Book Your Fishing Charter in Steuben County, NY

Head south of New York State to find a well-rounded county with year-round outdoor sights, rich art and culture scene, and some of the best wineries that the Finger Lakes region has to offer: Steuben County. 

This beautiful county, located right at New York State’s border with Pennsylvania, is known for its advanced glass industry. However, it should also be noted that the county offers so much more. Amidst its rolling hills and valleys, agricultural industries focused on dairy and field crops still thrive, along with award-winning wineries and vineyards that can compete with the best in all of the state. Rounding out these outdoor wonders are the rivers and lakes that flow through the county, offering some of the best fishing opportunities in the region and the state.

Steuben County Fishing: Productive and Scenic Fishing All Year Round

Anglers of all levels — from experts looking to break their personal or even state records to children just learning how to fish — will enjoy the many fishing opportunities around Steuben County. The county boasts a good number of well-maintained public fishing access in many of its waterways, making fishing a more accessible activity for any angler who wishes to try.

For a guaranteed productive fishing experience, head to Keuka Lake. This popular fishing destination is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. Depending on the season and which part of the lake you fish, you might also find black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, rock bass, pumpkinseed, bluegill, alewife, and smelt.

If you hope to catch wild trout species, then head to Mill Creek, Neil Creek, Cohocton River, and Marsh Creek where these fish can be found all year round. Note that each waterway may have different limits per day, so it’s better to check beforehand, even for year-round trout seasons. 

Artificial bodies of water in the county also offer excellent fishing. One such is the Almond Reservoir, which you can access via Kanacadea County Park. This reservoir is home to largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, pumpkinseed, white sucker, yellow perch, and common carp. Another manufactured body of water, Birdseye Hollow Pond, is located in Birdseye Hollow State Forest. It is home to pumpkinseed, yellow perch, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, bluegill, black crappie, golden shiner, largemouth bass, and banded killfish.

Rivers flowing through Steuben County offer fair opportunities for fly fishing. Chemung River is a great river to target warm-water fish species such as smallmouth bass and walleye, and many panfish species.  With boat launches in Canisteo, Cameron, Rathbone, and Addison, the Canisteo River is stocked with brown trout annually. Other species you can expect to catch here include brown bullhead, sunfish, walleye, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. 

Enjoy the Diverse Offerings of Steuben County

1. Enjoy Christmas and Winter at Steuben County

Watch the lights go up at Corning’s Gaffer District and find out why it’s one of Country Living’s best Christmas towns this year. And then put on your skis and find some of the best cross-country skiing in New York State.

2. Hike and Bike All Around the County

Beginner hikers will enjoy the challenge of the two-hour hike up Call Mountain near Hartsville. Recreational bikers or families with kids might find the Corning Bikepath more comfortable and enjoyable. Experienced hikers will love the Pennsylvania Hill Summit, while adventurous ones will enjoy the half-mile trek on Sugar Creek Glen near Dansville that will take you to a waterfall.