chamber of Commerce 2375 Rt. 14A Penn Yan, 14527 800-868-9283, 315-536-3111 www.yatesny.com info@yatesny.com
38
Call us at 1-800-284-3352
New York State Dept. of Economic Development Division of Tourism 800-CALLNYS (800-225-5697) www.iloveny.com
New York State DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS) 866-933-2257; www.dec.state.ny.us New York State Hunting & Fishing License information 518-402-8843 New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 800-456-2267; www.nysparks.com Central Region 6105 E. Seneca Turnpike Jamesville, NY 13078 315-492-1756 Finger Lakes Region 2221 Taughannock Park Rd. Trumansburg, NY 14886-0721 607-387-7041 Genesee Region Castile, NY 14427; 585-493-3600 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 800-334-9453; www.fws.gov/ Finger Lakes National Forest 5218 Rt. 414, Hector, NY 14841 607-546-4470 www.fs.fed.us/r9/gmfl/fingerlakes/ Thank you to the staff of the DEC Regional offices in Avon, Bath and Cortland for assistance. Thanks also to the County Highway Departments for maps and to Kidd Photographics for design and photography for this publication.
Destination Finger Lakes Finger Lakes Travel Guide Looking for the most comprehensive guide for all your travel needs in New York’s Finger Lakes region? Filled with resources for where to stay and what to do while you’re here, the full-color 2008 Finger Lakes Travel Guide is the official guide to the 14-county, 9,000-square mile Finger Lakes region.
Finger Lakes Mini-Guide & Map
A convenient pocket-sized guide to the Finger Lakes with a regional map as well as information on activities and attractions, restaurants, shopping, and lodging options in the area.
Hiking and Biking Guide If you like this Hunting and Fishing guide, you might be interested in details on two more of our popular Finger Lakes activities. Our four color Hiking and Biking guide provides routes for road bikers, trail bikers, and hikers of all interests.
Free brochures and a complete website with all the details you need. Visit us at www.fingerlakes.org The Finger Lakes region of New York State runs from Lake Ontario to the Pennsylvania border, from Syracuse to Letchworth State Park. There are so many reasons that people come to the Finger Lakes: our outdoors, our lakes, our scenery and our recreational options. Our visitors love our four seasons which lure people for skiing, fishing, lake fun, golf and wine tasting. There is so much more to do in the Finger Lakes than we can possibly say in this guide. For more information visit us online or give us a call to order our other special interest publications. We hope to see you soon in the Finger Lakes. This fishing guide is published by Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance. Inclusion in this publication does not constitute an endorsement. While every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance cannot assume responsibility for changes in details and rates. To participate in this guide or to learn more about this organization, contact:
Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance 309 Lake Street Penn Yan, NY 14527
www.fingerlakes.org
Touring is about possibilities. And when you have more than 9,000 square miles of lakes, hills, villages and vineyards, the possibilities are endless. For families, groups, couples, you name it, each county in the Finger Lakes has developed touring packages and suggested itineraries for the adventuresome traveler. You can take part in an organized tour, or you can take one of many well-defined maps and trek out on your own.
Phone: 800-284-3352 or 315-536-7488 Fax: 315-536-1237 E-mail: info@fingerlakes.org Web: www.fingerlakes.org © 2008 Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance all rights reserved
www.fingerlakes.org
39