Top-Rated Finger Lakes Trout Fishing | Guide on Side

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Salmon River
$350 - $850 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun half-day on the water? Join us in the Finger Lakes for some exciting Lake Trout and Steelhead action. These trips are perfect for families, beginners, or experienced anglers who want steady fishing in a beautiful setting. The Finger Lakes are known for productive waters, and you never know what you'll hook next. Kids love the thrill of reeling in their own catches, while adults can test their skills against some quality trout. We'll be out on the lake, surrounded by scenic views as we hunt for bites. It's a great way to introduce newcomers to fishing or for seasoned anglers to enjoy some reliable action. With plenty of fish and stunning landscapes, you're in for a great day on the water. Remember, our trips are catch-and-release, so bring a camera for photos of your best catches. We provide all the gear you need – just show up ready for some lakeside fun!

Top-Rated Finger Lakes Trout Fishing | Guide on Side

Trout Trophies

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Fishing for a large rainbow trout in Mexico

Big smiles and even bigger steelhead! 🎣😁

Cutthroat trout, 28 inches, caught while fishing in Mexico

Bright skies and big steelhead! ☀️🎣

A man fishing a large rainbow trout in Mexico

Snowy day, steelhead play! ❄️🎣

Finger Lakes Fishing: Trout Double-Header

Ready for some rod-bending action in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes? This half-day trip puts you right on top of hard-fighting Lake Trout and acrobatic Steelhead. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our local waters deliver consistent action that'll keep you coming back for more. We've got everything dialed in to maximize your time on the water - from prime fishing spots to the latest techniques. So grab your hat and let's hit the lake!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. The Finger Lakes region is a trout fishing paradise, with crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery all around. We'll cruise to my favorite honey holes where the big ones love to hang out. You'll be using top-notch gear and learning pro tips to dial in your presentation. The best part? The non-stop action. These waters are chock-full of hungry trout, so be ready for that drag to start singing! Kids especially get a kick out of the constant bites, while more experienced anglers can test their skills against some truly trophy-sized fish. And hey, don't forget to look up once in a while - the views out here are absolutely killer.

Trolling Tactics & Gear

We'll be hitting 'em with a one-two punch of trolling techniques on this trip. For the Lake Trout, we'll be working the thermocline with downriggers, letting those lures dance right in the strike zone. When targeting Steelhead, we'll switch it up to long-lining with planer boards to cover more water. I've got a full arsenal of tried-and-true lures that these fish can't resist - from classic spoons to cut bait rigs. The boat's decked out with top-of-the-line electronics to help us find those schools and stay on the fish all day long. Don't sweat it if you're new to these methods - I'll walk you through everything step-by-step. Before you know it, you'll be setting hooks like a pro!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Trout are the bruisers of the Finger Lakes. These deep-water predators can grow to impressive sizes, with fish in the 5-10 pound range being common and the occasional 20+ pounder not out of the question. They put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs back to the depths. Lake Trout are most active in the cooler months, but we can target them year-round by adjusting our depth and presentation. The satisfaction of bringing one of these beauties to the net is hard to beat.

Steelhead Trout are like the acrobats of the fishing world. Known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs, hooking into one of these chrome-bright rockets will definitely get your heart racing. We typically see Steelhead in the 5-8 pound range, but bigger fish are always a possibility. The Finger Lakes get some fantastic Steelhead runs in the spring and fall, but we can find resident fish throughout the year. Their hard-fighting nature and delicious taste make them a favorite target for both local and visiting anglers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Finger Lakes region isn't just a top-notch fishery - it's a complete outdoor experience. Anglers rave about the diverse fishing opportunities, with the chance to target multiple species in a single trip. The stunning backdrop of rolling hills and pristine waters adds an extra layer of enjoyment to every outing. Many guests tell me they're blown away by how many fish we get into, even on shorter half-day trips. Families love the kid-friendly nature of the experience, while more serious anglers appreciate the chance to tangle with some truly quality fish. And let's be honest - nothing beats the taste of fresh-caught trout for dinner after a day on the lake!

Top Catches This Season

Man, the fishing has been on fire lately! We've been crushing it with Lake Trout in the 8-12 pound range, with a few absolute giants pushing 20 pounds coming to the net. The Steelhead action has been just as hot, with most fish in that sweet 6-8 pound class that fight like fish twice their size. One of my recent groups landed a Grand Slam - Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and even a bonus Landlocked Salmon all in one trip. That's the kind of day that keeps you coming back for more!

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're looking for a fishing trip that delivers non-stop action, stunning scenery, and the chance at some real trophy trout - this is it. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, the Finger Lakes have something special in store for you. We've got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the hot spots dialed in. All you need to do is show up ready for some serious fun on the water. But here's the thing - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait around and miss out on the action. Get in touch now and let's get your Finger Lakes fishing adventure locked in. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that monster trout of a lifetime!

Learn more about the animals

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the big boys of the char family, often hitting 15-40 pounds. They're cold-water fish, so we find them deep in the Finger Lakes, especially during summer. These guys are slow growers, which makes landing a big one extra special. Fall and spring are prime times, when they move to shallower water. Anglers love the challenge – lake trout put up a good fight and taste great on the table. They're a bit camera-shy, preferring low light and overcast days. If you're after a trophy, try jigging with large minnow-imitating lures near underwater structure. My go-to trick? Use your fish finder to spot schools of baitfish. Where there's bait, there's often a big laker lurking nearby. Just remember, patience is key with these deep-water hunters.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the ocean-going cousins of rainbow trout, typically 24-30 inches long but can reach a whopping 55 pounds. They spend most of their life in the sea, running up our Finger Lakes tributaries to spawn. Fall through spring is prime time to catch these silver bullets. They're known for explosive runs and acrobatic jumps – real crowd-pleasers on the end of a line. Look for them in faster currents and deeper pools. Steelhead are choosy eaters, so matching your bait to what's naturally in the river is crucial. Egg sacs, small jigs, or flies that mimic local insects work well. Here's a local tip: after a good rain, when the water's up and slightly off-color, that's when the big runs happen. Be ready to move around and find where they're holding. The fight alone makes steelhead worth the trip, but they're also excellent eating if you decide to keep one.

About the Stealthcraft

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: -

Maximum Cruising Speed: 5

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 1

Ready for some fun on the water? This half-day trip in New York's Finger Lakes region offers great fishing for Lake Trout and Steelhead. The beautiful scenery and productive lakes make for an enjoyable outing, whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler. Kids love the excitement of reeling in their own catch, while adults can test their skills against some quality trout. You never know what you might hook into next, adding to the anticipation with each bite. It's a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon, with plenty of action to keep everyone engaged. The Finger Lakes area is known for its excellent fishing, and this trip gives you a chance to experience it firsthand. Bring the family, grab a friend, or come solo - either way, you're in for a good time on the water surrounded by stunning views. Just remember, all deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly and get ready for some lakeside fun!

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