10/22/2026 Tioga County Fishing Report- Hammond Lake, Tioga Lake, Cowanesque Lake, Pine Creek and More

Tackle Shack Quick Take-
Water levels continue to drop on the creeks and finding the deep holes or runs is your best bet for trout fishing.  Crappie and Perch fishing on Tioga and Hammond has been very good too.  Temps on the lakes are holding in the 50's.  

All sizes & Creel limits lifted at Beechwood Lake (except Trout) as of 10/6/2026

Salmon fishing is still going strong on the Lake Ontario tribs. Plus brown trout and steelhead fishing is picking up  We are glad to help you get setup for your trip and can recommend some areas we like to hit in the fall too.

Tioga and Hammond Lake Fishing Report-

Anglers are doing well with crappies and perch, using live minnows.  On Tioga, target the connecting channel and the timber on the mountain side shoreline (the left side of the lake if facing the dam).  On Hammond, most are being caught on offshore structure near the boat launch and closer to Pine Camp.  

Bass are also being caught and shad colored crankbaits and jerkbaits white chatterbaits, and bone/minnow patterned whopper ploppers are all working. 

Hammond Lake is officially under Panfish Enhancement Regulations.  Anglers may harvest 20 crappies measuring at least 9".   This only affects Hammond Lake.  

Cowanesque Lake Fishing Report

A few muskies were caught this week on whopper ploppers and shiners near Nelson falls.  Perch and crappies are being found around the deeper west end timber.  A few walleyes were also caught towards the dam. 

Hills Creek Lake Fishing Report

Bass and pickerel are being caught on shiners, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and whopper ploppers.

Hamilton Lake Fishing Report

Hamilton was restocked with trout on 10/7.  Most have dispersed from the boat launch and are now roaming the lake.  Fan casting to locate moving fish with spoons, spinners, and small stickbaits has been effective.  Trout magnets, and powerbait, fished under a float, have also been effective.  

Beechwood Lake Fishing Report

All sizes & creel limits lifted at Beechwood Lake (except Trout) as of 10/6/2026.  More info is posted on signs at the lake

Nessmuk Lake Fishing Report

Bass and panfish are being caught from the dock and along route 287.  Fishing jigs and chatterbaits around the structures and remaining weeds has been best.

Pine Creek Fishing Report

Pine is low with no real rain in sight.  The best action has been around the darling run camping area and farther downstream in the deeper holes towards owassee.  Look for any deeper runs and holding water to find fish.  Small jerkbaits are working in natural colors and plain gold/silver bladed spinners have been popular.   Check out the latest fly fishing report here - 10/22 Fly Fishing Report

We are on the backside of the peak of fall foliage and a lot of leaves are falling.  Expect to deal with these in the creek for a few more weeks, especially on windier days. 

Just a reminder- The Keystone Select stretch is artificial lure/fly only under Delayed harvest regulations.  This stretch starts where Marsh Creek meets Pine and runs downstream to the confluence with Bear Run

Smallmouth are being caught in good numbers using ned rigs, swimbaits, and topwater.  Anglers noted a good plopper bite, particularly in the afternoon/evening.

Tackle Shack Tip of the Week-

Don: Water is cooling down.  Consider tighter moving flat sided crankbaits for bass fishing.  Jerk baits work excellent in cool water.  Slow down your retrieve and give it a little longer pause to get bites

Paul: Keep it simple, especially with fly set ups.  Water is low and a single nymph might be all you need.