Owasco Lake, Fishing – Articles, Species and Tips
Owasco Lake is ideal for fishermen of all abilities, with a diverse array of fish species like lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, bluegills, rock bass, black crappie, yellow perch, walleye, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, common carp, white sucker, longnose sucker, golden shiner, rainbow smelt, alewives, and northern pike. This variety ensures a rewarding and well-rounded fishing experience throughout the seasons.
Whether casting lines from the shore or navigating the lake by boat, Owasco Lake offers a rewarding and memorable fishing environment for all who venture to its shores.
Owasco Lake, one of the finger lakes in New York State at the heart of Cayuga County, is an angler’s paradise surrounded by picturesque towns like Fleming, Moravia, Niles, Owasco, Scipio, and Venice. Spanning 11.1 miles, it offers an idyllic setting for fishing enthusiasts.
Owasco Lake, 1.3 miles wide and 177 feet deep, is a key feature of the region and a top spot for fishing—especially lake trout ice fishing. As part of the area’s lake network, it plays an important ecological role, highlighting the need for preservation and sustainable fishing.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species
Spring Fishing (April to June)
Owasco Lake in spring offers excellent fishing opportunities for targeting various species. Lake trout fishing, as well as casting your line for rainbow trout, and brown trout are the primary focus during this period.
As cold-water fish, lake trout in Owasco Lake move into deeper sections as surface temperatures rise. Trolling with spoons or stick baits—especially in the early morning or late evening—is particularly effective. Anglers also find success using downriggers to reach colder depths, casting from shore during cooler periods, or fly fishing with weighted streamers in transitional zones where trout may be more active.
For rainbow and brown trout, targeting shallower areas with structure-like points and drop-offs using live bait or artificial lures is recommended. Smallmouth bass also become more active in the warming water, particularly around rocky areas and points.
Successful lures include jerk baits, soft plastics, and spinners. At this time of year, slow retrieves seem to prove the most effective.
Summer Fishing (July to August)
In the summer, smallmouth bass tend to move offshore to feed on bait fish, although conventional methods still yield success. Anglers can target both smallmouth bass and lake trout in open water.
Trips focused on smallmouth bass can be productive, but targeting lake trout often yields better results. Yellow perch, abundant in Owasco Lake, are also a solid summer target. A well-stocked tackle bag with a range of lures for different depths, along with a dry bag to keep gear protected from spray or rain, helps ensure you’re prepared for changing conditions on the water.
The lake’s structure, with flats on both ends, sharp drop-offs, and points, provides various opportunities for anglers. Boat fishing can be extremely advantageous during the summer when fish are more active in deeper water.
Fall Fishing (September to November)
Fall brings some of the best fishing opportunities on Owasco Lake, especially for smallmouth bass. As water temperatures drop, smallies become more aggressive, making them a prime target. Stable weather and active fish create ideal conditions for anglers using medium-action game tackle, jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics to land hard-fighting bass in shallow and mid-depth zones.
Fall on Owasco Lake offers diverse fishing opportunities, with northern pike becoming a notable target both early and late in the season.
At the same time, largemouth bass action picks up, especially along the shoreline, where anglers may encounter surprisingly large specimens—a reflection of the species’ growing health and abundance in the lake.
Lake trout and yellow perch also remain popular during this period and can be effectively caught using a range of techniques, from fly fishing and spin casting with spinners to using natural baits like nightcrawlers.
Outfitting your setup with fishing gloves for handling toothy species, a portable fishing chair for extended shoreline sessions, and cooler storage for preserving your catch can make fall outings more comfortable and productive.
The versatility of tactics allows anglers to tailor their approach based on preferences and prevailing conditions, ensuring an exciting and diverse fishing experience during the vibrant fall season on Owasco Lake.
Winter Fishing (December to March)
Winter fishing on Owasco Lake demands preparation but can be highly rewarding, especially for lake trout. Ice fishing takes center stage, with anglers using jigging techniques—flutter spoons and ice fishing rods—or setting tip-ups rigged with live bait like smelt. Targeting deep-water drop-offs and submerged structure improves the odds of success.
Proper gear is key: insulated fishing waders help in shallower zones or during transitions on and off the ice, while trolling rods may be used before full freeze-up when open water remains. Always check ice thickness before heading out and carry essential safety gear like ice picks, a spud bar, and a life jacket.
What Owasco Lake is Known For
Gary Rule, an angler from Owasco Lake, made waves in the local fishing community with his remarkable catch on Memorial Day. The buzz among Owasco Lake anglers surrounded Rule’s massive brown trout, weighing an impressive 22 pounds and 8 ounces.
While not breaking the state record, Rule’s catch was a significant accomplishment and a testament to the potential of Owasco Lake for anglers. Rule, who operates Reel Sportsman Fishing Adventures charter service, hooked the lunker in 166 feet of water near Burtis Point, using a live mooneye as bait.
The battle with the fish took about 45 minutes, during which it made dramatic runs across the water’s surface and dived to the bottom. Fishing with a spinning outfit and an 8-pound fluorocarbon line, Rule successfully landed the fish, although it broke his net in the process.
Owasco Lake boasts a rich history of recreational activities. Known for its quick warming waters in the spring, the lake is a favorite spot for water skiing and boating enthusiasts.
In addition to fishing, Owasco Lake offers various attractions, including Emerson Park at the north end, featuring swimming, picnic areas, ball fields, and boat launch facilities. Just south of Moravia, NY, Fillmore Glen State Park provides hiking trails, geological formations, and a stream-fed swimming pool.
The lake also supports marinas and boat launches at Emerson Park and Owasco Flats, offering opportunities for hiking and fishing. Beyond the lake, the local community offers diverse activities, events, and attractions, including the Emerson Park Merry-Go-Round Theatre, the Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum, and scenic trails for hiking and exploration.
Whether enjoying the natural beauty of Owasco Lake or exploring the surrounding areas, visitors have a range of options to experience the Finger Lakes region’s charm and recreational offerings.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
Emerson Park, located at the northern end of Owasco Lake in Auburn, provides multiple access points to the body of water, catering to both boat enthusiasts and those who prefer to enjoy the shore. Alongside a private boat launch at the south end, public access is facilitated through a well-maintained municipal park.
Boaters can take advantage of the three concrete ramps and several slips across the outlet, offering convenient launching options. Additionally, for those seeking a relaxing day by the lake, two beautiful beaches are available, making Emerson Park the only public beach on Owasco Lake.
The park’s strategic location off Route 38 provides easy access, while Rockefeller Rd. extends down the eastern side, connecting to Moravia in the south. Across the outlet from Emerson Park lies Deauville Island Park, surrounded by water, creating a serene setting for visitors.
The park boasts a former lakeside resort turned municipal park, featuring sea walls, walking paths, and scenic views along the Owasco outlet channel. Beyond the lakefront attractions, Deauville Island Park offers an array of recreational activities, including an 18-hole disc golf course and playing fields.
Navigating to Emerson Park and Deauville Island Park is made easy by following NY-38 along the western shore and NY-38A along the northern end on the eastern side of Owasco Lake. Rockefeller Rd. provides a connection from NY-38A to Moravia in the south.
Visitors from Auburn can access Emerson Park via East Lake Rd., as indicated on Google Maps. The park is open year-round from dawn until dusk, making it a versatile destination for various outdoor activities. Emerson Park offers more than just access to the lake, providing amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, bathhouses, pavilions, and gazebos.
The park is equipped with a performance theater, disc golf course, and the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum. Boating facilities include a boat launch with concrete ramps and slips across from the island.
