FishingFishing Nine Mile Creek

Nine Mile Creek provides excellent habitat for both warm-water and cold-water species including:

Cold water species (Marcellus Falls to Erie Canal)

  • Brown Trout
  • Brook Trout (try the small tribs)

Upstream warm water species (Otisco lake through village of Marcellus)

  • Suckers, lots of suckers (we’re not kidding)

Downstream warm water species (Erie Canal to Onondaga Lake)

  • Common Carp
  • Brown Trout
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Sunfish
  • Bluegill
  • Tiger Muskie (!)

While our local fishermen fish all sections of the creek, anglers from far away most often come to fish the Creek’s famous trout waters, the most productive in Onondaga County. This stretch of the creek, located along Route 174 and in the Camillus Natural Valley Area, has plentiful access. Below is a hatch chart that gives approximate hatch periods; however its always best to call one of the local fly fishing outfitters or tackle shops for updates on what’s working.

Hatch Chart

Insect Size Begin Date End Date Best Time
Red Quill 14 April 4 May 13 afternoon
Quill Gordon 14 April 4 May 13 afternoon
Hendrickson 14 April 4 May 13 afternoon
Green Drake 16 April 4 May 13 morning and afternoon
Early Brown Stonefly 12 April 4 May 13 afternoon
March Brown 12 May 13 June 18 morning and afternoon
Light Cahill 14 May 13 June 18 evening
Green Drake 10 May 13 June 18 evening
Green Caddis 16-18 May 13 June 18 morning and afternoon
Gray Fox 12-14 May 13 June 18 evening
Brown Drake 12 May 13 June 18 evening
Light Cahill 14 June 18 July 18 evening
Golden Drake 24 July 18 September 30 morning
Trico 14 April 4 May 13 afternoon
Tan Caddis 14 July 18 September 30 morning and afternoon