Right now, Seneca has problems.. Yes there are some big fish, but try catching them... That lake is LOADED with Lampreys, has been for several years, and the state seems to have dragged their feet regarding trying to get rid of some of them.
Looking at your catch, you guys did very well actually, as the lake is not close to what it was at one time,and even "locals" don't always do well these days...
Lampreys are out of control right now, Zebra Mussels, and now for the first time , Gobies have finally gotten into the lake ,and have been confirmed in spring 2023.. They will become the dominant species for a while as they do in every lake they invade, until the native fish start to adapt.. Any fish that grow to maturity will then have to deal with hordes of "protected" Cormorants as well!
When I moved here in 91, Seneca and Cayuga were paradise for a fresh water fisherman.. Lakers, Browns, Salmon,Rainbows, Pike, Large and Smallmouth, and a host of the biggest panfish in the northeast.. Rock Bass and Perch a foot long, 9 even 10 inch sunnies, no problem...Didn't even need a boat,,, I fished without one for several years, and caught more fish than I could have imagined right from shore year round... Then the Zebra and Quagga Mussels, Gobies, and the high effluent load from the farms, resorts, Wineries, and thousands upon thousands of private homes took their toll... I can recall pitching worms into Seneca and after sinking less than a foot. it was attacked from every side by dozens of foot long flashes... Today I pitch a worm in, and it sinks slowly to bottom, wiggles around and is never touched, not even by a small sunny or minnow.... Cayuga is not quite as bad, but is not close to what it was at one time. The fish are adapting to the negative changes there it seems, Seneca not so much...
So, I think your guys had a very respectable showing, especially not knowing the lake that well, and competing against great anglers that have fished the lake for 50-60 years!!!
The state FINALLY got around to treating the feeder streams for Lampreys,its scheduled for 6/4/24 if conditions permit...
Here's a very interesting, In depth, short read of some of the things that happened to Seneca.. Its from 2016 but the sharp decline started long before that, and has gotten considerably worse since then, and now with the Gobies to boot?....
It will be all put and take trout trolling, as the stocked trout don't have to worry about billions of Gobies eating all their eggs like the warm water species do...
I hope I see Seneca turn around in my lifetime....
https://www.fltimes.com/news/somethi...339d2f86f.html
