Things to do / Travel Guide
Western New York's Finger Lakes offer some of the best freshwater fishing locations in New York state, if not the best on the East Coast. Lake Seneca and Lake Cayuga are the largest of the lakes and therefore more popular. Fly fishing is a common recreational sport in Western New York's streams and rivers.
The Finger Lakes are best known for trout: lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout are all frequent catches. Many of the lakes also have land-locked salmon and panfish, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Most fish can be caught from April through June, though lake trout fishing also has a seasonal peak between September and November.
Lake Cayuga, excellent for bass fishing, hosts many local, regional, and national bass tournaments year round. The north end of the lake and areas, around the weedlines, drop-offs, and rocks, are the best places to catch bass. The flats at Ithaca and Cayuga Lake State Park are also excellent fishing spots.
Lake Canandaigua supports some of the best trout fisheries in New York, particularly in Naples Creek and its tributaries. Canandaigua is also a great angling location for bass, chain pickerel, and panfish. For sportfishing and panfish fishing (bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch and black crappie), Lake Honeoye is a popular choice.
Ice fishing is allowed on many of the Finger Lakes (Lake Conesus excluded), and is usually at its peak from January through March. Winter anglers catch a variety of fish, primarily perch, sunfish, pickerel, northern pike, and walleye. Popular locations for ice fishing are: Honeoye Lake (California Point and Log Cabin Point are best), and Chautauqua Lake for winter perch fishing.
To fish in New York you will need to obtain a New York State fishing license. Non-resident fees cost about $40.00 for an annual pass and $25.00 for a 7-day pass. Each year, the last full weekend in June is designated Free Fishing Days in New York State. During those two days, anyone can fish New York State waters, and no fishing license is required.
Anglers should be aware of the special fishing regulations for the Finger Lakes and Finger Lakes Tributaries, as they do differ from lake to lake. For more information about licenses and regulations, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Department, New York State Fishing Licenses and Regulations All of the Finger Lakes have convenient boat launching sites, and charter companies abound, many of which allow fisherman to keep their catch.
Many of the lakes also require a boating safety certificate, received after participation in a course.
Toronto, Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes in Western New York and South Central Ontario
Fishing
Ontario Beach Park - Rochester, New York
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