Though controversial at first, the no-kill area has proven to be one of the better places in the Syracuse area to catch wild browns and both wild and stocked rainbow trout. Early-season prospects vary considerably from year to year, however, because the narrow creek is the outlet for Skaneateles Lake, which is 315 feet deep and covers almost 9,000 surface acres.

After a harsh winter and heavy snowfalls, the creek may not recede to a good fishing level until the third or fourth week of April. On the other hand, if winter makes an early exit from central New York, Skaneateles Creek may afford excellent opening-day action. More than once I’ve caught good fish there on April Fool’s Day by drifting artificial nymphs through the deep pools in and above Jordan.

On the no-kill section of the creek, ingle-hook lures and flies are the only legal options, and all the trout you catch must be quickly returned to the water after landing them. Hendrickson and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymphs are deadly on this stream, particularly when fished with one or two BB-size split shot on the leader.

Bait-fishing is permitted from the Route 31 bridge in Jordan downstream to the creek’s confluence with the Seneca River. And every season, some very nice browns are caught under the low dam behind the Jordan Post Office. Below that dam, be prepared for an occasional piscatorial surprise in the form of a northern pike or walleye. Now and then, one of these warmwater species swims out of the river and up the creek after a spring freshet.

Skaneateles Creek is paralleled by Jordan Road as it flows north out of Skaneateles. It crosses under Route 5 in Elbridge and then winds within sight of a partially abandoned highway, Route 31C.

To approach the abandoned part of the Route 31C stretch, which is perhaps the prettiest water on the creek, take Route 5 east into Elbridge and turn left at the stoplight to continue north on Jordan Road.

Much of Skaneateles Creek winds through pleasant villages. I suspect that’s one reason the stream is lightly pressured compared to many other western New York waters. Some anglers are put off by its suburban feel.

However, you’ll encounter few posted signs along the creek. And most of the residents in Jordan and Elbridge seem to enjoy watching polite anglers in their back yards hooking 10- to 15-inch trout.

NINEMILE CREEK
Having fished it since I was too small to wear hip boots and my Dad had to carry me on his back across its side channels, I feel hesitant to tell the rest of the world what a special place Ninemile Creek is.

Still my home water, Ninemile begins at the Otisco Lake outlet dam in southern Onondaga County and ends where it flows into Onondaga Lake on the outskirts of Syracuse. The entire creek, except for its last several hundred yards, supports wild trout and many thousands of stockers and holdovers. But the prime reaches are from Marcellus Falls north through the village of Camillus.

Everyone in the central part of the state seems to know it, too. On April 1, opening day, it’s not unusual to count 100 or more anglers’ cars from the falls downstream.