Cayuga County, NY · Lake
Cayuga Lake
The longest Finger Lake — a deep, clear lake near Ithaca holding lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and yellow perch.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Smallmouth Bass — Great day to fish for Smallmouth Bass.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at Cayuga Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Cayuga Lake
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Great day to fish for Smallmouth Bass. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
12" minimum, 5/day (black bass in aggregate).
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Lake Trout Workable day for Lake Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salvelinus namaycush — The native deepwater char of the Great Lakes and cold northern lakes. Holds in cold, deep water through summer and moves shallow to reefs in spring and fall. Targeted by deep trolling, jigging, and from shore early and late in the season.
Prefers. Water 40–52°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 30–200 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 21"
- Daily creel
- 3
21" minimum, 3/day on most lakes (Champlain, Cayuga and the Finger Lakes have specific rules).
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
12" minimum, 5/day (black bass in aggregate).
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Yellow Perch Workable day for Yellow Perch. In season 62/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — yellow perch prefers slack tide
About. Perca flavescens — Late-winter and early-spring favorite. Schools up in tidal tributaries for the pre-spawn run in February and March, taking small minnows, shad darts, and small jigs. A classic Eastern Shore "neds" fishery.
Prefers. Water 45–70°F (ideal 58°F) · slack tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 50
50/day, no minimum size.
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Local reports & rules for Cayuga Lake: New York DEC fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Cayuga Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Cayuga Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Cayuga Lake?
Cayuga Lake is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Cayuga Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Cayuga Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Cayuga Lake have?
Cayuga Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Cayuga Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Cayuga Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Cayuga Lake tidal water?
No. Cayuga Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.