Before steelhead were introduced into Lake Ontario and its tributary system in the late 1960’s; rainbow trout were introduced into the Finger Lakes tributary system. Stocking and management established substantial runs by the 1950’s. Excellent runs still exist today.

There are tributaries throughout the Finger Lakes region that receive runs of hard fighting rainbows and the runs usually coincide nicely with opening day of trout season on April first.  Grout Brook, Owasco Inlet, Cayuga Inlet, the famed Catherine Creek, Keuka Inlet, also known as Cold Brook, Naples Creek, and Springwater Creek all receive runs.  There are also many other tributaries, which receive runs at varying intensities and times.   Fish start to run in the fall and continue to enter the creeks during late winter thawing periods. When water temperatures reach and stay above 40 degrees spawning will commence. Some years spawning occurs early and some fish are headed back to the lake by the time April first arrives.   Anglers can intercept them in the lower stretches of the creeks and possibly contend with Suckers, which show up shortly after the rainbow run.  Although, fish returning to the lake after spawning can really turn on and feed ravenously.   Other years, with a late thaw, they are still arriving on opening day and can often be seen trying to traverse a falls or dart up a riffle, long after opening day. With the right timing Finger Lakes tributaries offer excellent opportunities to hook some beautiful Rainbows through April into May.  Most range from 2-5 pounds, but some tributaries will draw a few powerful 10-pound giants.

Finger Lakes tributaries are not huge and are often lined with trees and bushes and long casts are rarely a necessity.  An eight-foot, four or five weight rod and a floating fly line is just right, combined with some creative casting techniques.  One cast used is to use the resistance of the line as it rests straight out on the water downstream.  Then, use one hard casting stoke to flick the line upstream a short distance to a target.  This technique limits false casts and motion, which can spook fish and will also prevent back-casts from snagging in the trees or bushes.  Leader length and tippet is determined by water clarity. During high off color water conditions a short leader (7-8 feet) and six-pound tippet is adequate.  As the creeks clear, lengthen the leader and reduce tippet diameter. These fish can be extremely leader shy.  Three-pound test is common as the water clears, combined with an eight to ten foot leader. Bead head or weighted nymphs help get the fly down.  Some small split shot on the leader or tag at the tippet also aid in sinking the fly to the bottom. Don’t use heavy split shot, stick with small sizes, they too will spook the fish, especially during clear water conditions.

Coming from the security of a deep lake, these fish are very wary and easily spooked.  Angler pressure and instincts to avoid predators will drive them into cover. Good places to find lake run rainbows are, in deep holes, undercut banks, log -jams, around boulders, in plunge pools, or some heavy riffle water with a little depth.

Small nymphs are one effective way to entice Finger Lakes rainbows into a strike.   Some good patterns to try are small bead-head nymphs, hare body nymphs, and wet flies.

Hook: 9671 12-16
Thread: olive 6/0
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers
Abdomen: Pheasant Tail fibers
Rib: Fine copper wire
Thorax: Peacock herl
Legs: Hungarian partridge (one or two turns)

Hook: 9671 8-12
Thread: Olive 6/0
Tail: Gray squirrel fur
Abdomen: Gray squirrel fur
Rib: Peacock Krystal Flash
Thorax: Gray Squirrel Fur (teased out)
Wing Case: Peacock herl

Hook: Mustad 9671 12-14
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Olive Hare’s mask
Abdomen: Olive hare’s mask
Rib: Fine gold wire
Thorax: Peacock herl
Legs: Hungarian partridge (one or two turns)
Head: Gold Bead

The Finger Lakes region has excellent opportunities to challenge the fly-fisherman in search of powerful lake-run rainbow trout.