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Top-Rated Cayuga Lake Fishing Charters | 8 Hours
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Ontario
- $520 - $1,420 price range
Summary
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Cayuga Lake Catches
Great lake, even better catches
Big fish, big fun with Mike Klikus, Finhooker Char
Mike Klikus makes every catch a memorable one
Catch of the day with Mike Klikus!
Huge Chinook Salmon caught trolling in Mexico NY!
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Catch of the day, every day
Where the big ones bite
Rods up, stress down
Fishing time with the crew
Great lake, even better catches
Big fish, big fun with Mike Klikus, Finhooker Char
Mike Klikus makes every catch a memorable one
Catch of the day with Mike Klikus!
Huge Chinook Salmon caught trolling in Mexico NY!
null
Catch of the day, every day
Where the big ones bite
Rods up, stress down
Fishing time with the crew
Great lake, even better catches
Big fish, big fun with Mike Klikus, Finhooker Char
Mike Klikus makes every catch a memorable one
Catch of the day with Mike Klikus!
Reel in Finger Lakes Glory on Cayuga Lake
Hey there, anglers! Ready to test your skills against some of the Finger Lakes' finest fish? Hop aboard with Captain Mike for an 8-hour charter that'll have you chasing trophy trout and salmon on beautiful Cayuga Lake. We're talking world-class fishing in the heart of upstate New York, where the scenery's as good as the action on your line. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your lucky hat and let's hit the water!
What's the Catch?
Picture this: You're cruising on Cayuga's crystal-clear waters, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale tug. Captain Mike's got the inside scoop on where the big ones are hiding, and he's ready to put you on fish. We're targeting some real beauties here - Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout. These aren't your average stockers, folks. We're talking about hard-fighting, acrobatic fish that'll give you a run for your money. And with a max of 4 guests on board, you'll have plenty of elbow room to reel in your catch of the day.
Trolling the Depths
Alright, let's talk tactics. On Cayuga Lake, trolling is the name of the game. We'll be setting up with downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to cover all depths where these fish might be hanging out. Captain Mike's got the boat rigged with top-notch gear, so you'll be fishing with the best stuff out there. We'll be using a mix of spoons, stickbaits, and flies - whatever's getting the bites that day. And don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing. The captain's always happy to show you the ropes and help you dial in your technique. Before you know it, you'll be setting the hook like a pro!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's break down the awesome fish you'll be chasing on Cayuga Lake:
Landlocked Atlantic Salmon: These silver bullets are the prize of Cayuga Lake. Known for their acrobatic fights and delicious taste, these guys average 2-5 pounds but can get much bigger. They love to hit flashy spoons and tend to hang out in the upper water column. Spring and fall are prime times to target these beauties.
Brown Trout: Cayuga's browns are some of the biggest in the Finger Lakes. These smart, wary fish can grow to monster sizes, with 10+ pounders not unheard of. They're most active in cooler months and love to chase baitfish near drop-offs. Landing a big brown is a true trophy and a test of any angler's skills.
Lake Trout: The deep-water kings of Cayuga, lake trout are hard-fighting fish that can push 20 pounds or more. We'll be using downriggers to get our lures down where these guys hang out. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look.
Rainbow Trout: Also known as steelhead, these high-flying fish are a blast to catch. They're fast, strong, and love to jump when hooked. Rainbows in Cayuga average 3-6 pounds and are most active in the spring and fall when they move into shallower water. Hit one of these on light tackle, and you're in for a real treat!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, I've been guiding on these waters for years, and I still get excited every time we leave the dock. There's something special about Cayuga Lake that keeps folks coming back season after season. Maybe it's the chance at a personal best trout, or the thrill of battling a salmon as it tries to throw your hook. Could be the stunning views of the surrounding hills, especially when the fall colors are poppin'. Or maybe it's just the peace and quiet of being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle. Whatever it is, I guarantee you'll leave wanting more.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching to get out on Cayuga Lake and tangle with some world-class trout and salmon, now's the time to lock in your date. Remember, we're limited to 4 guests per trip, so spots can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, land that trophy fish, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, Captain Mike's got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddies, pick a date, and let's make some memories on Cayuga Lake. Trust me, the fish are waiting, and the stories you'll take home are worth their weight in gold. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Salmon
Lake trout are the giants of the char family, often reaching 15-40 pounds and 24-36 inches long. You'll find these cold-water lovers deep in Cayuga Lake, especially during summer when they seek out cooler depths. Spring's your best bet for shallower action, right after ice-out. These fish aren't fans of bright light, so overcast days are prime time. Jigging's the go-to method here - try a Rapala Jigging Rap or soft plastics that mimic wounded baitfish. Lakers put up a great fight and make for some tasty eating too. Here's a local tip: if you're struggling to find them, try trolling deep-diving crankbaits along drop-offs. The lake trout's slow growth and late maturity make landing a big one extra special. Keep an eye on your fish finder - these guys often suspend in the middle of the basin, sometimes at surprising depths.
Brown Trout
Rainbow trout are the acrobats of Cayuga Lake, known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. You'll typically catch these beauties in the 8-24 inch range, weighing 2-8 pounds. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich water, so target them near inlets or in deeper sections during summer. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Rainbows put up an exciting fight and are a favorite among fly anglers, though they'll hit spinners and live bait too. Try nymphing techniques or dry flies, depending on what they're feeding on. Here's a local secret: early mornings can be magic, especially with a subtle presentation. These fish have keen eyesight, so light leaders can make a difference. Rainbows are not just fun to catch - they're delicious too, with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Keep an eye out for their distinctive pink stripe when you're reeling one in.
Lake Trout
Atlantic salmon in Cayuga are a special treat - we've got a landlocked population here. They typically run 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, but can get bigger. These fish like to hang out in the cooler, deeper parts of the lake, especially during summer. Spring and fall are your best bets for hooking into one. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps - real fighters on the line. Trolling with spoons or large streamers can be effective, but they'll also hit flies if you time it right. Here's an insider tip: focus on areas where baitfish congregate, like near drop-offs or around structure. Patience is key with these fish - they can be finicky eaters. The chance to catch a landlocked Atlantic is pretty unique, making them a prized catch for many anglers. Remember, these fish are carefully managed, so always check current regulations before keeping any.
Rainbow Trout
Brown trout are wily characters, typically 8-24 inches long and weighing 1-9 pounds. Here in Cayuga, you'll find them hugging cover in cool, clear areas. They love hanging out near submerged logs, undercut banks, and deep pools. Fall's prime time as they feed aggressively, especially at night. These fish put up a heck of a fight and are prized for their tasty, pink flesh. Fly fishing's popular, but don't overlook trolling or casting small spinners. If you're fly fishing, try a 9-foot, 5-weight rod with dry flies or crawfish imitations. Here's a tip: focus on the lake's tributaries during spawning season in late fall. Browns are known for their smarts, so stealth is key. Matching your lure to the local forage can make all the difference. These introduced species have thrived here since the 1880s and have become a cornerstone of our trout fishery.
About the Cool Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
