Fishing in Steuben
In Steuben County everything leads back to the water and such diverse waterways offer anglers a variety of fish species and methods.
Whether you’re an avid angler or a newbie, you’ll find Steuben County offers variety, from the types of fish quietly waiting for you to bring your A-game, to the types of waterways where they live.
Four rivers wind their way through the scenic countryside providing some of the best ways to take in the incomparable natural beauty of the Finger Lakes. In those rivers (Canisteo, Cohocton, Tioga, Chemung) you’ll find wild brook trout, wild and stocked brown trout, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, sunfish, brown bullhead, and carp.
Keuka Lake is home to landlocked salmon, brown trout, lake trout, northern pike, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, alewife, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, smelt, and yellow perch. You’ll also find shiners, suckers, bullhead, and more in the sundry smaller lakes and ponds throughout the county.
Whether you’re looking to simply cast from a dock, get out on a kayak for some peaceful angling, a full-fledged fishing excursion, or a guided outing, you’ll find plenty of options for a fun, relaxing fishing getaway.
Places to Fish
At over 1,400 square miles and with four rivers, dozens of streams, as well as ponds and lakes, Steuben County offers a number of wonderful, scenic locations for outdoor recreation including some of the top places to fish in Region 8.
Thanks to the efforts of the New York State DEC, anglers are provided with access to various waterways in Steuben County through Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) which are “permanent easements purchased by the NYSDEC from willing landowners, giving anglers the right to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33′ strip on one or both banks of the stream).”
Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) located in Steuben County include the following public fishing streams:
Cryder Creek
There are 5.8 miles of public fishing rights easements on this stream. The upper section located in Steuben County is also known as Marsh Creek and is home to wild brown trout and brook trout. For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
Keuka Lake Inlet
Located between the towns of Bath and Hammondsport, the majority of the Keuka Lake Inlet (also known as Coldbrook stream) is accessible through public easements. According to the DEC, the spring runs of wild rainbow trout and fall runs of brown trout offer some of the best seasonal trout fishing in New York State.”
For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
Cohocton River
The lower portions of the Cohocton River contain stocked brown trout and an occasional wild brown trout or brook trout. Some large trout (over 20 inches) can be found in this portion of the river. For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
Mill Creek
One of the most productive wild trout streams in Region 8, Mill Creek is “supported entirely by naturally reproducing wild populations of both brook trout and brown trout and provides year round opportunities.” For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
Neil Creek
Another good spot for wild brown trout. Neil Creek is managed under special county wide regulations; please review the Special Regulations by County for Region 8 (Steuben County) which can be found on page 41 of this PDF.
For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
For information on the following Steuben County Streams Stocked with Trout, click here:
Bennett Creek
Canaseraga Creek
Canisteo River
Post Creek
WARNING
Before you explore the wonderful waterways in Region 8, please keep in mind the DEC’s warning to use alternatives to felt-soled waders to prevent the spread of didymo, an invasive algae that can negatively impact trout populations. According to the DEC, didymo has been found in several of New York’s trout streams and could spread to other waters without proper precautions. Wading anglers are a primary means of spreading didymo and due to their porous nature felt-soled waders are more susceptible than rubber studded boots.
For more details about didymo including ecological impacts, how didymo is spread, and prevention information visit this DEC page.
Other Waterways in which to fish in Steuben County:
Keuka Lake
A popular fishing destination since the mid-1800s, Keuka Lake offers a wonderful variety of species including Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, as well as Landlocked Salmon. Other species include Alewife, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smelt, and Yellow Perch.
For information on special fishing regulations for Keuka Lake, visit this page.
Almond Reservoir
A man-made reservoir located in western Steuben County, the Almond Reservoir was created as part of a flood control project that resulted in a dam on Canacadea Creek. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of forested and lightly developed land.
Largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, common carp, golden shiner, pumpkinseed, spottail shiner, white sucker, and yellow perch are found in Almond Reservoir.
For fishing tips and regulations, visit the DEC.
Ice Fishing is permitted on Almond Reservoir.
Birdseye Hollow Pond
Located in Birdseye Hollow State Forest, Birdseye Hollow Pond is man-made. The surrounding landscape is primarily forested.
A variety of fish can be found, including banded killifish, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, common shiner, golden shiner, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch.
For fishing tips and regulations, visit the DEC here.
Sanford Lake
Sanford Lake, located in eastern Steuben County, is home to banded killifish, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, common shiner, golden shiner, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch.
Click here, for additional information and regulations for fishing at Sanford Lake.
Rivers and Streams include:
Canisteo River
Stocked each year with brown trout, the Canisteo River is also home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, sunfish, brown bullhead, and common carp. Common methods include fly fishing, casting small spinners, and drifting live bait. For more information and regulations clock here.
Chemung River
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, rock bass, brown bullhead, golden shiner, white sucker, common carp. For tips on best times to fish, common methods, and regulations, click here.
Tioga River (link to )
you’ll find smallmouth bass, walleye, as well as brown bullhead, common carp, rock bass, sunfish, yellow perch, even trophy muskellunge. For tips and information on special fishing regulations, click here.
Image 181-3-22455
Cohocton River (link to )
With wild brook trout as well as wild and stocked brown trout, the Cohocton River is another wonderful location for fishing. For more information about the Cohocton River click here.
Click link for information on special regulations for fishing the Cohocton River.
Fishing Seasons in Steuben
For important information on fishing seasons, minimum length allowed, daily catch limit, and methods allowed, please visit this page.
Click the link for special regulations about Region 8.
Learn more about Fishing in Steuben County here. including access for anglers with disabilities, boat launches, ice fishing and more.
Download the Explore Steuben app for information on places to stay and other fun things to do while you’re here and start planning your next fishing excursion today.
Fishing in Steuben
In Steuben County everything leads back to the water and such diverse waterways offer anglers a variety of fish species and methods.
Whether you’re an avid angler or a newbie, you’ll find Steuben County offers variety, from the types of fish quietly waiting for you to bring your A-game, to the types of waterways where they live.
Four rivers wind their way through the scenic countryside providing some of the best ways to take in the incomparable natural beauty of the Finger Lakes. In those rivers (Canisteo, Cohocton, Tioga, Chemung) you’ll find wild brook trout, wild and stocked brown trout, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, sunfish, brown bullhead, and carp.
Keuka Lake is home to landlocked salmon, brown trout, lake trout, northern pike, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, alewife, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, smelt, and yellow perch. You’ll also find shiners, suckers, bullhead, and more in the sundry smaller lakes and ponds throughout the county.
Whether you’re looking to simply cast from a dock, get out on a kayak for some peaceful angling, a full-fledged fishing excursion, or a guided outing, you’ll find plenty of options for a fun, relaxing fishing getaway.
Places to Fish
At over 1,400 square miles and with four rivers, dozens of streams, as well as ponds and lakes, Steuben County offers a number of wonderful, scenic locations for outdoor recreation including some of the top places to fish in Region 8.
Thanks to the efforts of the New York State DEC, anglers are provided with access to various waterways in Steuben County through Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) which are “permanent easements purchased by the NYSDEC from willing landowners, giving anglers the right to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33′ strip on one or both banks of the stream).”
Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) located in Steuben County include the following public fishing streams:
Cryder Creek
There are 5.8 miles of public fishing rights easements on this stream. The upper section located in Steuben County is also known as Marsh Creek and is home to wild brown trout and brook trout. For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
Keuka Lake Inlet
Located between the towns of Bath and Hammondsport, the majority of the Keuka Lake Inlet (also known as Coldbrook stream) is accessible through public easements. According to the DEC, the spring runs of wild rainbow trout and fall runs of brown trout offer some of the best seasonal trout fishing in New York State.”
For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
Cohocton River
The lower portions of the Cohocton River contain stocked brown trout and an occasional wild brown trout or brook trout. Some large trout (over 20 inches) can be found in this portion of the river. For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
Mill Creek
One of the most productive wild trout streams in Region 8, Mill Creek is “supported entirely by naturally reproducing wild populations of both brook trout and brown trout and provides year round opportunities.” For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
Neil Creek
Another good spot for wild brown trout. Neil Creek is managed under special county wide regulations; please review the Special Regulations by County for Region 8 (Steuben County) which can be found on page 41 of this PDF.
For a general location map in PDF format, click here.
For information on the following Steuben County Streams Stocked with Trout, click here:
Bennett Creek
Canaseraga Creek
Canisteo River
Post Creek
WARNING
Before you explore the wonderful waterways in Region 8, please keep in mind the DEC’s warning to use alternatives to felt-soled waders to prevent the spread of didymo, an invasive algae that can negatively impact trout populations. According to the DEC, didymo has been found in several of New York’s trout streams and could spread to other waters without proper precautions. Wading anglers are a primary means of spreading didymo and due to their porous nature felt-soled waders are more susceptible than rubber studded boots.
For more details about didymo including ecological impacts, how didymo is spread, and prevention information visit this DEC page.
Other Waterways in which to fish in Steuben County:
Keuka Lake
A popular fishing destination since the mid-1800s, Keuka Lake offers a wonderful variety of species including Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, as well as Landlocked Salmon. Other species include Alewife, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smelt, and Yellow Perch.
For information on special fishing regulations for Keuka Lake, visit this page.
Almond Reservoir
A man-made reservoir located in western Steuben County, the Almond Reservoir was created as part of a flood control project that resulted in a dam on Canacadea Creek. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of forested and lightly developed land.
Largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, common carp, golden shiner, pumpkinseed, spottail shiner, white sucker, and yellow perch are found in Almond Reservoir.
For fishing tips and regulations, visit the DEC.
Ice Fishing is permitted on Almond Reservoir.
Birdseye Hollow Pond
Located in Birdseye Hollow State Forest, Birdseye Hollow Pond is man-made. The surrounding landscape is primarily forested.
A variety of fish can be found, including banded killifish, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, common shiner, golden shiner, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch.
For fishing tips and regulations, visit the DEC here.
Sanford Lake
Sanford Lake, located in eastern Steuben County, is home to banded killifish, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, common shiner, golden shiner, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch.
Click here, for additional information and regulations for fishing at Sanford Lake.
Rivers and Streams include:
Canisteo River
Stocked each year with brown trout, the Canisteo River is also home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, sunfish, brown bullhead, and common carp. Common methods include fly fishing, casting small spinners, and drifting live bait. For more information and regulations clock here.
Chemung River
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, rock bass, brown bullhead, golden shiner, white sucker, common carp. For tips on best times to fish, common methods, and regulations, click here.
Tioga River (link to )
you’ll find smallmouth bass, walleye, as well as brown bullhead, common carp, rock bass, sunfish, yellow perch, even trophy muskellunge. For tips and information on special fishing regulations, click here.
Image 181-3-22455
Cohocton River (link to )
With wild brook trout as well as wild and stocked brown trout, the Cohocton River is another wonderful location for fishing. For more information about the Cohocton River click here.
Click link for information on special regulations for fishing the Cohocton River.
Fishing Seasons in Steuben
For important information on fishing seasons, minimum length allowed, daily catch limit, and methods allowed, please visit this page.
Click the link for special regulations about Region 8.
Learn more about Fishing in Steuben County here. including access for anglers with disabilities, boat launches, ice fishing and more.
Download the Explore Steuben app for information on places to stay and other fun things to do while you’re here and start planning your next fishing excursion today.
