What You'll Find at Buttermilk Creek

Buttermilk Creek runs through Buttermilk Falls State Park just south of Ithaca, and it holds wild brook trout in the upper sections and brown trout lower down where the creek widens. The park itself is built around a 215-foot waterfall that dominates the landscape, but the real fishing happens above and below that cascade in pools and runs that most day-hikers never reach. The upper creek, accessible from the parking area near the falls, holds smaller brookies in pocket water and behind rocks—the kind of fishing that rewards a light touch and patience. Below the falls, the creek settles into longer pools where browns hold in deeper water, especially in early morning or late afternoon.

Access is straightforward: there's a parking area at the state park entrance on Route 13, a day-use fee applies (check the current rate with the park office), and you can walk the gorge trail to reach different sections of the creek. The upper sections are easier to reach and less crowded. If you're willing to scramble down below the falls, you'll find fewer anglers and more consistent water.

Key Takeaways

  • Buttermilk Creek holds wild brook trout in the upper sections above the falls and brown trout in the longer pools below, each requiring different tactics.
  • The state park charges a day-use fee and requires you to stay on marked trails; fishing is permitted but the gorge trail itself is heavily trafficked.
  • Early morning and late afternoon produce better fishing than midday, especially for browns in the lower pools.
  • The upper creek responds well to small dry flies and nymphs in size 16–18; the lower pools hold fish that will take larger streamers and wet flies.
  • Water levels drop significantly in late summer, concentrating fish in deeper pools but also making them more cautious.

Upper Creek Above the Falls

The section above the waterfall is where most of your brook trout fishing happens. This water is pocket-water and small-run habitat—fast, broken, and shallow. The creek here is maybe 10 to 15 feet wide in most places, and the trout are small but willing. You'll find them behind rocks, in the slack water at the edge of current, and in the deeper pockets where the creek pools briefly before dropping again.

Fish this water with a 7-foot, 4-weight rod and a 7X or 8X tippet if you're using dry flies. Small Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, and Parachute Adams in sizes 16 and 18 work well when there's any surface activity. If nothing is rising, go subsurface with a small nymph—a Pheasant Tail or Hare's Ear in size 16 or 18, fished tight to the rocks. The key is to work slowly and cover the water methodically. These fish see few anglers and will take a well-presented fly, but they spook easily in the clear water.

The upper creek is also the most accessible section for families or anglers who want to combine fishing with hiking. The gorge trail follows the creek closely, so you can fish a section, walk upstream, and fish again without backtracking.

Lower Pools Below the Waterfall

Below the falls, Buttermilk Creek opens up into longer, deeper pools where brown trout hold. These fish are larger than the brookies upstream, but they're also more selective and spookier. The water here is slower and clearer, and the fish have more time to inspect your fly. This is where a 5-weight rod and a 5X tippet make sense, and where you'll want to fish streamers or larger nymphs.

The biggest pool sits immediately below the falls, and it's tempting but heavily fished. If you can reach the pools further downstream—which requires scrambling down the gorge and sometimes wading—you'll find less pressure. Fish these pools with a dead-drift nymph rig or a small streamer like a Woolly Bugger in black or olive. Cast upstream and let the fly swing through the current, or strip a streamer slowly along the deeper edges.

Timing matters here. Fish these pools in early morning before the park fills with hikers, or in the evening after the day-use crowd has left. Midday fishing is possible but slower. In late summer, when water levels drop, the pools become even more concentrated and the fish more cautious—fish even earlier or later, and move slowly to avoid spooking fish in the shallower water.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Levels

Spring runoff (April through early May) brings high, turbid water that makes fishing difficult. Wait until the water clears and levels drop to normal. Late May through June is excellent—water is cool, flows are moderate, and both brookies and browns are active. July and August see lower water and warmer temperatures; fish the early morning and evening, and focus on the deeper pools.

Fall (September through October) is outstanding. Water cools, flows increase slightly, and both species feed actively. This is the best time to fish Buttermilk Creek if you can make the trip. By November, water temperatures drop and fishing slows, though it doesn't stop entirely.

Winter access depends on snow and ice conditions. The park remains open, but the gorge trail can be treacherous, and fishing is slow. Spring is when the creek comes back to life.

Regulations and What to Bring

New York's general trout season applies: the creek is open to fishing year-round in the state park, but check the current DEC regulations before you go because rules can change. The park itself has its own rules—stay on marked trails, pack out what you pack in, and respect posted closures. Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for the wild brook trout.

Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. The gorge trail is steep in places, and if you're scrambling down to the lower pools, good boots with grip matter. A headlamp is useful if you're fishing the evening hatch. Sunscreen and insect repellent are worth carrying, especially in summer.

The park charges a day-use fee; contact the park office or check the New York State Parks website for the current amount and hours. The parking area fills on weekends, especially in fall, so arrive early if you're visiting Saturday or Sunday.

Getting There and Nearby Water

Buttermilk Falls State Park is on Route 13, about 2 miles south of downtown Ithaca. From the parking area, the gorge trail leads you into the park and along the creek. The walk to the falls is about 0.5 miles; the upper creek fishing is accessible from the parking area and the first section of trail.

If Buttermilk is crowded or you want to fish other water in the same area, Six Mile Creek (also near Ithaca) and the lower Cayuga Inlet hold trout and see less pressure. Both are worth exploring if you're spending a day in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New York fishing license to fish Buttermilk Creek?

Yes. You need a valid New York State fishing license, which you can purchase online through the DEC website or at most sporting goods stores. A one-day license is available if you don't want to commit to a full season.

Can I fish the creek year-round?

The creek is open year-round under New York State regulations, but water conditions and fish activity vary dramatically by season. Spring runoff makes fishing difficult, and winter ice can make access hazardous. Fall and early summer are the most reliable times.

Is the lower section below the falls worth the scramble?

Yes, if you're comfortable with steep terrain and wading. The lower pools hold larger brown trout and see fewer anglers than the area immediately below the falls. The trade-off is that access is harder and the water is deeper and colder.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (first light to mid-morning) and late afternoon into evening produce the most consistent fishing, especially for brown trout in the lower pools. Midday is slower, but the upper creek can fish reasonably well throughout the day if you work the pocket water carefully.

How crowded does Buttermilk get?

The gorge trail and the area around the falls are busy on weekends and during fall foliage season. The upper creek sees moderate foot traffic but fewer anglers. The lower pools are less crowded because they require more effort to reach. Weekday mornings are your best bet for solitude.