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Boating At Cayuga Lake In New York

By AA-Boats & Boating Staff Writers

Cayuga Lake, New York

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Cayuga Lake, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is the longest of the Finger Lakes and one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the state. Stretching over 40 miles in length, the lake is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and charming small towns, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Its stunning natural beauty and proximity to numerous attractions make it a sought-after spot for visitors looking to indulge in outdoor activities and enjoy the serenity of the region.

Boating is a beloved pastime on Cayuga Lake, and there are several marinas along its shores that cater to boaters' needs. These marinas offer docking facilities, boat rentals, and essential services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable boating experience. The lake's calm waters are ideal for various water sports, including water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding, providing excitement and thrills for water enthusiasts of all ages.

Boat launch ramps are available to the public around the lake, making it convenient for boat owners to access the water easily. Whether it's a sailboat, motorboat, or pontoon boat, visitors can launch their vessels and explore the expansive beauty of Cayuga Lake at their own pace.

For those seeking a boating adventure without owning their own, rental boat options are available, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic views and tranquility of the lake. Renting a boat is an excellent way to experience Cayuga Lake's natural wonders and create cherished memories with family and friends.

Cayuga Lake also offers fantastic fishing opportunities, attracting anglers looking to catch various fish species, such as bass, trout, pike, and perch. The lake's deep waters provide ample habitat for a diverse range of fish, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.

With its close proximity to towns like Ithaca and Seneca Falls, visitors to Cayuga Lake have easy access to numerous attractions, including wineries, museums, hiking trails, and state parks. Exploring the surrounding areas enhances the overall experience of visiting Cayuga Lake, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and cultural activities.

For those who wish to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region, camping is available at various campgrounds around the lake. Spending a night under the stars amidst the breathtaking scenery adds an extra element of adventure and relaxation to any visit to Cayuga Lake.

Boating, camping and fishing.

A massive arena for boating options and diverse fishing, Cayuga Lake, in the central part of New York State. One of the famed, Finger Lakes, this a 43,000-acre lake with over 100 miles of shoreline. While the lake is ideally suited for larger boats - pleasure boats, pontoons and fishing boats, smaller craft like car-top boats, canoes and kayaks can provide access to good fishing water, especially in the northern end. From one end to the other, visitors will find marinas, stores, restaurants, lodging, campgrounds and most amenities required for a fishing trip or family vacation. There almost a dozen boat launch options located around the lake, providing easy access from all directions. For fishing enthusiasts seeking cold-water species, there are trout, salmon, sturgeon and pike which tend to be more prominent in the deeper, southern half of the lake. Anglers pursuing warm-water fish would do well to concentrate on the shallower, northern section of the lake while fishing for bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish. While there is a cross-over of all the species, perch are the most prevalent species to be found in most of the lake. Ice fishing in the northern end of the lake, when there is safe ice, can be good for primarily perch and pike. Shoreline fishing is available at numerous places all around the lake, for anglers preferring to fish from the bank. Local fishing guides and charters are available, offering a wide variety of fishing trip options.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Cayuga Lake State Park Campground - 315 568-5163

Twin Oaks Campground - 315 420-2269

Sned-Acres Family Campground - 607 869-9787

Finger Lakes Region State Park Campground - 607 387-7041

Cayuga Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Cayuga Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, landlocked salmon, chain pickerel, northern pike and lake sturgeon.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie Rainbow trout Brown trout Lake trout Bluegill Pumpkinseed Sunfish Yellow Perch Atlantic salmon Chain pickerel Northern pike Sturgeon

Click here for a NY Fishing License.

Local Contact Information

Cayuga Lake State Park
2678 Lower Lake Road
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
315 568-5163

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