Canandaigua Lake, Fishing – Articles, Species and Tips

Canandaigua Lake, in Ontario and Yates Counties NY, with towns such as Canandaigua, South Bristol, and Woodville dotting its shores, provides a captivating fishing backdrop. The lake has a length of 15.5 miles and a maximum width of 1.5 miles. The surrounding counties and towns contribute to the lake’s accessibility, with a range of entry points for fishermen and boaters.

With a maximum depth of 276 feet, fishing on Canandaigua Lake allows fishermen to employ multiple fishing techniques to target fish lurking within the lake’s dynamic environment. Canandaigua Lake fishing offers anglers year round access to a variety of fish species including: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, salmon, perch, and panfish. 

Find additional places to fish in New York. 

Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species

Spring (March-May)

In spring, fishing on Canandaigua Lake centers around the growing activity of rainbow trout, which become increasingly active as water temperatures rise—making them a prime catch for anglers.

Rainbow trout can be effectively targeted using a wide variety of flies and lures, with gear ranging from baitcasters and centerpin reels to traditional spinning setups. During the spring—when rainbow trout exhibit heightened activity due to spawning behavior—static fishing proves especially productive. This technique involves presenting flies, bait, or lures in a fixed position within the water column. One standout choice for this method is the ‘Eggstacy Blob,’ a popular trout fly that mimics egg spawns and consistently yields strong results.

In addition to rainbow trout, brown trout and lake trout are also prominent targets during this time. Trolling with spoons and crankbaits allows anglers to effectively cover varying depths, accommodating the different water levels these species may occupy.

For a more peaceful and productive experience, fishing near the southern end of Canandaigua Lake is advised to avoid heavy boat traffic. Early morning outings further improve success rates, capitalizing on cooler water temperatures and lower angling pressure.

Summer (June-August)

In the summer, heavy boat activity at the north end of Canandaigua Lake emphasizes the importance of getting on the water early. While smallmouth bass fishing has posed challenges following a recent fish kill, anglers can pivot their efforts towards rainbow trout and lake trout, anticipating the gradual replenishment of the smallmouth bass stock over time.

Trolling remains a favored technique, especially with the assistance of downriggers to access deeper waters where trout tend to congregate. Alternatively, anglers may find respite from boat congestion by focusing their endeavors on the less frequented southern end of the lake south of Willow Grove Point.

This strategic shift in location opens up opportunities to explore shallow waters, providing a promising prospect for encountering larger smallmouth bass during the summer season.

Fall (September-November)

Come fall, the jerk bait bite amps up for smallmouth bass fishing on Canandaigua Lake. Dropping temperatures stimulate increased fish activity, creating prime fishing conditions for a variety of species. 

Smallmouth bass are usually caught on soft plastic baits like tubes, and grubs in fall which are often paired with jig heads. Another successful approach is employing live bait, like minnows or crayfish on a Carolina rig. 

Winter (December-February)

Winter shifts the focus to ice fishing on Canandaigua Lake. While not widely recognized for frozen angling, determined fishermen can find opportunities. Targeting lake trout is the primary game during this season, with anglers strategically drilling holes in known areas. 

Jigging with lures and using tip-ups are straightforward effective techniques. Caution is paramount—ensure the ice is safe before venturing out. Be aware of ice conditions and advisories. Ice thickness can vary, and factors like currents, springs, and varying temperatures can impact ice stability. 

What Canandaigua Lake is Known For

The 40th annual Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby in 2021 became legendary with the remarkable catch by Justin Schwenzer from Dansville. On the first day of the derby, Schwenzer reeled in a massive 29.25-pound lake trout, shattering the previous record of a 16.18-pound brown trout set in 2016. 

The catch not only earned Schwenzer the first-place prize of $1,000 but also secured his name in the derby’s history as the angler who landed the largest fish ever in the Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby. The event, which took place over two days, also served as a fundraiser for local organizations, contributing $5,000 each to Camp Good Days & Special Times, Mercy Flight Central, and Naples Hospeace House in Naples, NY.

Lindsay Morrow, the derby chair, expressed satisfaction with the outstanding turnout and record-breaking catch, making the 40th-anniversary year particularly exciting and successful. 

Canandaigua Lake also holds historical significance as it was once a Seneca village, and the Treaty of Canandaigua was signed in 1794, establishing land boundaries and peaceful relations. The city is known for its tourism assets, thriving downtown, beautiful residential neighborhoods, and agricultural heritage. 

The late Humphrey Bogart even spent childhood summers on Canandaigua Lake. The area is proud of  landmarks like Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, Granger Homestead & Carriage House Museum, and Ontario County Courthouse. 

Additionally, the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, Skenoh Island, and Kershaw Park offer diverse recreational opportunities. The city hosts various events, including Canandaigua Treaty Day, the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival, and the Festival of Trees at the Granger Homestead, contributing to the vibrant local community.

Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points.

Located conveniently off Route 20 in the city of Canandaigua, the Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park is a prime access point for those looking to explore the waters. Boasting hard surface ramps, this facility provides smooth launching experiences. 

With parking available for 110 cars and trailers, it caters to both seasoned boaters and newcomers. Keep in mind that there is a launch fee charged at this site. 

Situated on Route 21, 3 miles north of Naples at Woodville, the Woodville access point is managed by the NY DEC. Offering hard surface ramps and parking for 86 cars and trailers at no charge, Woodville is an accessible location for boaters in the area. 

For those seeking a quieter launch site, West River is located just off Route 245 on Sunnyside Road near a trailer park. This site, operated by the NY DEC, is a hand-launch-only facility with parking available for 5 cars. 

Situated on West Lake Road, 6.5 miles south of the city of Canandaigua, Onanda offers a hard surface ramp and parking for 25 cars and trailers. Managed by the DEC and operated by the Town of Canandaigua, this site is restricted to winter launching, and usage is contingent on the state park site at the north end being unavailable. 

These diverse access points around Canandaigua Lake cater to different preferences and locations.