Fish Species
An incredible fighter, the Smallmouth Bass was described as "ounce for ounce and pound for pound the gamest fish that swims".
Channel Catfish are found in pockets throughout the region. To the best of my knowledge, none of the Fingerlakes have large populations of them.
Chain pickerel are common in Cayuga, Canandaigua, Honeoye, and Keuka Lakes. They are also found in Seneca, Canadice, Hemlock and Skaneateles Lake.
Lake trout are abundant in the Finger Lakes region with Seneca Lake being the most famous for its lake trout fishing.
Tiger Muskies are the sterile hybrid of a pure-strain musky and a northern pike. Occasionally they are called "norlunge" as well.
The Largemouth Bass is by far the most popular freshwater game fish in the US and the state fish of Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
Is it a pike or is it a pickerel? It's both! Hybrid pike/pickerel show up on occasion in Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka Lakes. They are a gorgeous fish.
I think fishermen take carp for granted. They are so abundant in the area (and throughout the country) that many people don't value them.
Adults are generally silvery with a slightly forked tail and small X-shaped markings on the back and upper sides.
Longnose Gar are one of my favorite fish to chase on a fly-rod. The have been around for millions of years!
Fishing Trip
Finger Lakes
