What Six Mile Creek offers and where to fish it

Six Mile Creek runs north from the hills south of Ithaca and drops hard through a narrow gorge before it meets Cayuga Lake. The water is cold, fast, and rocky—classic habitat for native brook trout in the upper reaches and smallmouth bass in the slower pools closer to the lake. The creek is public where it crosses state land and where easements allow access, but the gorge itself is steep and the banks are often private. Your best bet is the lower mile, where the gradient eases and you can actually wade without climbing.

The creek holds fish year-round, but spring and fall are when the water temperature and flow make fishing most reliable. Summer can be too warm for trout in the lower sections, though the upper gorge stays cold. Winter access is possible but the banks are icy and the gorge narrows further, making it a technical trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Six Mile Creek holds native brook trout in the upper gorge and smallmouth bass in the lower pools near Cayuga Lake.
  • The lower mile of creek, from the gorge mouth downstream to the lake, is the most accessible and fishable stretch for most anglers.
  • Spring and fall offer the most consistent fishing because water temperature and flow are stable and the creek is not too high or too warm.
  • Much of the gorge is private land; stick to state land and marked easements to avoid trespassing.
  • Small nymphs and wet flies work year-round for trout; small crankbaits and tubes catch smallmouth in the deeper pools.

Access points and parking

The easiest access is from the bottom. Drive to the mouth of Six Mile Creek where it enters Cayuga Lake, near the village of Enfield. There is limited roadside parking on Route 13, but you can also reach the lower creek from the Cayuga Inlet Trail, which runs along the inlet and connects to the creek. The trail is public and maintained by the town.

If you want to fish the upper gorge, you will need to scout for private land boundaries. Some landowners allow foot traffic, but you must ask permission first. The state owns parcels in the gorge, but they are not always marked clearly. A call to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation regional office in Cortland can tell you which sections are open to public fishing.

Parking is tight everywhere on Six Mile Creek. Arrive early, especially on weekends. Do not block gates or driveways, and do not park on private land without permission.

What fish live here and when they bite

Native brook trout are the draw in the upper gorge. They are small—most run 6 to 9 inches—but they are wild and they respond to a dead drift with a small nymph. The water is cold and clear, so fish early in the morning or late in the day. Midges and small mayflies hatch year-round; match the hatch if you see rises, but a size 16 or 18 Pheasant Tail or Hare's Ear will work when nothing is rising.

Smallmouth bass move into the lower pools as the creek widens and slows. They are most active in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when water temperature is in the 55 to 65 degree range. Summer smallmouth are deeper and less aggressive. A small tube jig or a 2-inch crankbait in crawfish colors will draw strikes. Fish the outside of bends and the deeper holes behind rocks.

The creek can blow out after heavy rain. If the water is brown and moving fast, wait a day or two for it to clear. Fishing is poor when the creek is high and murky.

Gear and tactics for Six Mile Creek

For trout, bring a 7 to 8-foot rod rated for 3 to 5-weight line. The creek is tight in places, so a shorter rod is easier to manage. Use a 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X, and fish nymphs under a small indicator. The current is strong in the gorge, so weight your flies to get them down quickly. A small split shot 12 inches above the fly works better than a heavy nymph.

For smallmouth, a 6-foot spinning rod with 6-pound braid and a 6-pound fluorocarbon leader is ideal. The water is clear, so the fluorocarbon is important. Cast to structure—rocks, logs, the outside of bends—and work your lure slowly. Smallmouth in small creeks are not aggressive; a slow retrieve with pauses will catch more fish than a fast one.

Wading boots with good grip are essential. The rocks are slick and the current is strong. A wading staff is not a luxury here; it is a safety tool. The gorge is steep and a fall into cold water can happen fast.

Seasonal patterns and timing

Spring (April through May) is when the creek is most fishable. Snowmelt has cleared, water temperature is rising, and both trout and smallmouth are feeding hard. The gorge is still cold, so trout are active all day. Smallmouth move into the lower pools as the water warms. This is the best time to visit.

Summer (June through August) is tough. The lower creek warms above 70 degrees, which stresses trout. The upper gorge stays cool, but it is crowded on weekends and the water level drops, making wading difficult. If you fish in summer, go early and fish the gorge.

Fall (September through October) is nearly as good as spring. Water temperature drops, trout become active again, and smallmouth feed aggressively before winter. The creek is lower and clearer than in spring, so fish are more cautious, but the fishing is consistent.

Winter (November through March) is possible but not recommended for most anglers. The gorge is icy, the banks are slippery, and the water is very cold. If you do fish in winter, fish the lower creek where the gradient is gentler and the banks are more open.

Rules and regulations on Six Mile Creek

Six Mile Creek is open to fishing year-round, but trout season in New York runs from the first Saturday in April through September 30. You can fish for smallmouth bass year-round. A New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a one-day license or an annual license through the DEC website or at any sporting goods store.

The daily limit for brook trout is 5 fish, with a minimum size of 7 inches. For smallmouth bass, the limit is 5 fish with a 12-inch minimum. These limits are set by the state and can change, so check the current regulations before you go.

Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for trout. The population is small and wild, and every fish you return helps the fishery. If you keep smallmouth, keep only what you plan to eat.

Nearby water and alternatives

If Six Mile Creek is too crowded or the water is too high, Cayuga Inlet itself is worth fishing. It is wider and slower than the creek, and it holds smallmouth and some largemouth bass. The inlet is easier to access and you can fish it year-round without worrying about trout season.

Cascadilla Creek, which enters Cayuga Lake just north of Ithaca, is another option. It is smaller than Six Mile but it holds native brook trout and is less crowded. The lower mile is public and fishable.

If you want a bigger creek with more water, the Susquehanna River is 45 minutes south. It holds smallmouth, walleye, and channel catfish, and access is easier. But if you want wild trout in a gorge, Six Mile Creek is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish Six Mile Creek?

Yes. Anyone 16 and older must have a New York State fishing license. You can buy a one-day license for about $10 or an annual license for about $30. Buy it online through the DEC website or at any sporting goods store in Ithaca.

Can I fish the gorge, or is it all private?

Parts of the gorge are private, but the state owns parcels and some landowners allow access. Call the DEC regional office in Cortland to find out which sections are open. Always ask permission if you see a house or a no-trespassing sign.

What is the best time of year to fish Six Mile Creek?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are best. Water temperature is stable, flow is manageable, and both trout and smallmouth are feeding. Summer is too warm for trout in the lower creek, and winter access is difficult.

Can I keep fish from Six Mile Creek?

Yes, but the limits are strict. Brook trout: 5 fish, 7-inch minimum. Smallmouth bass: 5 fish, 12-inch minimum. Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for trout, because the population is small and wild.

What if the creek is too high or too muddy?

Wait a day or two for it to clear. After heavy rain, the creek blows out and fishing is poor. Check the water level and clarity before you drive out. Cayuga Inlet is a good backup if Six Mile is too high.