5/21/2026 Tioga County Fishing Report- Hammond Lake, Tioga Lake, Cowanesque Lake, Pine Creek & More

5/14/2026

Tioga & Hammond Lake Fishing Report-
Water temps are in the low to mid 60's and crappies have been biting well!  Anglers are catching them from shore and by boat.  The fish are in a variety of stages of the spawn with some done and some still waiting to come in shore. Boaters are also finding fish deeper in 10-15 feet of water, particularly on structure.  Chartreuse, pearl, orange/chartreuse, and pink/chartreuse jigs have all been working. Live minnows are also working.  Fluctuating weather patterns have made the day to day bites very different.  Some excellent days and some mediocre days, but everyone is catching fish.  

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

Water temps in the high 50's to mid 60s and much of the lake is fairly stained.  Anglers are catching some bass, crappies, and muskies recently. Crappies are being caught offshore and in the shallows.  Standing timber and offshore structure have been good places to target.  Anglers are starting to see a decent topwater bite for bass and whopper ploppers have been popular

Hills Creek Lake Fishing Report

Hills Creek has been fishing well and anglers are catching crappies late in the day at night.  Bass are mostly in shallow with some on beds.  The weeds are starting to grow in and anglers are starting to catch fish on topwater frogs in these areas.

Hamilton & Beechwood Lake Fishing Report

Trout fishing continues to be good here and some panfish are being caught too.  Powerbait fished off the bottom and live minnows has been best for trout.  Trolling with small spinners and stickbaits is also producing fish.

Nessmuk Lake Fishing Report

Anglers are catching lots of bluegills from the dock, as well as some perch, crappie, and bass.  Bass fishing has been good too with the most productive spots being along rt 287.  Moving baits, jigs, and some topwater baits are all working.

Pine Creek Fishing Report

Pine has a slight tint to it and water temps have ranged between 58 and 65ish with the recent heat. There is a ton of fish throughout upper Pine.  Flows are good, but heavy rains are expected this weekend.. Butterworms, wax worms, salmon eggs, and a variety of lures are working.  Joe's flies spinners and roostertails were particularly popular.  Redfin minnow stick baits are also working well.  

Tioga River Fishing Report

Anglers have been fishing the spillway with good success.  Crappies have been biting well on small swimbaits and jigs.  Live minnows are also working.  Walleye fishing is picking up and anglers are catching them on swimbaits, medium shiners, and fatheads.  Smaller baits seem to be more productive right now. 

Looking for info on other waters?  We're glad to help!  Give us a call at 570-724-5138 or shoot an email to info@shoptackleshack.com