Search the Community

Going to try north of long point this weekend. How has the fishing been? I'm taking a women out for her first time trolling on the finger lakes and would like to get into something. Any help is appreciated.

Put in early at Dean's Cove and enjoyed the sunrise while heading farther South than I've run all Summer. Set up on the West side near the Boy Scout Camp and started trolling North. Trying some new things, dypsy with a dodger and fly along with an inline board towing a stick bait. Third line was a rigger at 60 and added a cheater. Has there been a recent release of landlocks down there? Skippies were a nuisance hitting the rigger constantly for the first half of the 3 hour troll. Could not get anything else going so swapped out the dodger for a mountain dew flasher and a stout Laker grabbed it down about 85 over 120. Put the board away and ran 500 copper down the chute with a white flasher fly combo and could hardly keep it set before another Laker on it. Pretty consistent that as zig zag from 100-200 fow the action tended to be at 140. Kept 2 for an ERabbit style fish fry tomorrow night and let 3 more go, all were easily 7 pounds and up. Never could get anything bigger than a Skippy off the rigger. A beautiful morning on the water but it started to heat up by 10 so called it a day.

Had my best day of laker fishing this past Friday. I'm kind of new to freshwater fishing (mainly a saltwater guy as I live in NYC), so was really happy to connect on some quality lakers. When I've fished for lakers in the past, I've managed to jig up one fish over 4 -5 hrs of fishing, but was able to land 4 fish on Friday, and dropped 4 others. Largest went 29", and the smallest was around 26". All released to fight another day. Launched out of Taughannock on my kayak, and jigged soft plastic paddletails all day. Tried using a blade bait for a little while, but didn't get any hits on it. Caught fish in 80 - 100 ft of water. Regarding lakers, do you guys like eating them or is it mainly a CP&R? I was never really a big fan of eating freshwater fish, except for the occasionally perch/sunfish fish fry. Also have a question regarding salmon and brown trout. I haven't caught either of these guys on Cayuga. Do you guys specifically target them or do you catch them while jigging for lakers. I typically don't troll for fish as my main way of fishing, but will troll from fishing spot to fishing spot.

The fishing report below is made available from the Central New York Fishing Hotline for September 14 through 21, 2018 at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9218.html Please visit that site for more information or to follow links. The New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide runs from April 1st to March 30th. The 2018-19 Official guide has a picture of an angler holding a giant smallmouth bass on the cover. The Fishing Guide can be picked up where fishing licenses are sold. Oswego and Wayne Counties have weekly fishing hotlines on their web sites as well and would be another good option for fishing reports; Oswego County (visitoswegocounty.com); and Wayne County (waynecountytourism.com). Though Onondaga County doesn't have a weekly fishing report, their web site is another good source of fishing information in the region (fishonondagacounty.com). Region 7: Lake Ontario Weather conditions have made fishing a little more difficult but when anglers can get out, Salmon are being found in 80 to 200 feet of water and are hitting on cut-bait, flashers and flies, and spoons. Click here to see the rest of this report on ILoveNYFishing.com.

I'm going to order 1 hammerhead cowbell and 4 gambler rigs. What color for the cowbell? Colors for the 4 Gamblers? Hoping to get more over the winter but looking for a good start now for 2 or 3 more trips this year. Thanks

Back on Cayuga today after having the thrill of my first trip on Ontario Saturday thanks to Chowder. He had been so helpful in getting me started with trolling on Cayuga a few years back and I was honored to be invited to the Big lake and learn a little bit about King fishing. It was memorable in more ways than one...... thanks again Andy!! Started early today to beat the heat and lines in with time to enjoy the sunrise. Ran the East side with the wind at my back from just below Long Point north to Aurora. Found fish on the screen from 130 fow out to over 200 but all quiet until 7:30 in 170 fow when the copper fired with a Laker hitting a Hammer Fly. Hardly reset and a rigger down 80 carrying a copper Mooselook spoon went off followed by the copper 30 seconds later. Both had Lakers attached, the rigger fish was full of fight and hit the scale at 8 lbs but recovered nicely to swim away. After that it slowed down. Tried to swing back through the pod where the double tripped but nothing doing. Picked up 2 more Lakers on the fly down 100 and another one on the spoon at 80. Above 80 showed plenty of fish on the screen but they weren't buying what I was selling today. The largest silver was a half inch longer than the lure it hit! A nice morning, packed it in at 10 as the sun was getting strong. I sure would love to know how some of you are triggering the big silvers to hit. The learning curve continues....

Attached is the entry form for the 2018 Barney and Bear's Fall Trout and Bass Derby. You can sign up at Bear's Baits, located at Myers Park in Lansing, New York. As many of you know Bear has been working very hard to establish a second weigh-in station. He did obtain permission to use Long Point State Park, however, he is now encountering problems obtaining two certified scales. The second scale at Long Point State Park would need to be certified in Cayuga County according to NYS Weights and Measures. For this year, we will continue to use only one weight-in station at Myers Park and hope to have this issue resolved for next year's tournaments. Any questions please contact Bear at 607-387-5576. Bear's Fishing Flyer Fall Derby Sept 2018 Mastor.docx

Short late morning trip today. Launched from Dean's and lines in the water about 9:30 Fished the middle from Thirsty Owl back toward Dean's so the wind was at my back. Found fish over 250-350 fow but only a Laker bite today although something hammered a spoon on the rigger and early in the battle got off and kept the spoon. 😥 Copper down the chute 500-600 back using white flasher fly combo took 3 fish in the 5-7 pound range. Spoons had nothing beyond the early hit at 60 down. Dropped down to 75 and grabbed 2 fish. Had to be in Geneva by 1 so off the water by 11:30 but ended up a busy couple hours on the water!!

The fishing report below is made available from the Central New York Fishing Hotline for August 31 through September 7, 2018 at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9218.html Please visit that site for more information or to follow links. The New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide runs from April 1st to March 30th. The 2018-19 Official guide has a picture of an angler holding a giant smallmouth bass on the cover. The Fishing Guide can be picked up where fishing licenses are sold, or viewed at Freshwater Fishing Regulations Oswego and Wayne Counties have weekly fishing hotlines on their web sites as well and would be another good option for fishing reports; Oswego County (visitoswegocounty.com); and Wayne County (waynecountytourism.com). Though Onondaga County doesn't have a weekly fishing report, their web site is another good source of fishing information in the region (fishonondagacounty.com). Region 7: Lake Ontario Salmon are still spread out and are being found in 200 to 500 feet of water. When found, they are hitting on cut-bait, flashers and flies, and spoons with green is still good color choice. Anglers have been fishing those baits off down-riggers, wire and divers, and copper line. Brown trout are being taken in 40 to 100 feet of water on spoons. Smallmouth bass are being taken around Mexico Point on crayfish. Click here to see the rest of this report on ILoveNYFishing.com.

The fishing report below is made available from the Central New York Fishing Hotline for August 24 through 31, 2018 at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9218.html Please visit that site for more information or to follow links. The New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide runs from April 1st to March 30th. The 2018-19 Official guide has a picture of an angler holding a giant smallmouth bass on the cover. The Fishing Guide can be picked up where fishing licenses are sold, or viewed at Freshwater Fishing Regulations Oswego and Wayne Counties have weekly fishing hotlines on their web sites as well and would be another good option for fishing reports; Oswego County (visitoswegocounty.com); and Wayne County (waynecountytourism.com). Though Onondaga County doesn't have a weekly fishing report, their web site is another good source of fishing information in the region (fishonondagacounty.com). Region 7: Lake Ontario Salmon are still scattered as the cold water keeps getting blown around and fish are spread out from 150 to 500 feet of water. When found, they are hitting on cut-bait, flashers and flies, and spoons with green being a good color choice. Anglers have been fishing those baits off down-riggers, wire and divers, and copper line. Brown Trout are being taken in 60 to 100 feet of water on spoons. Smallmouth Bass are being taken around Mexico Point on crayfish. Click here to see the rest of this report on ILoveNYFishing.com.

Launched from Dean's a little after 6 this morning and headed South. Nothing doing until halfway between the Brew Garden and Thirsty Owl where I found loads of debris from the recent rains. Headed to the middle of the lake and minimal debris there for the most part. Found a mix of lake trout and salmon in 250+ fow. Best battle of the year with a beautiful salmon that hammered a sliding cheater off the rigger. Had him beat and to the boat but had a problem as a lake trout had hit the terminal spoon so I couldn't manage to work the rod and the net on both fish with the salmon 7-8 feet behind the trout. Finally had the trout in the net but created enough slack for the salmon to spit the spoon. In the end the battle was awesome and glad to know he could swim away unharmed. Off the water by 9:30 so a very satisfying morning.

Was out on Cayuga last night and saw what at first looked like a white Cormorant sitting proud in the water... when we got closer, the target was identified as the top 18" of a sailboat mast at full sail! Must be during the flooding/rain someones sailboat got washed in and swamped. The boat was located just south of the entrance to Myers, maybe 100 yards from shore. With the wind, its possible that it blows in shallow, or into the Salt Plant. Just wanted to warn to keep an eye out. Chris

Well it’s been a rough three days here at the lake, We did three small salmon the first day , three the 2nd day, yesterday did not have a hit with eight hours on the lake, trolled East side from Myers to town , trolled west side to taughannock Park . Went to Milken station trolled south to Myers yesterday. Is there something I’m missing here? Last year caught fish everyday, We were flatlining with boards close, dipsey divers , downrigging, used spoons , rapalas, FF , I’m far from being a expert at this trolling but this was frustrating trying to figure this out ... But I can say one thing it’s better than work .... any advise would be appreciated?? I’m here till Friday and I will make the best of it .. Good Luck All !!!

Was planing to launch at Long point on Monday. Just wondering if flooding had any effect on lake,thanks

The fishing report below is made available from the Central New York Fishing Hotline for August 17 through 24, 2018 at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9218.html Please visit that site for more information or to follow links. The New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide runs from April 1st to March 30th. The 2018-19 Official guide has a picture of an angler holding a giant smallmouth bass on the cover. The Fishing Guide can be picked up where fishing licenses are sold, or viewed at Freshwater Fishing Regulations Oswego and Wayne Counties have weekly fishing hotlines on their web sites as well and would be another good option for fishing reports; Oswego County (visitoswegocounty.com); and Wayne County (waynecountytourism.com). Though Onondaga County doesn't have a weekly fishing report, their web site is another good source of fishing information in the region (fishonondagacounty.com). Region 7: Lake Ontario Salmon are still scattered as the cold water keeps getting blown around and fish are spread out from 150 to 500 feet of water. When found, they are hitting on cut-bait, flashers and flies, and spoons with green being a good color choice. Anglers have been fishing those baits off down-riggers, wire and divers, and copper line. Brown Trout are being taken in 50 feet of water on spoons. Smallmouth Bass are being taken around Mexico Point on crayfish. Click here to see the rest of this report on ILoveNYFishing.com.

I have the day off from work this Friday and am looking to take my daughter out on Cayuga. I haven't been over there since about this time last year so I'm looking for some tips. Thinking of fishing out of Deans Cove. Thanks in advance.

Ok so I've been asked by numerous people if this event was going to run again this year and I now have the answer! The date is set for August 11th 2018 with the weigh in at south Seneca sportsmans club. I will post more details as I get them but mark it on the calender if you want to fish a great event. Last year's turn out was great and we'd love to see this year be even better! Those of you who fished the LOU All last the weigh in is at the same place and I'd love to see a bunch of LOU members at this event aswell!

Slow day for me. I might have been spoiled from all the great fishing over the last few months. I am going to blame it on the front. 600' copper with grease trap and spin-n-glo did best. High dipsy, #3 setting 150' to 185 back got us a nice brown and we lost 2 good ones. We had a nice double on big lakers in the middle across from the power plant. Did a couple lakers in front of power plant. As we trolled back we got that nice brown and a couple short salmon in front of T-falls. As always the bite picks up when it is time to go home! Total legal fish 8 lakers and 1 brown. Riggers never fired all day. Wes

As most of us do, I watched the forecast religiously all week in anticipation of going out. Windfinder showed some us the lightest winds I've ever seen forecasted, which turned out to be correct. The precipitation forecast, not so much... We launched out of Treman and the rain started right about when we left the inlet. We got soaked head to toe even with rain gear. However, the bite was good which makes it all worth it. Due to the weather and what appeared to be a canoe regatta going on (perimeter enforced by police boats), we only fished about 4hrs. All fish came on spoons/Dipsy's running relatively shallow (running on #2 setting 165' back). No monsters, but all were at least 20" (we were too wet and miserable to measure!). 3 browns and 1 laker were landed and kept, and numerous sub-legals were thrown back. No lamprey wounds. Fleas aren't too terrible right now. Also, I've had my boat just over three years and this was the first time I ever had to use the bilge pump! However, if they're hitting I'll fish in the rain with calm winds any ol' time!

The fishing report below is made available from the Central New York Fishing Hotline for August 10 through 17, 2018 at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9218.html Please visit that site for more information or to follow links. The New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide runs from April 1st to March 30th. The 2018-19 Official guide has a picture of an angler holding a giant smallmouth bass on the cover. The Fishing Guide can be picked up where fishing licenses are sold, or viewed at Freshwater Fishing Regulations Oswego and Wayne Counties have weekly fishing hotlines on their web sites as well and would be another good option for fishing reports; Oswego County (visitoswegocounty.com); and Wayne County (waynecountytourism.com). Though Onondaga County doesn't have a weekly fishing report, their web site is another good source of fishing information in the region (fishonondagacounty.com). Region 7: Lake Ontario Salmon have become more scattered and are spread out from 100 to 500 feet of water. When found, they are hitting on cut-bait, flashers and flies, and spoons have all been working at times with green being a good color choice. Anglers have been fishing those baits off down riggers, wire and divers, and cooper line. Brown Trout are being taken in 50 feet of water on spoons. Smallmouth Bass are being taken around Mexico Point on crayfish. Click here to see the rest of this report on ILoveNYFishing.com.

Finally made it up for our first time out. Long day, left house at 3:30 am and backed boat in last night at 9:30. Started out having motor trouble. Would start and idle on high but as soon as was put in gear it would stall. Finally got it going and headed up towards power plant. On the way up my Lowrance started reading 3' of water. Stopped boat and screwed with unit for 1/2 hour til it started working right again. Started with putting downriggers out with cowbells and spin and glows. Had a tough time with manual downriggers slipping and going down too fast and releasing the line. Currently using rubber bands and clothes pins on back of balls. Releases will be ordered today! Was a good workout to keep cranking up the balls though. Next put out the 10 color leadcore down the chute with a spoon. Takes a while to run 10 color out. Figured out how to hook up the dipsys with a flasher and spoon and set the setting at 3. deployed one on each side and we're in business. Start trolling north at 2 mph figuring out how to use the remote on the minnkota and setting straight line course. Lead core starts bending and shaking. Buddy "fights" it the whole way in to take weeds off of line. Redeploy. Downrigger goes off and he fights the cowbells in thinking he had fish, No go, false release? Crank up downrigger and take three times to get it redeployed. Work out getting pretty intense now. Other downrigger goes off. Same story. Get a drink and dipsy starts bouncing. Buddy fights it in to realize that dipsy didnt release and we're dragging weeds. Redeploy and now leadcore is bouncing. Reel it in and it's weeds. Redeploy. Buddy and I are serious fly fisherman, musky and river fisherman and are rethinking trolling. Rigger releases again. Same story. Leadcore starts bendin and buddy starts reeling in weeds again. Half way in he gets excited and says he feels it shaking. I tell him his PTSD is screwing with his head and he's hallucinating. Reels some more and starts yelling get the net. Finally got this trophy to the boat. Pic didn't load, 12" rainbow. At least he had some excitement. Start seeing lots more weeds and now I know what you guys are talking about when you say weed mats. Decide to pull in and head to west side. Redeploy a lot easier. Got rid of clothes pins and used rubber band directly to ball. Feeling good about ourselves that we're not total idiots. Had dipsys with dodger and spoons out 200 on 25 pound braid. Get a bouncing on one, Fish on. What is that ball slime on the line clogging up the top eye? Clear it and keep reeling. More slime, more clearing, repeat. Finally get fish in and try to land fish in long leader with dipsy bouncing around. Realize what a pain in the a$$ the rolled up low bimini top is. 25" laker in the net. Buddy is excited and we know know about fleas and braid. Keep heading south and other dipsy goes. Repeat of previous story. Fleas suck! Another 25" laker. We're finger lakes trolling experts now! Keep heading south dealing with a fewer false trips on downriggers. Buddy says look up the lake. White sheet of water heading for us. Look at radar, oh crap. Start pulling lines, too late. Awesome amount of rain in 4 minutes. At least we're not sweating anymore. Lines are in and Trolling motor was going dead any way so we decide to slowly motor towards Taughannnock and find a place to jig. Lake was glass smooth all morning but was now kicking up. Went into bay south of park by swimming area and marked a few fish. Still enough juice in trolling motor to use the spot lock and started jigging and drifting between marks. Missed a few and I got one 27" on a retrieve. Decided to call it a day and show buddy the wrestling complex at Cornell. He got to meet Kyle Dake our wrestling world team member, Yanni the returning national champ and coach Koll. Called his wife on way home and told her he couldn't think of how he could have had a better day between the fishing and wrestling. Made me feel good to help him out. When I dropped him off last night he wanted to know if we could go again this weekend since we're "experts" now. I wish I could get the pictures to load so you could see the smile on his face. It was a good learning day. Thanks to everyone who posts here it helped learning curve greatly. Wife not happy last night when I started talking about electric downriggers, wire line setups, more dipseys, planers and releases, better boat etc. Fleas Suck!

The fishing report below is made available from the Central New York Fishing Hotline for August 3 through 10, 2018 at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9218.html Please visit that site for more information or to follow links. The New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide runs from April 1st to March 30th. The 2018-19 Official guide has a picture of an angler holding a giant smallmouth bass on the cover. The Fishing Guide can be picked up where fishing licenses are sold, or viewed at Freshwater Fishing Regulations Oswego and Wayne Counties have weekly fishing hotlines on their web sites as well and would be another good option for fishing reports; Oswego County (visitoswegocounty.com); and Wayne County (waynecountytourism.com). Though Onondaga County doesn't have a weekly fishing report, their web site is another good source of fishing information in the region (fishonondagacounty.com). Region 7: Lake Ontario Salmon have become more scattered and are spread out from 100 to 500 feet of water. When found, they are hitting on cut-bait, flashers and flies, and spoons have all been working at times with green being a good color choice. Anglers have been fishing those baits off down riggers, wire and divers, and cooper line. Brown Trout are being taken in 50 feet of water on spoons. Smallmouth Bass are being taken around Mexico Point on crayfish. Click here to see the rest of this report on ILoveNYFishing.com.

Could someone tell me if the rt 79 hill going down into ithaca from the east is still under constructionor or open for traffic. Thanks.