Finger Lakes Info Wanted!

[kcritch]

Hey you NJFers,

Heading up to upstate NY between Seneca and Keuka lakes for a Winery Touring and Fishing Combo vacation with the wife. Looking to book a guide for some smallmouth...or whatever's biting...fishing. If anyone has anybody they have used in the past any info would be appreciated.

Any other info on the area, cool things to do, restaurants to try, etc. is welcome too.

Thanks in advance boys.

[GetANet]

A cool thing to do would be sneak me in the back seat. Then get the wifey all wined up and then we could fish for a few days!!!!!!

[Wilson]

Originally Posted by kcritch

Hey you NJFers,

Heading up to upstate NY between Seneca and Keuka lakes for a Winery Touring and Fishing Combo vacation with the wife. Looking to book a guide for some smallmouth...or whatever's biting...fishing. If anyone has anybody they have used in the past any info would be appreciated.

Any other info on the area, cool things to do, restaurants to try, etc. is welcome too.

Thanks in advance boys.

Watkins Glen the state park just check it out from the entrance.
SMB at the Watkins Glen marina from the Docks. Check out the park where the river runs in to the lake in Watkins Glen.
Hire a driver for the wineries.
Corning Glass museum, dinner down town.
Well that's all that comes mind at this time.

[bulletbob]

I live in the Finger Lakes.. They can be tough to someone not familiar. Seneca and Cayuga are 40 miles long, 2-3 miles wide and Seneca is 600 feet deep, Cayuga over 400.. Most large fish here are caught trolling... Almost all of the local guides are troll only for lakers, browns, landlocks and maybe a rainbow on a good day.. There is a guide named John Gaulke that bass and pike fishes, and jigs for lakers and other samonids..
He has an impressive web site.. Give him a call...

http://fingerlakesanglingzone.com

[UglyStick]

The wife and I go up there for a few days almost every year and it's fantastic. I personally have been going up there for over 20 years. The others gave you solid info on the fishing so I'll give you some other info.

The fall, when the leaves are changing and the grape harvest is going on, is the best time to go up there, I suggest the first half of October.

Wine tasting:

A driver isn't a bad idea but you will notice almost no police presence since they understand where the tourist dollars come from. You can drive the wine trail, just be safe and responsible

Do NOT attempt to go wine tasting on the weekends and do NOT be there on Columbus day weekend as it is way too crowded and completely un-enjoyable with tons of drunken fools (literally multiple big bus loads at each winery).

For Seneca, you can cover 1 side of the lake in a day for tastings if you make it a long day. The wineries on the east side of the lake are better than the west side. Many aren't very good but make sure to hit Finger Lakes Distilling, Damiani, Atwater Vinyards, Hector Wine Co., Shalestone and Lamoreaux Landing. Look for ones that aren't on the "official" wine trail map either since not all of them pay to be on that marketing. Don't sample everything they have to offer, try a few at each winery sticking to the varietals you like the best or you'll be hammered in no time. Make sure to stop and eat lunch.

For Keuka Lake, make sure to hit Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera, they are the best winery in the finger lakes. The rest of the wineries on Keuka are mediocre at best.

Restaurants - the best restaurant in the area is Ports Cafe @ 4432 West Lake Road (State Route 14), Geneva NY. Have the daily specials, they are worth the drive up the west side of the lake. Stone Cat cafe on the east side of Seneca is good also. Dano's Heuriger on the east side of Seneca has decent food too but check the menu in case Viennese style isn't your thing (their service sucks too). The Red Newt restaurant used to be better but has some interesting theme nights with live music and wine specials so check them out too. Other than that, most places are mediocre. The one place I will tell you to absolutely stay away from the food is The Wildflower Cafe & The Crooked Rooster Brewpub in Watkins Glen. I personally don't think there is any restaurant in the town of Watkins Glen worth going to. Also, depending on when you are going, check in advance when each restaurant is open since many are only open a few days a week, especially after labor day.

Other to do - The Corning Glass Museum (as mentioned) is very cool to see and a good stop on the way home. As Wilson stated, check out the Glen itself in Watkins Glen. It is one of the prettiest hikes you will ever take.

If you have any specific questions on wineries, restaurants, where to stay, etc. just pm me.

[PCO]

Yes,John Gaulke is the best but very busy,he taught me and my Daughter how to jig laker's 7 years ago! In 4 days last week with out a guide we boated 80 Lake Trout,2 Land Locked Salmon and 1 Brown Trout thanks to John!

[kcritch]

Thanks for all the great info guys...Helps a lot.