The East Branch of the Tioughnioga River begins in Madison County a few miles north of Sheds Corners. It meanders into Cortland County, through mostly agricultural lands, for approximately 36 miles to its confluence with the West Branch of the Tioughnioga River. These two branches combine where I-81 passes the City of Cortland to form the Tioughnioga River.
Public Access
There are 1.5 miles of Public Fishing Rights (PFR) along the East Branch of the Tioughnioga River with one official PFR parking area. Anglers also use unofficial pull offs and parking areas along the stream.
Route 13 PFR Parking Area- Located on Route 13 just south of the Hamlet of Cuyler.
DECinfo Locator - Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (Decinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer).
Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide ("How to" instructions for using the fishing map on Decinfo Locator.)
For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Cortland County page.
Fish Species
Brown trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, rock bass, fall fish, creek chub, common carp, white sucker, hog sucker and burbot.
General Fishing Information
Most of the pressure takes place during spring and early-summer shortly after the trout are stocked. Good baits for the stocked trout are worms, salted minnows, and simulated natural baits like Gulp or PowerBait. Lures to try are spinners, spoons, small plastics (2" twister tails or tube baits) and stickbaits. Fly fishing is also popular on the stream.
When fishing during the cold water periods of winter and early-spring, concentrate on the deeper holes, fish slowly, and keep lures near bottom. Sometimes fishing during the mid-day period after things have had a chance to warm up a little also helps.
Regulations
Statewide Fishing Regulations Apply.
Fisheries Management
The Stocked reach from Bells Mills Road in Truxton upstream to the Route 13 Bridge in Cuyler is stocked annually with around 1,370 year-old brown trout (9") and 150 two year-old brown trout (14"). The Stocked reach from the downstream end of Yaman Park in Cortland upstream to Youngs Crossing bridge receives around 3,270 year-old brown trout and 360 two year-old brown trout.
