Cayuga Lake Fish

Fish Species of Cayuga Lake: A Rich Aquatic Ecosystem in the Finger Lakes

Cayuga Lake, the longest and second-deepest of New York’s Finger Lakes, is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its diverse and productive fishery. With over 40 species of fish, the lake supports everything from coldwater trout to warmwater bass and panfish — making it a prime destination for anglers and aquatic ecologists alike.

This article focuses exclusively on the fish species found in Cayuga Lake, highlighting both native and introduced varieties that contribute to the lake’s dynamic ecosystem.

Coldwater Species

1. Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

Lake trout are the dominant coldwater predator in Cayuga Lake and are naturally reproducing, unlike in many other lakes where they rely on stocking. They inhabit deep, cool waters and are a prized catch for anglers due to their size and fight.

2. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

Although not native, landlocked Atlantic salmon are stocked annually and can be found near creek mouths and in deeper open water. They are popular among sport fishers and are often caught during spring and fall.

3. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Brown trout are another coldwater species supported by stocking efforts. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich parts of the lake and are often caught in the same zones as salmon and lake trout.

Warmwater Species

1. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

Thriving in rocky, nearshore areas, smallmouth bass are one of the most abundant warmwater game fish in Cayuga Lake. They are popular among recreational and tournament anglers, especially during summer.

2. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Although more associated with weedy and shallow zones, largemouth bass can be found in the southern and northern ends of the lake, particularly around marinas and vegetated bays.

3. Northern Pike (Esox lucius)

Northern pike are ambush predators found in weed beds and calm shallows. Though less common than in shallower lakes, they are present near creek inlets and bays.

4. Chain Pickerel (Esox niger)

Often mistaken for northern pike, chain pickerel are smaller and inhabit warm, weedy areas. They are more common near the northern shallows of the lake.

Panfish and Forage Species

1. Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

One of the most abundant and widespread fish in the lake, yellow perch are found in both deep and shallow zones. They are a staple for ice fishing and are important prey for larger predators.

2. Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Other Sunfish

These species inhabit nearshore, vegetated areas and are popular targets for beginner anglers and families. They also serve as forage for bass and pike.

3. Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

Though not as common as perch, black crappie are present in quieter, vegetated areas. Their schooling behavior makes them an occasional surprise catch.

Catfish and Bullhead Species

1. Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus)

Brown bullhead are bottom-dwelling fish that thrive in the silty, calm waters of the lake’s northern and southern ends. They are often caught at night or during spring spawning runs.

2. Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Though less common than bullhead, channel catfish are present and tend to grow larger. They are typically found in deeper, warmer waters during summer nights.

Other Notable Species

1. American Eel (Anguilla rostrata)

This fascinating migratory fish is occasionally found in Cayuga Lake. American eels travel thousands of miles to spawn in the Sargasso Sea, and some juveniles enter the Finger Lakes via the Erie Canal system.

2. White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii)

Widespread throughout the lake and its tributaries, white suckers are important for the food web and are often seen during spring spawning runs in shallow creeks.

Invasive and Introduced Species

1. Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)

Introduced as forage for gamefish, alewives are now a major food source for salmon, trout, and bass. However, they can disrupt native food webs and compete with young sportfish.

2. Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

An introduced species, common carp are abundant in shallow, weedy areas and can impact water clarity and aquatic vegetation. They are often targeted by bowfishers or caught recreationally.

Conclusion

Cayuga Lake supports a remarkably diverse fish community, ranging from deep-dwelling trout to aggressive bass and peaceful panfish. This balance of coldwater and warmwater species is possible thanks to the lake’s depth, size, and diverse habitats.

For anglers, the lake offers year-round opportunity. For ecologists, it serves as a living laboratory. And for visitors, just knowing what swims below the surface adds another layer to the appreciation of this Finger Lakes treasure.