walnut109

My summer trolling catch rate has dropped off the last two years, but I attribute that to the large numbers of juvenile perch two years ago and the fact DEC is stocking two different strains now. I need to change my summer tactics a bit. This fall was good early for me but dropped off in mid-November, probably due to the extreme cold temps so quickly. Fish ranged all sizes, which is good. Tried 2 weeks ago and landed two small keepers, but the bite was exceptionally light. My guess is the fish are still available now with the moderately warm weather we have had.

Great topic. I really enjoyed reading these posts. My first experience with Finger Lakes trout fishing began at Lodi in the early 70's. An old guy (who was probably actually younger than I am now) would go out every morning from the campground and bring back 2 or 3 lakers and rainbows. To a 10 year old, the size was massive compared to the stream trout we cut our teeth on. He was a wire puller, and not the most friendly guy, he but offered suggestion on purchasing a Seth Green Rig in town. For the next 15 years trolling the Finger Lakes was how we spent the weekends. We fished from Keuka to Otisco but mainly focused on Skaneateles and Owasco. I spent many days hunkered down in the bow of our 14-foot Starcraft waiting for the rods to bounce. I returned to focus on warmwater species for the next 20 years but recently got the itch to go after the trout/salmon again after a friend donated a couple of riggers to my son for his boat. I really enjoy trolling the Finger Lakes. The setting is so unique and we are blessed to have this in our backyard. I never really got the itch for the browns or kings on Lake O., but we have been going out of Fair Haven the last two years. Lake O. is great fishery, but it has a different feel than the Finger Lakes. Of course each Finger has it own unique feel too, along with the history associated with the fishery. I have our old Miller's, Pine Valley's, Quick Strikes and Sutton's. In my opinion, there never a sweeter looking lure than a new Sutton pulled from its wrapper in the 70's. I am trying to fill out my collection of flutter style Sutton's which is not easy, as some of the early ones were hand cut and very limited in number. I am almost there (32 out of 35 I think, there may be more). I purchased an old Seth Green rig this summer and plan to use it at least once while turning off the electronics. The fish will still be in their old haunts, let old Seth find them. Sometimes, simpler is better for the mind and soul.

Based upon past years, it usually depends upon snowfall. I have launched as late as mid-December. Both docks were still in as of last Thursday, although there was not a single trailer in the parking lot.. I would anticipate mid-November unless lack of boat inspection budget has an impact.

My friends have fished out of Mud Bay for years. Mostly for warmwater species. I would think the trout/salmon would be a long run. Chaumont Hardware should be a good source of up to date information. You definitely should bring the planers if trolling for eyes. Good luck.

Significant debris and pollution at Lodi Point. The State boat ramp is barely visible. A very sad situation for those impacted. Here is a link to some more aerials. https://twitter.com/FLXJosh/status/1029415478433857536/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1029415478433857536&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffingerlakes1.com%2F2018%2F08%2F14%2Fupdate-mandatory-evacuations-lodi-state-of-emergency%2F

Got out this AM from 6 to 10. Kept 3 LT and 1 RT. Released 2 small LT. Bite was good early, but died by 7:30. Caught fish down 40 to 60. One LT and the RT were 21". Did observe some algae in spots, but not nearly as bad as last summer. A few other guys out fishing, mostly near shore. Been almost 2 years since we caught a LLS. Anybody connect with any LLS lately?

I have graphed extremely large marks in the fall near the State launch. I presumed the were big lakers setting up prior to the spawn. My guess is the old fish live very deep most of the time and may be night feeders as well. Jigging or trolling large spoons down 150 or deeper would be my pattern to try an catch one. Unfortunately, it may take years to hook one.

My cousin's biggest laker was caught in Dec. 2011. It weighed only 20.5 pounds due to being a post-spawn female. It contained a 16" laker in its stomach. The big lakers cannibal their smaller brothers and grow to extreme sizes. Not many in there, but enough to make it very interesting.

Last year the algae bloom shut down our bite, but there also seemed to be a very large perch fingerling population. Hope to get out soon to check things out. As far a big lakers, my cousin has only caught 2 lakers in Skan in our boat. One 41" and one 36". Now that is a world class average. Both flat lining. My biggest is 24".

Got out today from 4:00 to 8:00. Kept 2 LT and 1 SB. Released 3 LT, 1 RT and 1 SB. Lost a good sized laker at the boat as well as a few others on the release. Down 47 feet was most consistent, but caught fish above and below that depth. Light boat traffic due to the forecasted rain. Overcast skies brought the fish up in the water column a bit. Best action was after 6:30. Headed to Erie for the weekend.

Finally got out this afternoon for three hours. Lake was very busy with pleasure craft but managed an 18" LT and a 21" RT with one miss. We did better than expected with the bright sunshine and boat traffic. All three hits at 60 feet down over deep water.

Only fished south of Taughannock. Drove past the perch fisherman on the way to the launch.

Fished south end out of Taughannock from 3 to 7. Trolled Thundersticks, Rapalas spoons and streamers on boards and dipseys. One small brown and one pickerel. Water temp along west shore was 37 with clear water. East shore was 40 and cloudy. Only one other boat trolling. Found lots of lakers and bait very deep near Bolton Point. Lots of perch fisherman in front of Canoga.

Thanks for the reports. Glad you caught some keepers. Looking forward to getting back out this week.

Skan 10-13-17 Launched out of south end for a change. Wow was it windy. 1 small RT and 1 keeper LT. Managed to catch some perch too. Water surface temp is 63 and water clarity is still poor for Skan. Good luck to those that fish this weekend.