Fishing Seneca Lake

AKA: Lake Seneca

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Seneca Lake, NY

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Lake Trout Fishing

Seneca Lake is known as the Lake trout Capital of the world, and fishing for lake trout in Seneca Lake is good as ever. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. Good electronics are a big help in locating lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. It is a monumental help to use fish finders to locate lake trout. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are still a favorite of many locals at Seneca Lake, due to their spectacular fighting spirit and the quality of the average smallie caught. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

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Yellow Perch Fishing

Seneca Lake continues to have a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.

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Lake Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, landlocked salmon (Atlantic salmon) and northern pike at Seneca Lake in New York.

Considered by many to be the lake trout capital of the world, Seneca Lake is a 43,000-acre lake in central New York. There are close to a dozen marinas and boat ramps scattered along the well over 100 miles of shoreline to serve the boating public.

Seneca Lake, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region in NY, is a renowned fishing destination known for its scenic beauty and diverse fishery. Spanning over 40,000 acres, Seneca Lake offers anglers a wide range of fish species to target and a memorable fishing experience.

One of the prized fish species in Seneca Lake is the lake trout. These deep-dwelling fish are known for their impressive size and their preference for cold waters. Anglers can target lake trout by trolling with downriggers, using spoons or flasher-fly combinations. The deep sections of Seneca Lake provide ideal habitat for these strong and powerful fish, offering an exciting challenge for anglers seeking a trophy catch.

Seneca Lake is also home to a healthy population of rainbow trout and brown trout. These trout species can be caught using techniques such as trolling with stickbaits or spoons, casting with spinners or crankbaits, or fly fishing with streamers. The trout fishing opportunities in Seneca Lake attract anglers from far and wide, and the lake's scenic backdrop adds to the overall appeal.

Smallmouth bass are another popular species in Seneca Lake. These hard-fighting fish can be found near rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Anglers can use techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or crankbaits to entice these feisty bass. Smallmouth bass in Seneca Lake are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, providing an exciting angling experience.

Other fish species found in Seneca Lake include largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish such as bluegill and pumpkinseed. These species provide additional angling diversity and attract a wide range of anglers. Largemouth bass can be found near weed beds and submerged vegetation, offering opportunities for bass enthusiasts. Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature, provide thrilling battles, while panfish species offer enjoyable fishing experiences for anglers of all ages.

Seneca Lake in New York offers a diverse fishing experience with its variety of fish species and breathtaking scenery. Whether targeting trout, bass, pike, or panfish, anglers can enjoy the thrill of the chase and the rewards of a successful catch. Boating and camping amenities further enhance the outdoor experience, making Seneca Lake an enticing destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure in a scenic and tranquil setting.

Many fishing enthusiasts come here in hopes of catching a monster lake trout or landlocked salmon. Additionally the lake is a fertile fishery for bass, trout, sunfish, perch and pike. The bass and perch fishing are also considered some of the best in the area. Fishing charters and local fishing guides offer fishing trips for most all species in the lake. Much of the shoreline, some of which is accessible for fishing from the bank, is cluttered with aquatic vegetation creating excellent cover for baitfish as well as bass, pike and sunfish.

Primary fish species residing in Seneca Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Seneca Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Seneca Lake, with several marinas and boat launches available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's various sections, find productive fishing spots, and enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds them. The calm waters of Seneca Lake make it ideal for leisurely cruising, water skiing, or simply appreciating the serenity of the lake.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Kayak & Canoe Rental by Reagan's
Rentals: Canoes and kayaks
607 342-6940

Roy's Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
315 789-3094

Seneca Lake Kayak
Rentals: Kayaks
845 489-7884

Seneca Lake Resorts
Rentals: Pontoon boats
315 651-4949

Stivers Seneca Marine
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
315 789-5520

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Glen Harbor Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Boat Launch Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Lodi Point State Marine Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Lodi Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Seneca Harbor Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off N Decatur Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and no parking.

Severne Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Severne Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Seneca Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Roy's Marina
4398 Clarks Point
Geneva NY 14456
315 789-3094

Stivers Seneca Marine
401 Boodys Hill Rd,
Waterloo, NY 13165
315 789-5520

Village Marina
2 Seneca Harbor
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
607 546-8505

Fishing Guides On Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake Fishing Charters - lake trout

Roy's Boys Fishing Charters - lake trout

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Seneca Lake Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a New York Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Seneca Lake, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Campers can enjoy peaceful evenings under starry skies, cook freshly caught fish over a campfire, and wake up to the sounds of nature. The camping options range from primitive campsites to more developed campgrounds, catering to different preferences and comfort levels.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Sampson State Park Campground - 315 585-6392

Back-Achers Campsite - 607 243-7926

Sunset On Seneca Campsites - 607 582-6030

Clute Park & Campground - 607 535-4438

Watkins Glen / Corning KOA Campground - 607 535-7404

Seneca Lake NY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Seneca Lake
Sampson State Park Marina
6096 Route 96A
Romulus, NY 14541
315 585-6392

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