10/29/2026 Tioga County Fishing Report- Hammond Lake, Tioga Lake, Cowanesque Lake, Pine Creek and More

Tackle Shack Quick Take-
Water temps on the lakes are holding in the mid 50's and overall the bite's been pretty steady.  The creeks and rivers need water.  It's been super dry and little rain is in the forecast again this week.

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-

Crappie fishing has been good and fish are being caught on the structures.  Hammond is dirty throughout most of the lake.  Use bright colors and slow down to catch fish.  Live minnows under a slip float rig are also working.  We found fish in 10-20 feet of water on porcupine cribs and submerged timber.  

Check out a few from our latest trip this past week, plus some bass and a big catfish!

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

Anglers reported both musky and striper action this week. Swimbaits, larger inline spinners, and glide baits all produced fish.  Look for areas with access to deep water when targeting stripers. Areas around the dam tend to be a good place to start.

Hills Creek Lake Fishing Report

Bass and bluegills are being caught here fairly consistently still with a few pickerel and perch mixed in.  Anglers targeting perch and crappies did best in deeper water. 

Hamilton Lake Fishing Report

Trout have been biting well this week with powerbait, waxworms, and butterworms being best.  These fish are roaming much of the lake, and patience is key.  Either cover a lot of water with lures, or wait for the fish to make their rounds.  Some are still being caught off the dock, but towards the dam has fished better.  Bluegills and bass are also being caught here too. 

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.  Live shiners were also working.  Reports of many small crappies, and a handful of nicer fish came in this week too, mostly on live minnows.

Pine Creek Fishing Report

Pine is low with no real rain in sight and angling pressure has been minimal.  A few anglers reported catching holdover fish near Gaines using butterworms.  Most anglers have been in the Keystone stretch and small jerkbaits or spinners were working.  Check out the latest fly fishing report here: 10/29 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

The spillway is very low, but anglers are catching some panfish and smallmouth.  Live minnows have been most popular and the most action has been close to the wing walls on the dam in the deeper holes. 

Tackle Shack Tip of the Week-

Don: Crappies are really tight to structure on Hammond, and vertical jigging proved effective for us using a Eurotackle B-Vibe.  Our exclusive color- TS Shiner is super bright and stands out in dirty water.  Slow down and stay close to cribs or timber and you'll catch em.