Reel Doc

I have not fished from a kayak or higher, but if you look back on Cayuga lake posts I think you will find many posts specific to both techniques. Also, if you had success around Deans in September and October then you were figuring things out pretty well. As the larger Lakers get closer to spawn time they tend to migrate to the South end of the lake and develop lockjaw for a while. Smaller fish are around, but as lake temps even out in late Fall, they could be anywhere in the column so finding a group on your electronics is less common. Get started this Spring and with more time on the water patterns will start to reveal for you. Good luck.

You had a beautiful morning to be on the water. Did the fish provide some entertainment?

Drove by Deans yesterday and from 89 it looked clear and a good warm up is coming this week. I checked the lake level and it is 9 inches lower compared to when I last launched at Deans in January. That day we were nearly to the end of the dock with my 24 foot rig, but otherwise had no problems. With a 16 footer I'm betting you will be fine. South side of the dock is flat past the concrete ramp so you can drive into the water some if needed. I would recommend you bring a shovel as often a lump of washed up debris at the water line that is a little awkward to maneuver through for launch and pull out. Let us know what you find when you go.

Sometimes you are there and get to watch the circus free of charge. One evening last Summer we are about to head in and this big wide 30 foot plus pleasure boat comes screaming by us heading into Deans. By the time we get there these guys are in the midst of trying to trailer this monster of a boat. They finally get it loaded, but after 2 attempts, can't get it out of the water as the tow vehicle is an F150....well, they switch drivers and the second guy puts the hammer down and those tires start baking. Thought he was gonna make it, but fishtailed and lost momentum so we were treated to second show. The boys and I were laughing our butts off.

IMO, the single dock at Deans works well when all are patient and polite. Adding more options there is likely to increase the chaos during busy times. Have had many launches and landings there the past couple years and could make a movie of bloopers from all the antics that occur there. I'm amazed one of the big pleasure boats hasn't pulled a Rodney Dangerfield from Caddyshack and completely wiped out the dock and any boats in its way. The boating/wine tasting idea is great when the driver is staying sober but that isn't always the case. I have rarely seen any fishermen, (trollers, perch people, or bass guys) be a problem. I envy how fast those bass boats go in and out of the water, and typically during morning launch, they only use one side of the dock, leaving the other for the rest of us to use. 99% of the issues are from inexperienced boaters and lack of patience from everyone. Had to wait up to 45 minutes to dock during the 10-1 window this Summer as others coming in and loads of pleasure boaters heading out. Very little etiquette from some with cutting in line or leaving vehicles in positions that block everyone else the norm. A few times I wondered if the verbal exchanges were going to escalate to physical stuff. None of it is a surprise as the same stuff goes on when driving cars on the road. Rather than having someone checking weeds on props during the weekends, the park police need someone to manage the traffic and offer guidance/assistance for those prone to wrecking the docks along with their rigs. Just my thoughts but either way, glad to hear the dock is being repaired.

Good news. The dock was beaten up badly this Summer.

Haven't launched there in a month and went to the end of the dock to launch that day, (24 foot Wellcraft). Lake has dropped about 10 inches since then. If you have a flat bottom or small V you could probably get out provided the ice has melted. This warm up might do it. Perhaps someone on here driving by can update if it's still iced over.

Will give it a go tomorrow if the launch is not too iced over. Calling for cold but minimal wind......Wind is the deal breaker for me. Otherwise its just open water ice fishing.

Anyone at Taughannock today? Would appreciate the word on the launch and if the bubbler is keeping the ice down. Thanks in advance!!