Our favorite spring fishing spots

The Finger Lakes are known for excellent fishing in every season. During the spring, however, they are host to abundant stocks of lake and rainbow trout that draw amateur fishermen and experienced anglers alike to the region. Whether you charter a boat or cast off the dock of your vacation rental, we'll bet you'll reel in something, but for next level fishing, we recommend the following spots:

Catharine Creek

This tributary of Seneca Lake empties into Seneca Lake through Watkins Glen and is best known for the run of wild rainbow trout it sees every year. Anglers target these spawn runs in the spring, but also return in the fall for brown trout and Atlantic salmon.

Naples, NY

For Canandaigua Lake fishing in the spring, it's recommended to cast your line at the southern end of the lake and catch the spring spawn run of rainbow trout. A stay in Naples will put you right where the action is! Trek up Naples Creek or West River for great fishing along the banks.

Geneva, NY

Geneva is the "Lake Trout Capital of the World" and host to the National Lake Trout Derby every year over Memorial Day weekend. Cast off the end of the pier at the Waterfront Park in downtown or find somewhere a little more secluded in Seneca Lake State Park.

Cayuga Inlet

In this stream near Ithaca, NY, it's not unlikely that you'll see huge rainbow trout leaping from the water on opening day. Cayuga Inlet is a major spawning tributary for Cayuga Lake and remains a popular destination for anglers hoping to hook one of these 4-10 lb. fish.

For a complete guide to fishing on your favorite Finger Lake, visit the DEC website.