8/27/2026 Tioga County Fishing Report- Hammond Lake, Tioga Lake, Cowanesque Lake, Pine Creek and More

Tackle Shack Quick Take-
Across the board it's been a challenging bite in the region.  Bass fishing has been tough in most of the lakes.  Panfish have been biting well in the smaller lakes. Temps on the lakes are holding in the 70s. Mornings and evenings have fished best. Most local class A trout streams are low, but fishing well with cool temperatures.   

Pictured: Hamilton Lake 8/27/2026 7AM

Tioga and Hammond Lake Fishing Report-

Trolling has been most effective for crappies.  Berkley Flicker Shad and similar shad shaped crankbaits are working in shad colors and brighter colors.  Bass are scattered with many up shallow and others holding off shore on structure.  Finesse presentations have been working best lately.  Try drop shots, neko rigs, and wacky rigs around cover.  Green pumpkin, baby bass, natural shad, and white colored plastics have been working. White or Shad colored buzzbaits are also working around weeds.  

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

Bass are scattered with many up shallow in the west end and others holding off shore on structure and points.  Look for offshore rockpiles or artificial structure, or shallow weeds on the east end of the lake.  Here too, finesse presentations have been best.  

Striper fishing has been very slow.  This should pick up as the water cools down.  Some muskies are being caught.  Targetting weed lines with inline spinners and 5-7" glidebaits and swimbaits has been effective.  Some are being caught at both Nelson falls and at the spillway too.

Hills Creek Lake Fishing Report

Topwater frogs are working in the lily pads.  Anglers noted many short strikes and misses.  Following up a blowup with a fluke or wacky worm has worked to catch these fish.  Smaller frogs are also working better.  Trim the skirts and be patient on the hook set for better hook ups too.

Bluegills and perch are being caught from the dock and along the dam using worms, trout magnets, and crappie magnets.  

Hamilton Lake Fishing Report

Weeds have really grown in these past few weeks making it tough to launch a full sized boat.  Kayaks and canoes will work.  This area has seen a decent topwater frog bite lately, but has otherwise been tough to fish.  Some bass, bullheads, and panfish are being caught along the dam.  Kayakers found a good crappie bite off shore around submerged trees. 

Beechwood Lake Fishing Report

Few reports from beechwood this week.  A few anglers have been targetting bass with varied success.  Senkos and similar wacky presentations worked best around the weeds.  

Nessmuk Lake Fishing Report

The best bass and crappie fishing has been offshore from boats or kayaks/canoes.  The artificial structure and the outer weed lines are holding fish.  Some smaller crappies and a number of bluegills are being caught at the dock.  Fishing here with live worms has been best, though the fishable area is limited with the thick weeds.  

Pine Creek Fishing Report

Pine is low, clear, and holding in the 70's through most of the day.  Smallmouth and fallfish are being caught on ned rigs, rooster tails, and small stick baits.  

Most noted a challenging bite this week with some walleyes coming from the spillway, and a bunch of smallmouth.  Boaters did best fishing between the wing walls on the spillway.  Live shiners, worms, and small swimbaits were all working.  

Some catfish are also being caught at night.  Shrimp, chicken livers, and night crawlers are working.

Tackle Shack Tip of the Week-

Slow down and thoroughly fish structure and weeds.   Use scented baits or add scent for added appeal.  Baitfuel, Nories Bite Powder and Liquid have all been popular with our staff

Did you have a great catch this week? 

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