Rainbow Trout

Leicester, NY, is a decent base for chasing rainbow trout, though you'll need to do a bit of exploring. While not right in town, the Genesee River and some of its tributaries offer stocked and holdover rainbow trout. Spring and fall are prime times, especially after stocking, when the fish are more actively feeding. The tributaries, though smaller, can be productive for fly fishing, while the Genesee itself allows for a variety of techniques. A local tip: Check the NYS DEC stocking reports before you go to pinpoint recently stocked areas. Be aware that water levels in the Genesee can fluctuate, so be sure to check conditions before heading out. The rainbows in this area tend to be on the smaller side, but they are scrappy and provide good sport. Don't overlook using live bait like worms or small minnows, especially if the water is murky.