Book Your Fishing Charter in Tompkins, NY

Nestled in the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Tompkins County prides itself to be home to the majestic Ithaca Waterfalls. Its marvelous landscapes and natural havens carved by the glaciers millions of years ago give the county its awe-inspiring personality. Traveling to Tompkins County nurtures the mind and feeds the soul. The county is art and culture-centered, with recreational opportunities such as nature parks, galleries, cultural attractions, museums, and theatres. Ithaca, its county seat, has over 100 waterfalls within 10 miles. “Ithaca is Gorges” as a slogan perfectly fits the city’s deep-cut gorges. Created in 1817, by combining Seneca and Cayuga County portions, it was named after Daniel D. Tompkins, United States of America vice president and was a former New York Governor.

Tompkins Fishing: Cayuga Lake and Its Tributaries

Tompkins County is very supportive of its fishery, with Cayuga Lake’s tributaries being actively stocked with rainbow trout and the lake itself, lake trout, and Atlantic salmon annually. Several fishing spots throughout the county are accessible to local or visiting anglers. Apart from fly fishing in Cayuga Lake’s shorelines, many boats launching sites can be used to access the lake and do drift fishing or bottom fishing in its deep waters. Some very notable fish species in Cayuga Lake include northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch,  brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, Atlantic salmon, black crappie, white perch, longnose gar, pumpkinseed, channel catfish, brown bullhead, common carp, freshwater drum, and different types of sunfish. As lake trout goes deeper into the waters during summer, vertical jigging comes in handy for some anglers. April and May are the best times to troll in the south end of Cayuga Lake as it gets anglers some Atlantic salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, and northern pike.

The 12 feet deep shallow and weedy Dryden Lake, located in the central-east of Tompkins County, offers game such as largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, brown bullhead, golden shiner, common shiner, and common carp. Fly fishing around its 2.4 miles shoreline and drifting its waters using weedless lures is a great way for anglers to enjoy a day in Dryden Lake. The lake easily ices up, perfect for early ice fishing of bluegill and black crappie. Jennings Pond, another weedy water body, gives great bass fishing experiences to anglers that use weedless lures. Fall Creek is a major tributary of Cayuga Lake. It gets stocked with rainbow trout yearly, and anglers may catch other game species living in the creek, such as smallmouth bass, brown trout, brook trout, and Atlantic salmon. Good baits for fishing in Fall Creek are egg sacs, worms, and nightcrawlers, and fishing some Atlantic salmon is proven to be most productive during late September to October, even in Salmon Creek.

Go Waterfalls Hopping in Tompkins

1. Wonderful Wonderland of Waterfalls

Over 100 waterfalls within 10 miles allow you to gaze at many wonders in one trip! Whether you want to be on a solo trip or bring your whole family and a bunch of friends, Ithaca Waterfalls will satisfy your nature cravings and feed your soul with marvel. Go and witness the wonderful wonderland of waterfalls!

2. Hike in the Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is a 175 feet waterfall named after the foaming cascade by the Buttermilk Creek as it plunges into the Cayuga Lake. Located in its eponymous State Park, it offers fun activities with a pavilion, picnic areas, playing fields, hiking trails, woodland for nature viewing, a campground, and a natural pool. Bring your family and friends and plan a quick trip to Buttermilk Falls!

3. Go Hurry to Potter’s Falls

Located on Six Mile Creek, Potter’s Falls cascades a beautiful 25 feet. It is considered a favorite sunbathing spot in Ithaca. It is also known as Green Tree Falls, where many varieties of wildflowers naturally bloom and flourish around it and were designated as a wildflower preserve in 1920. Hurry to Potter’s Falls! Bask in the sun and swim for fun!