Rainbow Trout

While Union Springs isn't immediately known as a trout mecca, the surrounding tributaries that feed into Cayuga Lake do offer opportunities for rainbow trout, especially during and after spring and fall stocking. These streams are relatively small, requiring a stealthy approach. The best time to target these rainbows is in the spring, immediately following stocking, and again in the fall when they begin their spawning runs. Look for deeper pools and runs where the trout can hold. A local tactic is to use small spinners or live bait like worms or mealworms. Fly fishing with nymphs or small streamers can also be effective. Access to these streams is often limited, so be sure to respect private property and look for designated public access points. The NYS DEC website is a valuable resource for finding stocking information and access points.