What Six Mile Creek Offers

Six Mile Creek is a small, cold-water stream in Tompkins County that flows through the town of Ithaca and drains into Cayuga Lake. It holds wild brown trout and some brook trout in its upper reaches, making it a destination for anglers who want to fish moving water without traveling far from Ithaca's center. The creek is accessible in multiple spots along its course, and the water stays cold enough year-round to support trout because of groundwater input and shade from mature trees along much of its length.

The creek is narrow — typically 15 to 25 feet wide in fishable sections — and requires short, accurate casts. The bottom is rocky and uneven, with pools, runs, and pocket water that hold fish in different seasons. Access is partly on public land and partly through private property where landowners allow fishing, so knowing where you can legally fish matters before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Six Mile Creek holds wild brown trout and some brook trout in cold-water sections, with the best fishing in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.
  • The creek is small and requires short, precise casts; nymphs and small dry flies work better than large streamers in most conditions.
  • Public access exists at several points, including near the Ithaca College campus and along Route 96, but much of the creek runs through private land where permission is required.
  • New York State fishing regulations apply; you need a valid fishing license and must follow current trout season dates and daily catch limits.
  • Summer water temperatures can exceed trout comfort levels, so early morning and evening fishing is most productive during June, July, and August.

Access Points and Where to Fish

The most reliable public access is near the Ithaca College campus, where Six Mile Creek runs through college-owned land and is open to the public during daylight hours. Parking is available at the Ithaca College athletic facilities lot on Route 96; from there, a short walk takes you to fishable water. This section holds brown trout and sees moderate pressure from local anglers, especially on weekends.

Another access point is along Route 96 itself, where the creek crosses under the road south of Ithaca. A small pullout exists on the north side of the road, and the water here is deeper and slower than upstream sections, holding larger brown trout. This area is less crowded than the college section and can be productive in spring and fall.

Upstream of the college campus, the creek becomes smaller and faster, with more pocket water and fewer anglers. Access to this section requires permission from private landowners; ask at local fly shops in Ithaca for current information on where landowners allow fishing. The upper creek holds smaller wild browns and brook trout, and the water is colder and clearer.

Seasons and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) is excellent on Six Mile Creek. Snowmelt and rain keep water levels moderate and temperatures cool, and trout are actively feeding after winter. Nymphs fished near the bottom work well, and you may see some dry fly activity in the afternoon. Water clarity is usually good by late April, though early spring runoff can make the creek too high and turbid to fish effectively.

Summer (June through August) is the most challenging season. Water temperatures can climb into the low 70s Fahrenheit, which stresses trout and makes them less active during the day. Fish early in the morning or in the evening when the water is cooler. Terrestrial insects — ants, beetles, grasshoppers — become important, and small dry flies can work if you fish the shadiest, deepest pools. Midday fishing is usually slow.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for quality fishing. Cooling water temperatures trigger feeding, and trout are less selective. Nymphs and small streamers both work, and you may find dry fly activity in the morning. Water levels are usually stable, and the creek is less crowded than in spring because many anglers have moved to larger rivers or lakes.

Winter (November through March) is open for fishing under New York State regulations, but water temperatures are cold and trout are sluggish. Fishing is slow, and the creek can be icy or difficult to access safely. Most local anglers focus on other waters during winter.

What Fish Live Here and What They Eat

Six Mile Creek supports a wild population of brown trout, with fish ranging from 6 to 14 inches in the accessible sections. Brook trout are present in the coldest, upper reaches, usually smaller than the browns. The creek does not receive regular stocking, so all trout are wild and have adapted to the creek's specific conditions.

Aquatic insects dominate the diet. Mayflies — particularly small blue-winged olives and hendricksons — hatch in spring and fall. Caddisflies are present year-round, with peak activity in late spring and early summer. Stoneflies are less common but present in the upper creek. Midges hatch throughout the year, especially in winter and early spring, and can be the only visible insect activity on cold days.

Terrestrial insects become important in summer and fall. Ants, beetles, and grasshoppers end up in the water, and trout feed on them readily. Small nymphs — size 14 to 18 — are the most reliable pattern year-round. Dry flies work best in spring and fall; in summer, fish them early and late. Small streamers (size 10 to 14) can draw strikes from larger browns, especially in deeper pools and near undercut banks.

Regulations and Licensing

You must carry a valid New York State fishing license to fish Six Mile Creek. Licenses are available online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, and at town clerk offices in Ithaca. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you plan to fish only once.

Six Mile Creek is classified as a trout stream, and current regulations require catch-and-release fishing for trout in most sections, though this can change. Check the current DEC fishing regulations guide before you go, as rules vary by section and season. Some areas may allow harvest under specific conditions; the regulations guide will specify which sections and what the daily limit is. Possession of a trout under the minimum size is prohibited.

Bait fishing is allowed but less effective on this small, clear stream. Fly fishing and spinning with small lures are more productive. No special permits are required beyond the standard fishing license.

Gear and Tactics for Small-Stream Trout

A 7 to 8-foot fly rod in 4 or 5-weight is ideal for Six Mile Creek. The narrow channel and overhanging vegetation mean you will often cast short distances — sometimes only 15 to 20 feet — so a shorter rod gives you better control than a longer one. A weight-forward floating line is standard; you may want a sink-tip line for deeper pools in fall and spring.

Nymphs are the most consistent producers. Fish them dead-drift near the bottom in runs and pools, using a small split shot or tungsten bead to get depth quickly. Patterns like Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and small Prince nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 work year-round. In spring and fall, dry flies like Blue-Winged Olives, Hendricksons, and small Caddis patterns can be effective in the afternoon.

Approach the creek carefully. Trout in small streams are easily spooked, and the clear water means fish can see you from a distance. Wade slowly, stay low, and cast from downstream when possible. Early morning and overcast days are best for sight-fishing because the low light makes trout less wary. Avoid wading directly upstream through pools; instead, fish from the bank or from the side.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Six Mile Creek is too crowded or water conditions are poor, several other options are within 30 minutes of Ithaca. Cayuga Lake itself, into which Six Mile Creek flows, holds lake trout and landlocked salmon in deeper water, though it requires a boat or access to a public launch. Enfield Creek, a few miles south, is similar in size to Six Mile Creek and holds wild trout with less pressure.

The Tioughnioga River, about 20 miles south near Cortland, is larger and holds more trout than Six Mile Creek, with better public access and more consistent fishing. The Susquehanna River system, further south, offers even more water and a mix of warm-water and cool-water species. For anglers willing to drive an hour or more, the Delaware River and Catskill streams offer world-class trout fishing, though they are more crowded and require more planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Six Mile Creek year-round?

Yes, Six Mile Creek is open to fishing year-round under New York State regulations. However, winter fishing is slow because water temperatures are cold and trout are inactive. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons.

Do I need a guide to fish Six Mile Creek?

No, the creek is small enough that you can fish it on your own once you know where public access is. Local fly shops in Ithaca can point you to current access points and tell you what patterns are working. A guide is helpful if you are new to fly fishing or small-stream techniques, but not necessary.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning and late afternoon are best, especially in summer when midday water temperatures are high. Spring and fall allow all-day fishing, though morning and evening are still more productive. Overcast days are better than sunny days because trout are less wary in low light.

Are there fish large enough to keep?

Six Mile Creek holds brown trout up to 14 inches, but most are smaller. Check current regulations to see if harvest is allowed in the section you plan to fish. Many anglers practice catch-and-release on small streams to preserve the wild population.

Where can I buy flies and get local information?

Ithaca has fly shops that stock patterns for Six Mile Creek and can tell you current conditions, water levels, and where landowners allow access. These shops also sell licenses and can recommend guides if you want one. Calling ahead is a good idea, especially in busy seasons.