5.0(1 Reviews)Cayuga Lake Fishing Charter for Salmon and Trout
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targeting four trout and salmon speciesCaptain Mike provides expert guidance and all fishing equipmentAccommodates up to four guests on Finger Lakes waters
Captain Mike knows Cayuga Lake like the back of his hand, and after decades guiding these waters, he's built a reputation for putting clients on fish. This eight-hour private charter targets some of the Finger Lakes' most prized species—Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, Mike's coaching style and infectious enthusiasm for fishing will have you hooked from the first cast. The clear, deep waters of Cayuga provide world-class fishing opportunities that keep anglers coming back year after year.
Your day starts early with Captain Mike, who'll have the boat rigged and ready before you even arrive. Cayuga Lake stretches 38 miles long and drops to depths over 400 feet, creating the perfect habitat for cold-water species that thrive in these pristine conditions. Mike provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need—his gear is top-shelf and perfectly suited for the species you'll be targeting. All you need to bring is a valid New York fishing license and maybe some snacks and drinks for the day. The boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, buddy trips, or corporate outings. Mike's approach is hands-on but never overwhelming—he'll teach you the techniques while keeping multiple lines in the water to maximize your chances.
Cayuga Lake fishing is all about understanding the thermocline and working the right depths at the right times. Captain Mike runs a systematic trolling program using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to cover different sections of the water column. During summer months, you'll often be fishing 60 to 100 feet down where the cold-water species hang out in the thermocline. Mike's boat is equipped with quality fish finders and GPS that help him locate schools and structure where fish congregate. He'll rotate through different lure presentations—spoons, plugs, and flies—depending on what the fish are hitting that day. The beauty of trolling Cayuga is that you're constantly moving and covering water, so there's always anticipation of the next strike. Mike's coaching style means he's constantly adjusting speeds, depths, and lures based on conditions, and he'll explain everything he's doing so you learn the lake's secrets.
"Captain Mike really worked hard for our group. He's an incredible Captain he had 12 rods working for us while maintaining the boat. Tremendous energy and knowledge built from a lifetime on the water. He has unbridled enthusiasm and loves catching fish. His "coaching" as he calls it will certainly make you smile. Thanks Captain Mike for a great time!!" - Thomas
Landlocked Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Cayuga Lake and what many anglers travel from across the Northeast to target. These fish are incredibly strong fighters, known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that can peel line off your reel in seconds. They typically range from 15 to 25 inches, with some trophy fish pushing into the upper twenties. Spring and fall offer the best action when salmon move into shallower water, but summer fishing can be productive when you find them in the thermocline. What makes these fish so special is their fighting ability—they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest freshwater fish you'll encounter, and their silver flanks and spotted backs make them beautiful to photograph before release.
Brown Trout in Cayuga are known for their wariness and intelligence, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers. These fish can grow quite large in the lake's nutrient-rich waters, with specimens over 20 inches not uncommon. Browns are most active during low-light conditions, so early morning and evening hours often produce the best action. They're ambush predators that relate to structure and drop-offs, making Captain Mike's local knowledge invaluable for finding them consistently. When you hook a good brown, expect a dogged fight with powerful runs toward deeper water—they use their broad tails and muscular bodies to test your drag system.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists of Cayuga, often found in the lake's coldest, deepest sections year-round. These native fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 30 inches possible in these waters. Lakers are typically caught on the downriggers in 80+ feet of water, and their fight is more of a sustained power struggle than the flashy runs of salmon. They're excellent table fare when kept within regulations, and their mottled green and gray coloration makes them easily distinguishable from other species. Summer is prime time for lake trout as they stay deep in the cold water while other species move around following baitfish.
Rainbow Trout round out the slam and are often the most cooperative species, especially for newcomers to the sport. Cayuga's rainbows are known for their bright silver coloration with that distinctive pink stripe, and they fight with a combination of jumps and runs that showcase their athletic ability. These fish are typically found in the upper portions of the thermocline and respond well to a variety of presentations. Rainbows in the 16 to 20-inch range are common, and they're often the first fish beginners catch, making them perfect confidence builders. Their willingness to bite and spirited fight make them a customer favorite, especially for families with kids who want steady action.
Captain Mike's Cayuga Lake charters book up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. His combination of local expertise, quality equipment, and genuine passion for putting clients on fish has made him a top-rated guide in the Finger Lakes region. The eight-hour trip gives you plenty of time to target multiple
Captain Mike's fishing boat cuts through Cayuga Lake's clear waters with confidence, equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting salmon and trout. The GPS navigation system keeps us on the best fishing spots while the fish finder reveals exactly where the Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout are holding in the depths below. With comfortable seating for up to four anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. The onboard toilet means no rushing back to shore when the fish are biting. All your tackle is ready to go - just bring your New York fishing license and get ready to work these productive Finger Lakes waters for eight solid hours of fishing.
Salmo SalarLandlocked Atlantic salmon in Cayuga run 8-12 pounds on average, with their silver bodies and forked tails making them easy to spot when they jump. These fish cruise the deeper, cooler waters offshore, especially during summer months when surface temps climb. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move into shallower areas to feed. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times and make long, powerful runs that test your drag. Unlike Pacific salmon, these can survive spawning and grow bigger each year. The meat is top-notch too, with that classic orange-pink color. My tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run. Fighting them too hard early on usually means a thrown hook.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Cayuga - they can live up to 20 years and learn to avoid lures that fooled them before. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically weigh 1-9 pounds, though the lake holds some real monsters in the deeper water. They prefer cooler areas with cover like drop-offs, fallen trees, or rocky structure. Fall brings the best fishing when they feed aggressively before winter, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Browns fight differently than other trout - more bulldogging and less jumping, but they use every trick in the book. The eating quality is outstanding, with firm, flaky meat. Since they're introduced from Europe, they've adapted perfectly to our Finger Lakes. My go-to tip: fish low-light conditions and work your lure slower than you think. Browns take their time deciding whether to hit.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of Cayuga's deep water, averaging 15-40 pounds with some real tanks pushing much bigger. They're char, not true trout, with gray-green coloring and cream-colored spots. These cold-water fish spend most of their time in depths over 60 feet, suspended in the thermocline where temperatures stay cool. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they come shallower to feed. What makes lakers special is their raw power - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle that can strip line fast. They're also long-lived, slow-growing fish that can hit 40+ years old. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days often produce better fishing. Here's my local secret: when jigging deep, use a slow lift-and-drop technique and watch your electronics carefully. Lakers often hit on the drop.
Oncorhynchus MykissCayuga's rainbows typically run 2-8 pounds and show off those classic pink stripes along their silver sides. They prefer the cooler depths during summer but come shallow in spring and fall when water temps hit that sweet spot around 55-65°F. These fish are pure athletes - they'll jump, dive, and zigzag like crazy once hooked. What guests love most is how aggressive they can be, especially early morning or late evening when they're actively feeding. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, slightly nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They like clean, well-oxygenated water, so we often find them around drop-offs and structure where baitfish gather. Here's a local trick: when the action slows, try dropping your presentation just a bit deeper. Rainbows often suspend just below where you think they should be.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Mike really worked hard for our group. He's an incredible Captain he had 12 rods working for us while maintaining the boat...
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