Fishing Lake Onota

AKA: Onota Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Onota Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Onota, MA

Popular Fish Species Lake Onota, MA

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Lake Onota can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. Annual stocking by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Brook Trout Fishing

Brook trout thrive in cool, clear, well-oxygenated water. Clean inflows of water are prime areas to fish. Fishing for brook trout in Lake Onota is popular due to the abundance and size of these tasty brookies. Brookies are most actively feeding at dawn, and again at dusk. Brook trout feed on plankton, worms, leeches, insects, mollusks, and small baitfish. They spawn in the Fall, rather than the Spring, and they are quite prolific spawners. Other times they tend to move deeper and are more difficult to locate. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for brook trout is a fun way to spend a winter day. Brook trout can be easily caught on minnows, flies, small spinners, worms, maggots and wax worms.

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Lake Onota. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, tiger trout, bluegill, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel and northern pike at Lake Onota in Massachusetts.

Lake Onota Fishing Video

Owned by the City of Pittsfield, Lake Onota is a 617-acre lake in the northwest part of the state with over 6 miles of shoreline. There is a concrete boat ramp, parking and fishing pier, located on the southeast shore off Lakeway Drive.

Lake Onota, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts. This scenic freshwater lake spans approximately 617 acres and offers anglers a diverse range of fish species to target.

One of the popular fish species found in Lake Onota is largemouth bass. Anglers are drawn to the lake for the opportunity to catch these prized game fish. Largemouth bass can be targeted using various techniques, such as casting with plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. The lake's structure, including weed beds, submerged logs, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitats for bass to thrive.

Another sought-after species in Lake Onota is northern pike. These aggressive predators offer anglers a thrilling fishing experience. Northern pike can be caught using techniques such as casting with large spoons, swimbaits, or live bait. They are often found in the shallower areas of the lake, near weed beds or ambush points.

Lake Onota is also home to other fish species, including rainbow trout, yellow perch, sunfish, and pickerel. Yellow perch provide additional angling opportunities and can be caught using jigging techniques or live bait such as worms or minnows. Sunfish, including bluegill and pumpkinseed, offer a great option for novice anglers and families, as they are abundant and easy to catch using bait fishing techniques. Pickerel, known for their aggressive nature, can also be targeted using similar techniques as northern pike.

Anglers visiting Lake Onota should be aware of fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate licenses. It's important to follow catch limits, size restrictions, and any specific rules in place to protect the fish populations and the environment.

With its diverse fish species, boating opportunities, and nearby camping facilities, Lake Onota offers anglers a memorable fishing experience in Massachusetts. Whether it's targeting largemouth bass, pursuing northern pike, or casting for other popular fish species, Lake Onota provides a serene and enjoyable angling adventure amidst the natural wonders of the area.

Trout are often the most sought species here, but the lake has populations of bass, crappie, bluegill, perch and pike. The lake gets a lot of traffic and fishing pressure.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Onota

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Onota Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is allowed on Lake Onota, and anglers can enjoy the convenience of launching their boats from the public boat ramp. The lake allows for non-motorized boats, as well as boats with electric motors, creating a peaceful and enjoyable boating and fishing experience. It's important to familiarize yourself with any specific boating regulations and restrictions in place to ensure compliance with local rules.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Onota Boat Livery
Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes
413 442-1724

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Onota Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Lakeway Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Fishing License

Click here for a Massachusetts Fishing License.

While there are no camping facilities directly on Lake Onota, nearby parks and recreational areas provide camping options for those looking to extend their fishing trips. Campgrounds such as October Mountain State Forest offer amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, allowing anglers and their families to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Bonnie Brae Cabins & Campsites - 413 442-3754

Ponderosa Pine Campground - 413 627-9353