Hemlock Lake Fishing: Tips, Seasons, and Local Legends
Hemlock Lake is a highlight for anglers, featuring lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon. The presence of solid populations of smelt enhances the growth of trout and salmon, providing excellent conditions for a thriving fishing experience.
Other fish species found in Hemlock Lake include chain pickerel, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, rock bass, black crappie, and yellow perch.
Hemlock Lake is a finger lake in New York State within Livingston and Ontario Counties, with the towns of Livonia and Canadice along its shores, offering a serene backdrop for fishing. Spanning a length of 7 miles with a maximum width of 0.5 miles and reaching a depth of 91 feet, this tranquil body of water provides an intimate and rewarding fishing experience.
Connected to the water network of the region, Hemlock Lake contributes to the ecological diversity of its surroundings. The lake’s maximum depth and size contribute to Hemlock Lake’s fishing environment, offering unique opportunities for boat angling.
Additional NY Fishing Spots
At a glance
- Region: Central NY & Finger Lakes
- Lake character: Deep Finger Lake with clear water and a strong trout/salmon fishery
- Best access styles: Public boat access, shore access, and limited fishing access under DEC rules
- Best-known fisheries: Lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon
- Other common targets: Chain pickerel, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish
- Regulations: Hemlock/Canadice rules apply in the state forest area, including shoreline and boating restrictions in some sections
- Last reviewed: February 2026
Key species in Hemlock Lake
These FishNY guides are good starting points for Hemlock Lake:
- Lake Trout
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Landlocked Salmon
- Yellow Perch
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Northern Pike
- Black Crappie
- Chain Pickerel
- Sunfish
Note: I cannot confirm slug pages yet for chain pickerel or sunfish.
Best techniques for Hemlock Lake
- Trolling
- Jigging
- Casting
- Shore fishing
- Bait fishing
- Ice fishing (where permitted and safe)
- Fly fishing
- Spin fishing
Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings increased activity among the bass population at Hemlock Lake, including both largemouth and smallmouth varieties. The rise in water temperature prompts these species to migrate to shallow areas for spawning. Anglers can capitalize on this behavior by targeting strategic fishing locations near Hemlock Lake’s varied shoreline. Effective lures for spring bass fishing on Hemlock Lake include soft plastics, jerk baits, and spinnerbaits. Furthermore, Texas and Carolina’s rigs can be extremely advantageous for bass during spring.
Bluegill, another prominent species in the lake, also moves into shallows for spawning during this period. Anglers targeting bluegill often build their own custom rigs using a variety of coarse fishing tackle, usually from a selection of barrel swivels, fastlock snaps, hooks, jig heads, O-rings, fishing beads, and split shot weight.
Summer (June to August)
As summer progresses, bass behavior shifts in response to warmer water conditions. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass can be found in deeper waters or near underwater structures.
Topwater lures, crankbaits, and swimbaits become effective lures for enticing bass during this season. Additionally, catfish activity increases in the warmer months, making them a viable target. Anglers pursuing catfish commonly deploy baits such as cut bait or stink bait to attract these bottom-dwelling species.
Fall (September to November)
Fall marks a period of heightened activity for various fish species at Hemlock Lake. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, once again, is active as bass feed in preparation for the approaching winter. Anglers should focus on fishing shoreline structures, employing a mix of lures such as jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits to entice these feeding bass.
Northern pike, known for their aggressive behavior, may also exhibit increased activity during the fall months. Larger lures like spoons or spinners are effective in triggering strikes from northern pike.
Additionally, fall presents an opportunity to target walleye, especially during low-light periods. Live bait or crankbaits are commonly used to entice walleye during their fall feeding patterns.
Winter (December to February)
Winter brings unique challenges to fishermen, but for those dedicated to the pursuit, ice-fishing opportunities abound at Hemlock Lake. Panfish such as bluegill and perch are common targets during this season. Anglers typically employ small jigs tipped with bait to entice these fish. Locating deeper areas where panfish congregate is crucial for successful ice fishing. Common bait choices include live bait such as waxworms, maggots, minnows, or synthetic attraction bait options that offer realistic movements and scents.
Lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout fishing is also productive during winter. Specialized ice fishing gear such as augers, tip-ups, headlamps, jigs and ice fishing rods, with live bait or artificial lures are commonly used.
Before going onto the ice, anglers should ensure it’s safe. At least 4 inches of clear ice is recommended for one person; more is needed for groups or equipment. Check local conditions for Hemlock Lake with authorities or experienced anglers. Always wear a PFD, carry a throwable flotation device, and use a headlamp in low light.
What Hemlock Lake is Known For
- Strong trout and salmon water: Hemlock is especially known for lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon.
- Smelt-supported fishery: Smelt help sustain the lake’s salmonid growth.
- Undeveloped shoreline: The lake remains relatively natural and quiet compared with many Finger Lakes.
- Restricted but notable access: Hemlock has limited public access and special rules because it sits in the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest / water-supply system.
Remove the 2015 walleye headline story and the “state record” speculation entirely.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
DEC says public boat access is available only at the northeast corner off Rix Road and the southeast corner off Route 15A. Hemlock-Canadice rules also limit boating, ice fishing, and shoreline fishing in part of the state forest area.
