Cayuga Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Tompkins County, New York. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2020. The lake supports 4 documented fish species including Brown Trout, Lake Sturgeon, and Lake Trout. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, New York DNR, last sampled 2020-09-30. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 7.4 ft. Trophic State Index: 48.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 7.4 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 48 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Cayuga Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Cayuga Lake
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 1 lakes in Tompkins County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Cayuga Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Tompkins County
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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More records, surveys & data sources
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
2 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Cayuga Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits, including 1 classified by the EPA as major discharger. 1 facility has a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Cayuga Operating Company, LlcLansing · 1.4 mi away · NPDES NY0001333Major
- Trumansburg (V) StpTrumansburg · 2.9 mi away · NPDES NY0024902Recent violation
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2020-09-30
Monitoring stations: 1