Fishing in Skaneateles Lake Near Ithaca, New York

Destinations Northeast New York Finger Lakes

Fishing in Skaneateles Lake Near Ithaca, New York

Skaneateles Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and thriving fish population, offers an exceptional fishing experience a short drive from Ithaca, New York. This guide provides detailed recommendations for fishing in Skaneateles Lake, including interesting facts, history, and essential visitor information.

Overview

Skaneateles Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, is a prime destination for anglers seeking a variety of fish species. Its pristine waters are home to trout, bass, and landlocked salmon, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced fishermen.

Recommended Suggestions

Seasonal Fishing: Spring and fall are the best times for trout and salmon, while summer months are ideal for bass.
Boat Fishing vs Shore Fishing: Accessing deeper waters by boat increases your chances of catching trout and salmon. Shore fishing is excellent along the public access points for bass and panfish.

Interesting Facts and History

Skaneateles Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, contributing to the high visibility and quality of fishing.
The name "Skaneateles" means "long lake" in the Iroquois language, reflecting its significant length and history as a fishing ground for Native Americans.

Things a Visitor Should Know

Licenses: A New York State fishing license is required, which can be obtained online or at local sporting goods stores.
Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific fishing regulations for Skaneateles Lake, including size and catch limits.

Local Knowledge

Hot Spots: The northern and southern ends of the lake are hot spots for trout and salmon. The area around the Skaneateles Country Club is known for excellent bass fishing.
Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for insider knowledge on the best fishing spots and techniques.

Getting There from Ithaca

To reach Skaneateles Lake from Ithaca, take NY-13 N to NY-34 N towards Auburn, then continue on NY-20 E to Skaneateles. The drive is approximately 1 hour and offers scenic views of the Finger Lakes region.

By paying attention to these details, visitors can enjoy a fruitful fishing adventure in Skaneateles Lake, capturing not only fish but also lasting memories of the lake's natural beauty and serene ambiance.

Adventure Map

Reviews

oldetowne stitchersa year ago

Wonder why it took us so long to discover this beautiful lake and town. Lake is crystal clear! Town is full of shops and restaurants.

Alex Portera year ago

Skaneateles Lake is a true gem. One of the cleanest lakes in the US. Crystal clear water. Great fishing, boating, swimming. It's heaven.

Carmine Valentinoa year ago

Just stop while driving back home . From the little time we spent walking the main street, I can just imagine how nice it is when all the shops are open. Definitely will have to make a weekend out of it.

Lauren Gustina year ago

Okay, for starters the water is crystal clear! How have I lived in the Finger Lakes region and never knew this was here...?! This lake is literally breathtaking. From the boat launch, to downtown Skaneateles, to all of the beautiful houses along the lake, this is gorgeous! I dropped in at the boat launch with a friend, and we kayaked all the way up to downtown Skaneateles, hopped out, and had lunch downtown. The entire day was fantastic and this is a place I will always return to because it’s so relaxing. On the north side of the lake - there are some sand bars so you can hop out and go swimming if you’re on a boat. Or, in our case, we pulled our kayaks to the edge and hopped out and went swimming. Couldn’t have been more perfect! The water is so clear, you can see fish swimming and they’ll even swim up to your kayak. The whole experience was so fun.

Brendan Mulhollanda year ago

Beautiful lake and surrounding area. Plenary of places to stay around the lake via AirBnB or Vrbo. Less than an hour from Ithaca and many falls are nearby with good trails for hiking.

Fishing

Fishing in Skaneateles Lake Near Ithaca, New York