Fish Species
Northern Pike are aggressive, predatory fish and some of the largest freshwater game available to target in North America.
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.
Chain pickerel are common in Cayuga, Canandaigua, Honeoye, and Keuka Lakes. They are also found in Seneca, Canadice, Hemlock and Skaneateles Lake.
Yellow Perch are popular North American freshwater pan-fish, available year-round albeit small and easy to catch.
I consider brown trout somewhat of a bonus fish for us on Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. They don’t chase flies quite as actively as landlocked salmon.
Lake trout are abundant in the Finger Lakes region with Seneca Lake being the most famous for its lake trout fishing.
Channel Catfish are found in pockets throughout the region. To the best of my knowledge, none of the Fingerlakes have large populations of 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!
An incredible fighter, the Smallmouth Bass was described as "ounce for ounce and pound for pound the gamest fish that swims".
Fishing Trip
Finger Lakes
