The Finger Lakes of Central New York are among the most productive and scenic fishing destinations in the northeastern United States. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, these long, narrow lakes hold diverse populations of coldwater and warmwater fish in settings that range from pristine mountain-fed waters to fertile, weedy bass fisheries.

Upstate Guide Service has been providing professional guided fishing trips on the eastern Finger Lakes for over 20 years. We offer fully outfitted fly fishing and light tackle angling trips on Skaneateles Lake, Owasco Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Otisco Lake. Whether you are targeting trophy lake trout in deep, clear water or casting for aggressive smallmouth bass along rocky shorelines, our guides know these lakes and the seasonal patterns that put fish in the net.

Our Finger Lakes fishing trips are available as half-day, full-day, and multi-day experiences for anglers of all skill levels. All fishing equipment is provided, and personalized instruction is included on every trip.

Schedule Your Fly Fishing Trip Today Call (315) 283-8871 or email us at upstateguideservice@gmail.com

Eastern Finger Lakes Fishing Overview

The Finger Lakes stretch across Central and Western New York, each offering unique fishing opportunities shaped by the lake’s depth, size, water clarity, and aquatic food chain. Upstate Guide Service focuses on four of the eastern Finger Lakes, each with distinct characteristics and fisheries that provide year-round angling from a fully equipped fishing boat. The eastern Finger Lakes sit within easy driving distance of Syracuse, NY, making them accessible for visiting anglers and local residents alike. From the gin-clear, oligotrophic waters of Skaneateles Lake to the fertile, warmwater habitat of Otisco Lake, these four fisheries cover an impressive range of species and fishing experiences.

Skaneateles Lake Fishing

Skaneateles Lake is widely regarded as one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. Its water is so pure that it serves as the unfiltered drinking water supply for the city of Syracuse and surrounding communities. Sitting at an elevation of 863 feet, Skaneateles is the highest of the Finger Lakes and features remarkably clear water with minimal aquatic vegetation throughout the main body of the lake. The lake covers 8,960 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 300 feet, with an average depth of 145 feet. This deep, cold, oligotrophic environment supports a healthy coldwater fishery anchored by naturally reproducing lake trout. Unlike many Finger Lakes where lake trout are maintained through stocking, the Skaneateles Lake trout population sustains itself through natural reproduction.

Skaneateles Lake Fish Species

• Lake Trout: Naturally reproducing and available year-round. Lake trout in Skaneateles hold in the deep, cold water column and can be targeted by jigging or trolling. The population has been self-sustaining for decades, a testament to the lake’s water quality.
• Rainbow Trout: The NYSDEC stocks approximately 20,000 rainbow trout annually. Spring fly fishing for rainbows along the shoreline is one of the most rewarding experiences available on the lake. Fish regularly push into the 5 to 8 pound range.
• Landlocked Atlantic Salmon: Approximately 9,000 Atlantic salmon are stocked each year. Salmon provide fast action and impressive aerial displays when hooked, particularly during spring and fall.
• Smallmouth Bass: Healthy populations of smallmouth bass inhabit the rocky structure and points throughout the lake. Smallmouth fishing is productive from late spring through fall.
• Walleye: A more recent addition to the Skaneateles fishery. Liberal harvest regulations are in place to manage the walleye population and protect the existing trout and salmon fishery.

Upstate Guide Service has guided anglers on Skaneateles Lake since 2003. Our guides have deep knowledge of seasonal fish movements, productive structure, and the specific techniques that produce results on this challenging, clear-water fishery. Stillwater fly fishing for rainbow trout during the spring is a specialty, and light tackle lake trout trips are productive throughout the open water season.

Owasco Lake Fishing

Owasco Lake is an outstanding two-story fishery that offers quality angling for both coldwater and warmwater species within a compact, manageable body of water. Covering 6,665 acres and stretching 11.1 miles in length, Owasco reaches a maximum depth of 177 feet with an average depth of 97 feet. The lake sits at an elevation of 712 feet in Cayuga County, with the city of Auburn at its northern shore. What makes Owasco Lake special among the Finger Lakes is its combination of species diversity and accessibility. It is one of the only Finger Lakes where anglers can realistically target quality lake trout, trophy northern pike, and strong smallmouth bass in a single outing. The lake’s moderate size means productive water is never far away.

Owasco Lake Fish Species

• Lake Trout: Stocked annually and showing improved growth rates in recent years. Lake trout on Owasco are available year-round, with peak action during spring and fall. Fish commonly exceed 24 inches, and trophy-class fish are a realistic possibility.
• Brown Trout: Stocked annually and growing well on available forage. Owasco Lake has produced brown trout over 20 pounds historically, and the fishery continues to improve. Fall tributary runs offer additional opportunities for brown trout on the fly.
• Rainbow Trout: Stocked each year with strong returns. The Owasco Inlet provides a productive spring rainbow run for both fly and spin anglers.
• Northern Pike: Owasco supports an excellent pike fishery, particularly at the north and south ends of the lake where weed growth provides ambush habitat. Fish over 40 inches have been documented in recent years, making Owasco one of the better pike fisheries in Central New York.
• Smallmouth Bass: Rocky shorelines and deep points hold solid populations of smallmouth bass. Fish over 5 pounds are caught each season, and the overall population is healthy and consistent.
• Panfish: Yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed provide excellent action, particularly at the north and south ends of the lake. Spring perch fishing on Owasco is a popular tradition.

Owasco Lake’s manageable size and diverse fishery make it an excellent choice for anglers looking to experience multiple species in a single guided trip. Upstate Guide Service guides this lake throughout the open water season and during the ice fishing season when safe ice forms.

Schedule Your Fly Fishing Trip Today Call (315) 283-8871 or email us at upstateguideservice@gmail.com

Cayuga Lake Fishing

Cayuga Lake is the second largest of the eleven Finger Lakes, covering 42,956 acres and stretching 38 miles from north to south. With a maximum depth of 435 feet and an average depth of 181 feet, Cayuga is among the deepest lakes in the United States. This massive body of water supports one of the most productive and diverse fisheries in the entire Finger Lakes region. The lake’s structure creates two distinct fishing environments. The southern two-thirds of Cayuga is deep and cold, supporting an exceptional coldwater fishery for lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked Atlantic salmon. The northern six miles of the lake flatten out into a vast, weedy shallow area covering approximately 5,800 acres. This fertile northern basin provides outstanding habitat for largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish.

Cayuga Lake Fish Species

• Lake Trout: Cayuga Lake is recognized as one of the finest lake trout fisheries in the northeastern United States. The NYSDEC stocks approximately 60,000 lake trout annually, and fish commonly reach 4 to 8 pounds with larger specimens available. Lake trout can be targeted year-round, with peak fishing from late fall through spring.
• Brown Trout: Approximately 25,000 brown trout are stocked annually. Cayuga has produced trophy-class brown trout historically, and the fishery benefits from ongoing sea lamprey control efforts.
• Landlocked Atlantic Salmon: Around 40,000 salmon are stocked each year. Salmon favor slightly warmer water than lake trout and are typically found closer to the surface, providing exciting light tackle and fly fishing opportunities.
• Rainbow Trout: Approximately 50,000 rainbow trout are stocked into Cayuga’s tributaries annually. These fish spend one to three years in the lake before returning to their natal streams to spawn, creating outstanding tributary fishing during spring runs.
• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: The shallow north end of Cayuga provides exceptional largemouth bass habitat in its extensive weed beds and structure. Smallmouth bass inhabit rocky points and ledges throughout the lake. Both species provide quality fishing from late spring through fall.
• Northern Pike: The weedy north end and south end of Cayuga produce northern pike that regularly exceed 30 inches, with fish over 20 pounds documented.

The sheer size of Cayuga Lake means that local knowledge is essential for success. Fish movements, bait concentrations, and productive structure change throughout the season. Upstate Guide Service has guided anglers on Cayuga Lake for over two decades, and our understanding of this water gives our clients a significant advantage.

Otisco Lake Fishing

Otisco Lake stands apart from the other eastern Finger Lakes in several important ways. As the most easterly of the eleven Finger Lakes and one of the smallest at 1,877 acres, Otisco sits just southwest of Syracuse in Onondaga County. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 76 feet in the main basin, with a mean depth of 34 feet. Its shallow, fertile waters create a productive eutrophic environment that supports a completely different fishery than its deeper neighbors. A distinctive rock causeway divides the lake into two basins at its southern end. The main basin to the north features relatively clear water with moderate weed growth, while the smaller southern basin is shallow and nutrient-rich. This structure creates diverse habitat that supports an impressive range of warmwater species.

Otisco Lake Fish Species

• Tiger Musky: Otisco Lake is the number one priority water in New York State for tiger musky stocking. Approximately 11,000 tiger muskies (a sterile hybrid of northern pike and muskellunge, also known as norlunge) are stocked annually. These aggressive predators regularly exceed 40 inches and can push past 25 pounds. Otisco may be one of the best tiger musky fisheries in the state.
• Walleye: Over 40,000 walleye are stocked on a biannual basis, and the population is thriving. Walleye fishing is productive from spring through fall, with nighttime casting from shore and the causeway being a popular and effective technique.
• Largemouth Bass: Otisco supports an excellent largemouth bass population. Routine NYSDEC fishery surveys collect largemouth bass over 20 inches. The lake’s abundant weed growth and dock structure provide ideal bass habitat.
• Smallmouth Bass: Solid populations of smallmouth bass hold along rocky points and deeper structure in the main basin.
• Brown Trout: Stocked by the NYSDEC, brown trout provide a seasonal coldwater option, particularly during the cooler months when they can be caught by trolling.
• Panfish: Bluegill, pumpkinseed, crappie (both black and white), yellow perch, and white perch are abundant. The north end of the lake is especially productive for panfishing. Special sunfish regulations (15 fish daily limit, 8-inch minimum size) reflect the quality of the panfish population here.

Otisco Lake is the closest Finger Lake to Syracuse, and its combination of tiger musky, walleye, and quality bass fishing makes it a unique and underappreciated destination. Upstate Guide Service provides guided trips on Otisco targeting these species throughout the season.

Schedule Your Fly Fishing Trip Today Call (315) 283-8871 or email us at upstateguideservice@gmail.com

---

Finger Lakes Tributary Fishing

In addition to lake fishing, the tributaries of the eastern Finger Lakes provide outstanding seasonal stream fishing for trout and salmon. Lake-run rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked Atlantic salmon migrate into wadeable creeks and streams during spring and fall, creating exceptional fly fishing and light tackle opportunities close to home. Upstate Guide Service provides guided tributary fishing trips with expert instruction for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Whether you are nymphing for spring rainbows, swinging flies for fall salmon, or working a run with ultra-light spinning gear, our guides know the productive water and the techniques that connect with these powerful fish. Hundreds of miles of public access trout streams also exist throughout the eastern Finger Lakes region, offering additional opportunities for native and stocked trout. Small stream fly fishing for brown trout and brook trout is a specialty of Upstate Guide Service, and the streams surrounding these lakes provide challenging and rewarding angling in beautiful settings.

Why Choose Upstate Guide Service for Finger Lakes Fishing?

• Two Decades of Finger Lakes Experience: Since 2003, we have guided anglers on Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, and Otisco lakes. We know where the fish are, what they are feeding on, and how to adapt to changing conditions.
• Licensed and Insured: Our guides hold USCG Masters Licenses, NYSDEC Guides Licenses, and maintain Wilderness First Responder certification. Safety is always the top priority.
• All Equipment Provided: Quality light tackle and fly fishing gear, a fully equipped fishing boat, and all terminal tackle. You do not need to own any equipment.
• All Skill Levels Welcome: We tailor every trip to your experience level. First-time anglers receive thorough instruction, while seasoned fishermen benefit from local expertise and access to productive water they might not find on their own.
• Conservation-Minded: Upstate Guide Service practices and promotes catch-and-release fishing and low-impact, leave-no-trace outdoor ethics. Protecting these fisheries for future generations is central to our approach.

Schedule Your Fly Fishing Trip Today Call (315) 283-8871 or email us at upstateguideservice@gmail.com

Planning Your Finger Lakes Fishing Trip

The eastern Finger Lakes region offers far more than outstanding fishing. Visiting anglers will find excellent food, lodging, and hospitality in the lakeside villages and surrounding communities. A range of accommodations are available, from luxury lakeside vacation homes and historic village inns to hotels, rustic cottages, and campgrounds. The Finger Lakes wine trail, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants add to the appeal of the region for anglers traveling with family or friends who may not be fishing every day. Syracuse, with its airport and full range of services, is within easy driving distance of all four lakes. We also guide fishing trips throughout Central New York, the Adirondacks, and the Northern Catskills. Upstate Guide Service is happy to help visiting anglers plan their trips, including recommendations for accommodations, dining, and other activities in the region. Call or email anytime for advice on making the most of your time in the Finger Lakes.

Book Your Finger Lakes Fishing Trip

Experience why Finger Lakes fishing with Upstate Guide Service has built a reputation for excellence over two decades. Whether you are jigging lake trout on Cayuga, fly fishing for spring rainbows on Skaneateles, chasing trophy tiger musky on Otisco, or targeting northern pike on Owasco, we provide the expertise, equipment, and local knowledge to make your fishing trip successful and memorable.

Contact Us Today

Phone/Text: (315) 283-8871
Email: upstateguideservice@gmail.com

Call, email, or text for current rates, availability, and detailed information about guided Finger Lakes fishing opportunities. We are happy to answer questions and help you plan the perfect fishing trip. Make the most of your time on the water with an experienced, licensed, professional guide service that has been putting anglers on fish throughout the Finger Lakes for over 20 years.