Fish Species
Northern Pike are aggressive, predatory fish and some of the largest freshwater game available to target in North America.
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.
Freshwater Drum are the most underrated gamefish in freshwater. They check all of the boxes any gamefish would.
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.
Channel Catfish are found in pockets throughout the region. To the best of my knowledge, none of the Fingerlakes have large populations of them.
An incredible fighter, the Smallmouth Bass was described as "ounce for ounce and pound for pound the gamest fish that swims".
Longnose Gar are one of my favorite fish to chase on a fly-rod. The have been around for millions of years!
Walleyes are common in Conesus and and uncommon in Owasco Lake. Other Finger Lakes having populations of them include Honeoye and Otisco Lakes.
Tiger Muskies are the sterile hybrid of a pure-strain musky and a northern pike. Occasionally they are called "norlunge" as well.
Fishing Trip
Finger Lakes
