Top-Rated Cayuga Lake Fishing Charters | 8 Hours

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Ontario
$600 - $1,420 price range
Updated Date: October 6, 2025

Summary

Spend a full day on the waters of Cayuga Lake with Captain Mike, targeting some of the Finger Lakes' most prized fish. This 8-hour charter takes you to prime spots for Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, Captain Mike provides expert guidance to help you land that trophy catch. All gear is included, so you just need to bring your New York fishing license and enthusiasm. The clear offshore waters of Cayuga Lake offer excellent visibility and ample opportunities to hook into multiple species throughout the day. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great trip for families, friends, or solo anglers looking to improve their skills. Captain Mike knows these waters inside and out, giving you the best shot at a memorable day of fishing on one of New York's most beautiful lakes.

Top-Rated Cayuga Lake Fishing Charters | 8 Hours

Cayuga Lake Catches

Morning catch today on the Finhooker

Lake Ontario Salmon fishing trip

Spotted weakfish caught while fishing in NY

Trophy Trout from Lake Ontario

Chinook Salmon caught in Mexico Bay

Reel in Trophy Trout on Cayuga Lake

Ready to hit the water for some world-class fishing? Captain Mike's got you covered with this full-day charter on beautiful Cayuga Lake. You'll be targeting some of the Finger Lakes' most prized catches - landlocked Atlantic salmon, brown trout, lake trout, and rainbows. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip offers the perfect mix of action and relaxation on one of New York's top fishing destinations.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're cruising across Cayuga's crystal-clear waters, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Captain Mike's at the helm, rigging up a spread of lines that would make any fish nervous. This isn't some quick in-and-out trip - you've got a solid 8 hours to dial in the bite and put some serious bend in those rods. The beauty of Cayuga is you never know what might hit next. One minute you're battling a chunky brown trout, the next you're hooked into a high-flying salmon. And don't sweat the gear - everything from rods to tackle is provided. Just remember to grab that New York fishing license before you hop aboard.

Trolling Tactics 101

If you've never tried trolling before, you're in for a treat. Captain Mike's got his boat rigged up like a pro bass angler's dream, with multiple rods running different depths and lures. We're talking downriggers, planer boards, the works. As you cruise along, those lines are covering a ton of water, searching out active fish. When a rod goes off, it's game on! Don't worry if you're new to this - the Captain's got plenty of patience and knows how to coach you through the fight. By the end of the day, you'll be setting hooks like a champ.

Rave Reviews

"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

The Big Four: Cayuga's Trophy Targets

Landlocked Atlantic Salmon: These high-flying acrobats are the stars of the show. Cayuga's landlocks average 2-4 pounds, but fish pushing 8+ pounds aren't unheard of. They love to hit flashy spoons and flies, and once hooked, prepare for some spectacular aerial displays. Fall is prime time as these fish stage for their spawning run, but you can tangle with them year-round.

Brown Trout: Cayuga's browns are the bulldogs of the lake. These fish can push well into the double digits, with 5-8 pounders being common catches. They're known for powerful, determined fights and tend to cruise the cooler, deeper waters. Spring and fall offer the best shot at trophy browns as they move shallow to feed.

Lake Trout: The true natives of Cayuga, lakers are the deepwater specialists. They grow big and fight hard, with fish in the 5-10 pound range being solid catches. Summer months find them in the deepest parts of the lake, but spring and fall can see them cruising shallower. Jigging or trolling deep with large spoons is the ticket for these bruisers.

Rainbow Trout: The speedsters of Cayuga, rainbows are known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. While they average 2-4 pounds, fish pushing 8+ pounds show up regularly. These fish love to cruise the upper water column, making them a blast on lighter tackle. Spring and fall are prime, but you can hook into rainbows year-round if you know where to look.

Lock in Your Spot

Listen, Cayuga Lake isn't some secret honey hole anymore. Word's out about the quality of fishing here, and prime dates with top guides like Captain Mike fill up fast. If you're looking to get in on some of the best multi-species action the Finger Lakes has to offer, don't sleep on booking this trip. Whether you're aiming to fill the cooler or just want to experience the thrill of battling some hard-fighting fish, this charter's got you covered. So grab your fishing buddies (or treat the family), and let's get you on the water. Trust me, after a day chasing Cayuga's "Big Four" with Captain Mike, you'll be hooked for life.

Customer Review

Captain Mikes Magic

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 Jones

May 12, 2025

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon are prized catches in Cayuga Lake, typically weighing 8-12 pounds and stretching 28-30 inches. These silvery fish prefer cool, clear waters and can be found in deeper sections of the lake. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as cooler temperatures bring them closer to the surface. Anglers love targeting Atlantic Salmon for their acrobatic fights and delicious flavor. They're known for powerful runs and spectacular leaps when hooked. To improve your chances, try trolling with flashy spoons or plugs that mimic baitfish. Early mornings or overcast days often produce the best results. Remember, these fish can be finicky, so patience and changing up your presentation can make all the difference.

Brown Trout

Brown Trout in Cayuga Lake are a real treat, averaging 1-9 pounds but some monsters pushing 15+ pounds lurk in the depths. They prefer cooler water, so target them near drop-offs or underwater structures. Fall is prime time as they become more aggressive before spawning. Browns are known for their wariness and hard fights, making them a challenge that keeps anglers coming back. They're also fantastic on the dinner plate. Early mornings or evenings are often most productive. Try trolling with stickbaits or spoons that mimic baitfish. A local secret: Browns love to ambush prey, so working lures near submerged logs or rocky points can trigger explosive strikes. Don't be afraid to go big with your lures – trophy browns often prefer a substantial meal.

Lake Trout

Lake Trout are the giants of Cayuga, with 15-25 pounders not uncommon and some pushing 40 pounds. They're typically found in the deepest, coldest parts of the lake, often suspended over the basin. Spring and fall are ideal, as they move shallower. Summer finds them deeper, sometimes over 100 feet down. Lakers are prized for their size, hard-fighting nature, and rich, oily flesh. Jigging is a go-to method, using heavy jigs or spoons to reach the depths. Trolling with downriggers is also effective. These fish prefer cooler water, so focus on thermoclines where temperatures change. A pro tip: use larger lures that imitate cisco or alewives, their favorite prey. Lake Trout fishing can be technical, but landing one of these behemoths is an unforgettable experience.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout in Cayuga Lake usually run 8-24 inches, with some topping 5 pounds. Look for them near gravelly shorelines or in cool, oxygen-rich areas. They're active year-round, but spring and fall are prime times when water temperatures are ideal. Rainbows are famous for their acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. Anglers love their beautiful coloration and tasty, pink flesh. These trout hit a variety of lures, but fly fishing with nymphs or dry flies can be especially effective. For spin fishing, try small spinners or jigs tipped with worms. A local tip: focus on areas where streams enter the lake, especially after a light rain when insects are washed in. These spots can be rainbow hotspots.

About the Cool Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Grab your fishing gear and join Captain Mike for a full day of angling action on Cayuga Lake! This private 8-hour charter takes you to prime fishing spots on one of New York's famous Finger Lakes. You'll be targeting prized catches like Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout in the crystal-clear offshore waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, Captain Mike provides expert guidance to help you reel in the big ones. No need to worry about equipment - all the rods, reels, and tackle are provided on board. Just remember to bring your valid New York fishing license and get ready for a day of rod-bending excitement. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a perfect outing for families, friends, or solo adventurers looking to test their skills against Cayuga's renowned fishery. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best fishing the Finger Lakes has to offer!

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