Spring angling for lake trout in the Finger Lakes
Adventures on Cayuga Lake
The start of an angling journey
To be honest, I am a novice when it comes to fishing. I like to use the word “angling” instead of the word “fishing” because I spend more time trying to fish than catching a fish. In the fishing world, the term “angling” means the art of attempting or catching a fish with a rod, line and hook.
Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. - Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
Finger Lakes angling in April
Fishing in April is a first for me. Although I like to be outside most times of the year, fishing on a boat on a big lake in April can be brutally cold. Especially if you need to stand on the boat when the wind is blowing. Layers and layers of clothing helps to stifle the cold from making my body stiff and useless.
Lake trout in Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake is one of the many “Finger Lakes” in upstate New York and is the longest lake - about 39 miles long. Its deepest point is 435 feet. Lake trout fishing on Cayuga is excellent most times of the year. The size of lake trout can vary - a good one in Cayuga is about 32 inches long.
A fishing guide is indispensable
An experienced guide who is knowledgeable about fishing in the Finger Lakes is essential to having a good experience. Today, our guide is Captain John Gaulke of Finger Lakes Angling Zone. He has been fishing these waters for over 20 years and keeps up to date on a daily basis on where the fish are biting the best. The benefits of using an experienced guide are many. Since I am new to fishing, a guide helps in learning the proper techniques and increases my chance to catch a fish. Overall, Captain Gaulke makes my experience on the water much more enjoyable.
Deep water jigging
Today, we head out to a few spots on the lake to try our luck using a vertical jigging approach. Many of the lake trout are found in deeper waters - over 100 feet deep at times. Captain Gaulke uses an electronic fish finder to locate the fish and see how deep they are. I use a bait caster reel and a strong rod with a line long enough to drop deep, as deep as over 150 feet if needed. Deep water jigging uses special lures of various colors.


The drop, the feel and the grab
As I drop the line into the deep water, I let it go down as far as it can go - keeping my right hand on the crank gently. Sometimes the trout will bite as the line goes down but usually they are hovering near the bottom looking for food. Once I sense that the line has stopped “dropping” and is probably near the bottom, I start to carefully reel in the line with some sense of a rhythm. The trout seem to go after the lure if it is moving. As I reel the line in, I closely pay attention to the tension in the line for a hit or a grab. A strong current may imitate a hit.
A good catch to start the day
Today, the morning starts out slow. No significants hits for about an hour. Captain Gaulke moves the boat a few times and locks it in place using a “spot lock” device mounted on the boat. It is a cold morning. Finally, the first solid grab for me. I start cranking on the reel - steady but sure. I let off a little and bring the rod up so it arcs. It feels like a solid fish - possibly a good size. I continue to steadily reel with a few pauses as the trout fights from right to left.
Captain Gaulke stands by patiently and as the fish rises closer to the surface, he sweeps in with a net and carefully swoops the fish. I release some line (something I usually forget to do) to help John net the fish. My hunch is right about the size - a 31 inch lake trout.
The lure of angling for me
I keep coming back for the challenge, the journey, the unknown and of course, the adventure. Since I am used to being outside in all weather conditions, fishing on a windy lake in the cold does not deter me. I get to be outside in beautiful locations.
Angling gives me the opportunity to tune out the world. I just focus on the trout, the lake and the picturesque surroundings. It is easy to forget everything else.
Lake trout are beautiful animals - just touching another living creature and feeling its heart beat gives me a rush. The joy of releasing it back into the lake and watching it plunge into the depths is a thrill. Stay tuned for more angling adventures.
More about Captain Gaulke at the Finger Lakes Angling Zone here.
Fishing is not just about catching fish; it's about understanding the delicate balance of nature. - Aldo Leopold
That’s a big fish! My grandfather used to take us kids fishing. We seldom caught anything. I think he just wanted to hang out at the river with us.
Impressive catch!