Ithaca Falls / Downtown Accesson Spring Creek (Ithaca)
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Spring Creek
- 01Consistent hatches of Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are expected, particularly on cooler, overcast afternoons.
- 02Midge activity remains a constant, providing a vital food source year-round.
- 03Caddis pupa and emerger patterns are a wise choice due to general fall entomology in similar systems.
- 04Larger Brown Trout become more aggressive in fall, actively targeting baitfish and eggs.
- 05Focus on riffles, runs, deeper pools, and undercut banks for holding fish.
What to tie on at Ithaca Falls / Downtown Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Olive Woolly Bugger
A versatile streamer, the Olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for predatory trout as water temperatures cool in the fall.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Spring creeks are rich in Gammarus (scuds) year-round; pink and orange patterns serve as high-visibility triggers in cold water.
Buy at AmazonSow Bug
Isopods are staple forage in NY spring creeks; they are available to trout throughout the winter in aquatic vegetation.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall is the peak egg-laying season for some trout species, and egg patterns are highly effective for opportunistic trout feeding on rogue eggs in the drift.
Buy at AmazonMidge Larva
Midge larvae are a foundational food source in nutrient-rich spring creeks, especially as water temperatures drop in fall, and are consistently available subsurface.
Buy at AmazonSoft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis pupae and emergers are active through the fall, and this wet fly pattern is excellent for swinging through runs to imitate them.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are the most prolific and active insect in spring creeks during February; black and red are essential winter colors.
Buy at AmazonGriffith's Gnat
The go-to midge cluster dry fly for the occasional winter hatch on calm, sunny afternoons.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults during spring BWO hatches, especially on overcast days.
Buy at AmazonNew York season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.