Fishing Oneida Lake

AKA: Oneida Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Oneida Lake, NY

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Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, good fishery management, and the presence of small sunfish, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Oneida Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Oneida Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

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Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and, the spawn has been strong for many years at Oneida Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, chain pickerel, northern pike, lake sturgeon and tiger muskie at Oneida Lake in New York.

Oneida Lake Fishing Video

Walleye and perch are the main draw at Oneida Lake, but the full menu includes bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, pike, muskie and sturgeon. Spreading over 51,000 acres, in the central part of the state, the lake has over 50 miles of shoreline.

Oneida Lake, located in central New York, is a renowned fishing destination known for its abundant fish populations and diverse angling opportunities. Spanning over 30,000 acres, Oneida Lake offers a variety of fish species, making it a favorite spot for both recreational and competitive anglers.

One of the primary fish species in Oneida Lake is the walleye. Known for their elusive nature and delicious flesh, walleye fishing in Oneida Lake attracts anglers from near and far. Anglers can target walleye by trolling with worm harnesses, casting with crankbaits, or jigging with minnows in deeper sections of the lake. The lake's expansive waters and underwater structures make it an ideal habitat for these prized game fish.

Oneida Lake is also home to a healthy population of smallmouth bass. These hard-fighting fish can be found near rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Anglers can use techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or crankbaits to entice these aggressive bass. Smallmouth bass in Oneida Lake are known for their strong fights and acrobatic leaps, providing an exciting angling experience.

Largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish such as bluegill and pumpkinseed are also prevalent in Oneida Lake. Largemouth bass can be found near weed beds and submerged vegetation, offering additional opportunities for bass anglers. Northern pike, with their aggressive nature, provide thrilling battles and can be targeted using techniques such as trolling with large spoons or casting with swimbaits. Panfish species offer enjoyable fishing experiences for anglers of all ages, and techniques such as bobber fishing with worms, small jigs, or live bait are effective for targeting these species.

Oneida Lake in New York offers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience with its variety of fish species and ample recreational opportunities. Whether targeting walleye, bass, pike, or panfish, anglers can enjoy the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of a successful catch. Boating and camping amenities further enhance the outdoor experience, making Oneida Lake an enticing destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure.

Because of the excellent bass population, Oneida is a popular bass tournament lake. Ice fishing in winter for perch, walleye and panfish is very popular, with Big Bay a very desirable location. There are about a dozen access areas for boat launching all types and sizes of boats. Pleasure boats, pontoons and bass boats are ideal for this big water. Wind can come up quickly and create rough, unsafe boating conditions for small boats, canoes or kayaks. Fishing from the bank is popular, and available nearby most of the boat launch ramps, parks and campgrounds. A fishing pier is available, on the north side of the lake at Toad Harbor. Take your pick of s dozen marinas, stores, restaurants and lodging options. This is an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts, most any time of year.

Primary fish species residing in Oneida Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Oneida Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Oneida Lake, with numerous boat launches and marinas available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's various sections, find productive fishing spots, and enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds them. The lake's vast size allows for leisurely cruising, water skiing, tubing, or simply enjoying the serenity of the lake.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Charley's Boat Livery
Rentals: Row boats
315 668-6341

Oneida Lake Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
315 820-2628

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Marion Manor Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off N Peterboro Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Oneida Bay Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Lakeshore Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Oneida Shores County Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off McKinley Ridge Road, this is an eight-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking.

Oneida Lake South Shore Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Bush Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

43 North Marina
8 Weber Road
Central Square, NY 13036
315 676-3531

Aero Marina Conway
9080 Beach Road
Brewerton, NY 13029
315 699-7736

Anglers' Bay Cottages and Marina
103 Drive 17
Cleveland, NY 13042
315 675-3662

Big Bay Marina
155 Camic Rd
Central Square, NY 13036
315 676-2223

Callahan's Marina
9089 Callahan Dr
Canastota, NY 13032
315 697-7470

Marion Manor Marina
Intersection of State Route 13 & 31
Canastota, NY 13032
315 762-4810

Fishing Guides On Oneida Lake

Full Tank Charters - walleye

Scriba Fishing Charters - walleye, bass, perch

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a New York Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Oneida Lake, providing an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the fishing experience and the natural surroundings. Campers can enjoy peaceful evenings under starlit skies, cook freshly caught fish over a campfire, and wake up to the sounds of nature. The camping options range from primitive campsites to more developed campgrounds, catering to different preferences and comfort levels.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Oneida Shores County Park Campground - 315 676-7366

Verona Beach State Park Campground - 315 762-4463

Lone Pine Campgrounds - 315 762-5544

Paradise Cove Campground - 315 762-0210

Hidden Point Campground - 315 762-0547

Edgewater Seasonal Campground - 315 762-5129

Oneida Pines Campground - 315 245-1377

Whispering Woods Campground - 315 675-8100

The Landing Campground - 315 245-9951

Oneida Lake NY Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Oneida Lake
Oneida Shores County Park
9400 Bartell Road
Brewerton, NY 13029
315 676-7366

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