Shore Bite

[cmc5028]

Wanted to create this post to see when does the shore bite tend to pick up on Seneca and Cayuga? I do remember reading a previous thread saying March can be good, but wasnt sure when in late fall/early winter does one have a shot at Landlocks, Browns and even Lakers? I live 4-4.5 hrs so looking to maximize my drive time. Also, is there a good resource other than DEC to get surface water temps?

 

Thank you in advance!!

[salmoncrazy1]

Usually February 

[greenhornet73]

The shore bite for lakers starts in October where you can access steep drop-offs from shore(80’+). The brown and landlocks are usually crashing the surface at that time tight to shore. For many years I always used fresh floating egg sacks and 1 Oz. Egg sinkers and always caught trout.  Last couple times I went everyone was using sawbellies and egg sacks were unheard of.  Still did my thing and caught lakers when nobody else was moving a rod.  The bite continues right into February but never fished later than that because I’m usually fishing through the ice by then. 

Edited November 12, 2023 by greenhornet73

[jk1]

Yep, now for Cayuga.  We stopped fishing Keyuka last week, much bigger fish here.....jk

[T-Rok]

Late February into March is best from shore for trout. You can get stuff earlier but not as easily. 

[greenhornet73]

Good to know, I never tried that time of year 👍🏽

[greenhornet73]

This might be another year to try since I think it may be another poor ice season 

[bulletbob]

Starts in October, will actually last all winter long, if you can stand the cold.. Just be aware, do not expect "hot " fishing all the time.. For every good day, you might have 10 where you never even get a bite.. There are always fish near shore all winter long, but there can be   weeks long lulls where very few fish are caught... The guys that do well put a LOT of time in, and are very patient.. This type of fishing can really humble you for days on end, never a hit, but you never know when you show up with no hope, , no bait, and the wrong type lures/rods etc. and catch 3 Trout or LL salmon in an hour, each as long as a man's leg.. Put the time in, work it hard, and be patient, and you might catch some real trophies in mid winter off shore... bob

[greenhornet73]

Yep, I remember one morning in particular when me and 2 friends landed 7 8-10# fish from shore then the next time out not a single hit using the same bait in the same spot.  

[jk1]

Been there, done that.  But I cheat and have some locals giving me hints.  Sort of like insider trading!!!!   It does help.  BUT we have a lot of zeros too......jk

[jk1]

Mr. Green hornet you have to think positive = THIS WILL BE A GREAT ICE FISHING YEAR!!!!!!

[greenhornet73]

I’m hopeful but still haven’t put my boat away just yet. If the wind could lay down a little I would be happy. There is snow in my yard right now so there could be some fishable ice before December on small protected water. 

[jk1]

I dont expect any good ice before December but before New Years here would be nice.  Every once in a while we have early ice only to loose it in January.   Lets not have any false starts this year.   Ice ice.....jk

[greenhornet73]

Hopefully we get more than a weekend of good ice like last year 

[jk1]

GH73 you have to think positive.  Look what your negative thoughts have done, we started to get ice a week ago and now????

[greenhornet73]

My 1 acre pond in the back yard has skimmed over.  Need some overnight teens to harden it up.  Still haven’t put my boat away just yet 😉

[cmc5028]

Is there any good webcams on the finger lakes to see real time conditions?