About Oneida Lake

                                                   "The Walleye Lake of New York State"


Measuring approxiamtely twenty-two miles long by one to five miles wide, and covering 51,072 acres, Oneida Lake is the largest lake entirely within New York State borders.Naturally enriched by it's tributaries, Oneida lake's fertile waters offer anglers more fish per acre than any other lake in the Northeastern United States.Walleye, bass, black bass, white perch, yellow perch, panfish and bullhead are among the many species of fish found in Oneida Lake.

Usually around May 15th, with the warmer water temperatures of early spring, and again in the fall, Walleye become very active . It is not uncommon for anglers to catch their limit during this time. Various fishing derbies and tournaments held thoughout the year add to the excitement of fishing "The Walleye Lake of New York State."

From late spring to early summer trolling, casting , still fishing and drifting with night crawlers, minnows or spinners along the northern shore have provided great results with walleye, bass and perch.

By the end of July, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and perch are quite active throughout the lake. The shallows and weedbeds in areas like Big Bay, Cleveland Bar, west of Frenchman's Island, Willard Isle are considered the "Hot Spots".

With the freezing temperatures of winter comes the generation old tradition of ice fishing on Oneida Lake. Although commercial fishing of Walleye has been banned from Oneida Lake since 1961, ice fisherman can still set up their huts and tip ups and partake in the abundance of perch, panfish, crappie and of course walleye. Big Bay is the favored spot for this winter sport.

Whether it's ice fishing on a cold, blustery winter afternoon, or trolling the north shore on a lazy summer day , Oneida Lake has something to offer every angler....truly a fisherman's dream!