Fishing Keuka Lake

AKA: Crooked Lake

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Keuka Lake Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Keuka Lake, NY

Popular Fish Species Keuka Lake, NY

Smallmouth Bass

This year's smallmouth bass population is fat and healthy. They are a favorite of many locals at Keuka Lake, and often dominate bass fishing tournaments held on the lake. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Lake Trout

Fishing for lake trout in Keuka Lake can deliver some spectacular catches. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. Good electronics are a big help in locating lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. It is a monumental help to use fish finders to locate lake trout. In winter fishing for big lake trout with spoons can often deliver some great catches.

Northern Pike

Prospering in the cool waters of Keuka Lake, northern pike are a very popular species for locals and visitors alike. This year they are being caught in good quantity, and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic bait in the lake are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, Atlantic salmon and northern pike at Keuka Lake in New York.

Formerly Crooked Lake, Keuka Lake is an 11,600-acre finger lake in the west-central part of NY. The lake is nearly 20 miles long with 60 miles of fishy looking shoreline. Keuka Lake State Park, at the lake, offers a swimming beach, picnic shelter, boat launch ramp, docking space and hiking trails.

Keuka Lake, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a diverse fishery and a scenic setting. Known for its unique Y-shape and pristine waters, Keuka Lake offers a variety of fish species for anglers to target.

Smallmouth bass are one of the prized catches in Keuka Lake. These hard-fighting fish can be found near rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Anglers can use techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or crankbaits to entice these feisty bass. Smallmouth bass in Keuka Lake are known for their strong fights and acrobatic leaps, providing an exciting angling experience.

Keuka Lake is also home to a healthy population of lake trout. These deep-dwelling fish can be found in the lake's colder waters. Anglers often target lake trout by trolling with downriggers or using vertical jigging techniques. These large and powerful fish offer a rewarding challenge for anglers seeking a trophy catch.

Other species found in Keuka Lake include largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish such as bluegill and pumpkinseed. Largemouth bass can be found near weed beds and submerged vegetation, providing additional opportunities for bass anglers. Northern pike are predatory fish that can reach impressive sizes and provide thrilling battles. Yellow perch and panfish offer great opportunities for family fishing trips or for those seeking a more relaxed angling experience.

Keuka Lake in New York offers a delightful fishing experience with its diverse fish species and picturesque setting. Whether targeting smallmouth bass, lake trout, pike, or panfish, anglers can enjoy the thrill of the chase and the beauty of the lake. Boating and camping amenities further enhance the outdoor experience, making Keuka Lake an enticing destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure.

Species available to fishing enthusiasts are headed by excellent lake trout and smallmouth bass fishing, plus plenty of action for anglers in pursuit of crappie, sunfish, salmon and pike. No horsepower restriction allows for all types of boats, from kayaks and canoes to pontoons, pleasure boats and fishing boats. Rental boats are available at numerous locations around the lake. Marinas, lodging, shopping, camping, dining and supplies are all available at or nearby the lake. During winter ice forms on the three, shallower tips of this "Y" shaped lake. Once the ice is safe, there is often good fishing for trout, bass, sunfish and yellow perch.

Primary fish species residing in Keuka Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Keuka Lake 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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Keuka Lake, with boat launches and marinas available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's scenic beauty, find productive fishing spots, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The calm waters of Keuka Lake are also ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the lake up close.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Basin Park Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
315 595-8808

East Bluff Harbor
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoons
315 536-8236

Jake's Boat Livery
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
607 438-3161

Keuka Watersports Lakeshop
Rentals: Pontoon boats
607 569-2889

Morgan Marine
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
315 536-8166

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Keuka Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, east side, off W Bluff Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Penn Van Village Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Water Street, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Marinas

Basin Park Marina
525 Mill Street
Branchport, NY 14418
315 595-8808

East Bluff Harbor Marina
6508 East Bluff Drive
Penn Yan, NY 14527
315 536-8236

Harbor Lights Marina
13760 West Lake Road
Hammondsport, NY 14840
607 868-4848

The Boathouse
35 West Lake Rd
Hammondsport, NY 14840
607 569-2770

Fishing Guides On Keuka Lake

Reelaxin Fishing Charters on Keuka Lake - lake trout, bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Keuka Lake Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a New York Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Keuka Lake, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Campers can enjoy peaceful evenings under starry skies, cook freshly caught fish over a campfire, and wake up to the sounds of nature. The camping options range from rustic campsites to more developed campgrounds, catering to different preferences and comfort levels.