10/8/2026 Tioga County Fishing Report- Hammond Lake, Tioga Lake, Cowanesque Lake, Pine Creek and More

Tackle Shack Quick Take-
Trout were restocked at both Hamilton Lake and Pine Creek, plus other waters in the surrounding counties (Check the PFBC stocking schedules for all of PA's stockings here - Stocking Schedule ) The water is very low in the creeks, but temperatures are perfect (mid 50's to low 60's)

Crappie fishing has been good too with nice catches on Hammond and Tioga.  Most are offshore on structure

Water temps are holding in the low 60's on the lakes.  Cold nights should drop temps into the 50's soon.  

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

Salmon fishing is heating up on the Lake Ontario tribs.  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 all week with anglers catching them on both plastics and live minnows.  Structure in 10-20 feet of water has been best on both lakes.  On Tioga, the connecting channel and structure near the route 15 bridge have both been good too.  Similarly, perch are being caught on the bottom with both live minnows, chunks of nightcrawler, and jigs.  Areas near weed lines and the connecting channel have been good.

Bass fishing has been good all week with good catches around weed clumps and offshore spots.  As weed beds die back, look for hardbottom, offshore structure and points to hold more fish. 

Pictured: Brett Flynn with a giant 7.71 lb largemouth from the last bass tournament of the season at Hammond Lake (October 4th)

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

Some crappies are being caught on offshore structure on in the upper end in the standing timber along 287.  Live minnows and small jigs were both working.  

Bass are being caught on the west end in shallow timber, and on offshore stucture around the campground area.  The dam continues to fish well too.  Texas rigged plastic and jigs work well around here.  The moving bait bite has been better lately with chatterbaits and crankbaits producing both smallmouth and largemouth. Shad colors patterns have been best.

Check out the latest Walleye survey that PFBC shared this week. - PFBC Walley Survey

Hills Creek Lake Fishing Report

Pickerel and bass are being caught on live shiners near the pines launch dock and in the coves.  

Hamilton Lake Fishing Report

Hamilton was restocked with trout yesterday (10/7).  Quite a few of these fish are holding near the dock and up in the creek channel.  A variety of flies were working yesterday, plus spinners and small stickbaits.  Popular choices included Joe's Flies and Mepp's spinners plus challenger micro minnows in brighter colors.

Beechwood Lake Fishing Report

We just learned Tuesday that all sizes & creel limits lifted at Beechwood Lake (except Trout) as of 10/6/2026

Nessmuk Lake Fishing Report

Bass and panfish are still being caught around the dock. Worms and small plastics have been good for panfish. Bass should be roaming around in deeper water offshore now getting ready to move into their fall/winter spots. Try Jerk baits and spinnerbaits on the weed edges.  Weeds are dying back some and more shoreline is becoming accessible from for fishing from the bank, particularly near the dock.

Pine Creek Fishing Report

Pine is low and continues to drop.  The Keystone select stretch was restocked yesterday and anglers did well with a variety of spoons, spinners, and small stickbaits.  Natural colors and plain gold/silver bladed spinners were most popular.   Check out the latest fly fishing report here - 10/8 Fly Fishing Report

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 bite slowed down this week and anglers did best with nightcrawlers and live shiners.  Some fish are being caught on swimbaits too.  Lower water conditions have made this a bit more difficult.  The best reports have come from kayakers fishing near the wing walls in the deeper pockets.  

Tackle Shack Tip of the Week-

Don: Small stickbaits work excellent for trout and panfish.  Consider swapping hooks to a single hook for easier releases.  Our exclusive redfin minnow Challenger Micro Minnows are a great choice in clear water, but bright colors like firetiger and Erie Swirl have been popular lately too.

Luke: Trout magnets, and smaller baits, are working really well right now for trout at Hamilton.