Keuka Finger Lakes Fly Fishing From Boat Ideas

[GreenLaker75]

Wondering if anyone chase trout with fly gear from their motor boats? Is there a time of year you can drift and cast steamers etc? Could you catch Lakers in the Winter in shallow from your boat, similar to how people catch them from shore? Just looking for ways to get away from trolling.

[Sk8man]

Probably the best time on the Finger lakes is during June and July when there are insect hatches on the water.  In thepast I have caught trout on Seneca out in 300 plus feet of water doing what you are suggesting (e.g. out from the high banks area) as well as dry flies. The rainbows, landlocks and sometimes browns are out there often with their dorsal fins sticking out of the water skimming the surface for bugs frequently in the evening. red and black flies seem high on their list of favorites They are a lot of fun on a flyrod. They also spook easily so minimize noise in the boat. NOTE: this was at a time when the silvers were more plentiful on Seneca than now but it should work elsewhere too. Works best when there are dead or dying insects on the surface.

Edited November 8, 2020 by Sk8man

[bandrus1]

You absolutely can catch lakers in the cold months. I would use brown streamers because the LT like gobies 

 

Second best bet imo would be late March through April in the same places you would see people trolling stick baits on surface

[WildLaker607]

Winter is a great time to use fly gear from shore or a boat to go after trout, in Cayuga lake anyways. Streamers in dark colors for laker trout or brighter colors for salmon, or smelt patterns. Bass gear like tube jigs works great for Lakers in the winter, or casting blade baits is productive if it’s windy or you want to work a mudline.