In Seneca Lake, landlocked salmon are plentiful and vulnerable to downrigger fishing throughout the year.
Courtesy Ben Lowe
About two million years ago, the enormous glaciers that once covered much of North America melted for the final time. In what is now central and western New York State, the remains can only be described as a paradise for freshwater anglers. With an area of nearly 9,000 square miles spanning 14 counties, the Finger Lakes Region comprises a total of eleven glacially carved lakes.
A glance at Google Earth reveals that the lakes extend north to south and are remarkably slender, aptly termed fingers. Locally, this area is known as the “banana belt” of upstate New York because the abundant water helps maintain slightly milder winters and cooler summers compared to surrounding regions. From east to west, the lakes are arranged as follows: Otisco, Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, and Conesus.
As temperatures start to cool and fall fishing excitement heats up, get your boat ready and experience some of the best multi-species fishing on the East Coast.
Top Species to Target in the Finger Lakes
Quality smallmouth bass and walleye catches from New York’s Finger Lakes abound. Almost every favored northeast freshwater species swims in these waters, including trout.
Courtesy Kurt Hoefig
The Finger Lakes read like a greatest hits album of North American freshwater fish. For some local insight, I spoke with Kurt Hoefig, a local guide and prominent figure in the region’s fishing community.
“I tell my clients frequently that there aren’t many places in the country with such access to natural waterways like we have here,” Hoefig stated. “The DEC excels at managing our fisheries; there’s no off-season for fishing in the Finger Lakes.”
Overall, all eleven lakes support thriving populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, thanks to the ample deep rock formations and shallow structures. The same applies to panfish, as yellow perch, crappie, and bluegill are abundant throughout the region.
The excitement continues, as certain lakes provide excellent chances for lake trout, brown trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout. While numerous lakes in the Northeast offer productive northern pike fishing, many lack the necessary forage and open waters to nurture larger specimens. The Finger Lakes consistently produce true trophy pike around the 20-pound mark each year. Additionally, for those willing to invest the effort, reliable tiger muskie fishing is available.
The state’s prized walleye also thrives in large populations and reaches impressive sizes across various lakes. Other species worth targeting include channel catfish, longnose gar, bowfin, and freshwater drum.
The Best Finger Lakes for Fishing
Largemouth bass rank among the top targets in the Finger Lakes. Indeed, New York’s state record largemouth was caught in this area, weighing in at 12 pounds, 6 ounces.
Courtesy Ben Lowe
With eleven lakes in total, focusing on specific species and techniques is essential for maximizing your time spent fishing. For bass enthusiasts, Cayuga Lake is a must-visit, as it has become a reliable stop on high-profile tournament circuits. It is home to the New York state record smallmouth bass, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces, and it recently yielded the state record largemouth bass, a hefty 12 pounds, 6 ounces. Cayuga is not just a warm-water fishery; its trout and salmon populations have greatly benefited from the introduction of round gobies. Hoefig noted, “Gobies were discovered in the lake in 2013, leading lake trout to prey on this new food source in relatively shallow areas. This created exceptional opportunities to catch big lakers.”
For a truly unique fishing experience, Seneca Lake, claiming the title of the “lake trout capital of the world,” descends to depths exceeding 600 feet. These remarkable depths, combined with infrequent ice cover, make Seneca Lake the site of the U.S. Navy’s sonar testing facility, where sonar units for nuclear submarines are thoroughly tested. Alongside a thriving lake trout population, landlocked salmon are consistently found and are responsive to downrigger fishing all year.
My personal favorite, located half an hour from Syracuse, is Otisco Lake. Essentially, it can be fished as two distinct lakes due to a causeway dividing it at the southern end. The lower basin is filled with murky water and weed beds, ideal for largemouth bass and panfish, while the upper basin is clear and deep, featuring abundant structure and great populations of smallmouth and walleye. Be cautious; tiger muskies inhabit the entire lake and can surprise you at any time. Otisco is also one of the most reliable locations for safe ice fishing annually.
About the Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes are deep and cold, providing a perfect environment for healthy lake trout to thrive.
Courtesy Ben Lowe
When I am on a fishing trip, I rarely focus on other entertainment options nearby. However, the Finger Lakes region is an exception, as the temperate climate has fostered a fantastic array of breweries and wineries, along with a wide selection of restaurants that feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For speed enthusiasts, Watkins Glen International Speedway offers world-class racing entertainment all summer long at reasonable prices. If you seek to stretch your legs after a long day on the water, numerous trails leading to scenic vistas are available and worthy of exploration. For additional information about the area, visit visitfingerlakes.com.