Cayuga Lake Bass Fishing Guide
Trophy Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass on New York's Longest Finger Lake
Book a Cayuga Lake TripWhy Cayuga Lake Is One of NY's Best Bass Fisheries
Cayuga Lake is the longest of New York's eleven Finger Lakes, stretching nearly 40 miles with over 106 miles of shoreline. It's deep, fertile, and loaded with both largemouth and smallmouth bass that rival anything you'll find in the Northeast. In 2024, Cayuga Lake produced the New York state record largemouth bass at 12 pounds, 6 ounces — and that wasn't a surprise to anyone who fishes it regularly.
The north end of Cayuga Lake features extensive shallow flats with heavy weed growth, docks, and structure that hold big largemouth year-round. The main lake basin drops to over 400 feet deep, with rocky shorelines, points, and ledges that are home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the Finger Lakes region. Whether you're casting topwater at dawn or dropping a ned rig on offshore structure, Cayuga consistently produces quality fish.
My Experience on Cayuga Lake
I've been fishing Cayuga Lake competitively for years, and it continues to be one of my favorite bodies of water in the state. In a recent tournament, I put together a three-fish bag that weighed just under 20 pounds — the kind of day that reminds you why Cayuga is in a class of its own for bass fishing in New York.
Cayuga rewards anglers who know the seasonal patterns. In the spring, largemouth push up into the north end flats and stack around docks and shallow vegetation during the spawn. By summer, the smallmouth bite on the main lake is outstanding — deep minnowing, drop shot, and ned rigs on offshore rock piles and ledges produce consistent four- and five-pound fish. Fall is trophy season, when both species go on a feed before winter sets in.
As a licensed USCG Captain with over 25 years of tournament experience, three career wins, 24 top-10 finishes, and more than $575,000 in career earnings on the FLW and MLF circuits, I bring a level of knowledge and preparation to every trip that most guide services simply can't match. When you fish Cayuga Lake with me, you're getting a tournament-level experience.
What Makes My Cayuga Lake Trips Different
- Tournament-rigged Bass Cat Puma with Lowrance & Garmin LiveScope electronics
- 25+ years of competitive fishing experience on Cayuga Lake and Finger Lakes waters
- All rods, tackle, and lures provided — just bring your fishing license
- Techniques tailored to the season: topwater, minnowing, jigs, drop shot, ned rigs, and more
- Dawn-to-dusk full-day trips available — not just a 6-hour window
- Great for tournament prep, families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike
Cayuga Lake Seasonal Guide
Spring (April – June)
Pre-spawn and spawn fishing on the north end flats. Largemouth move shallow around docks, laydowns, and emerging weed growth. Smallmouth begin staging on main-lake points. This is prime time for big largemouth on Cayuga.
Summer (July – September)
Peak season for both species. Largemouth hold in the thick vegetation on the north end. Smallmouth are on offshore structure — rock piles, ledges, and deep points throughout the main lake. Early morning topwater bites can be electric. Full-day trips are highly recommended in summer.
Fall (October – November)
Trophy season. Bass feed aggressively before winter, and some of the biggest fish of the year come in the fall. Both largemouth and smallmouth are active and catchable. The bite windows can be short, but when it's on, it's on.
Cayuga Lake Trip Rates
All trips include rods, tackle, and lures — just bring your fishing license
Half Day
- Morning or afternoon
- All tackle provided
- Great for beginners
Full Day
- Dawn to dusk
- All tackle provided
- Cover more water & patterns
Rates are for 1-2 anglers. Contact me for group pricing. Gratuity not included.