Fishing Waneta Lake Articles, Species and Tips

Despite its modest size, Waneta Lake holds a variety of fish species that make it a compelling destination for fishermen. Fishing Waneta Lake, provides opportunities to target fish species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, rock bass, bullhead, golden shiner, white sucker, and common carp. The lake’s ecosystem supports a balanced and diverse population of fish, making it an ideal spot for all techniques.

Waneta Lake, in the Finger Lakes region of New York, offers a serene setting for fishing enthusiasts. With a length of 3.5 miles and a surface area of 797 acres, this small lake is a hidden gem in the landscape, providing a unique fishing experience.

Waneta Lake straddles the border of Schuyler County and Steuben County, situated within the towns of Tyrone and Wayne. The lake, previously known as “Little Lake,” is not officially considered one of the eleven Finger Lakes despite its location in the region.

Connected to the southern branch of Keuka Lake, Waneta Lake benefits from its proximity to nearby bodies of water. The interconnectedness of these lakes contributes to the richness of the fishing environment, allowing anglers to explore various waterways and fishing grounds. The lake’s maximum depth of 29 feet and a shore length of 6.8 miles add to the diverse topography, creating different fishing opportunities throughout its waters.

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Seasonal Fishing Techniques

Spring (March to May)

During the spring months, fishing Waneta Lake offers prime opportunities for anglers targeting largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and occasional smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass, with a substantial presence around the lake, are found in shallow waters. 

Focus your efforts on areas with structure and vegetation, using spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, crayfish, plastic worms, grubs, and tube baits for consistent success. While smallmouth bass are less abundant here than in nearby Lamoka Lake, they can still be found—especially around gravel-bottom areas. Utilizing fish finders can greatly improve your chances by locating key underwater features where bass may be holding.

Chain pickerel, often found near weed beds and weed lines, provide thrilling action with catches reaching up to 5 pounds. Target them with spoons, spinners, spinnerbaits, stick baits, or rubber worms fished close to vegetation. Electronic bite alarms can be particularly helpful when fishing for pickerel, giving you an edge with early strike detection.

Spring is also an ideal time for black crappie, especially in shallow bays and channels. Use fish finders to identify schools and structure to boost your catch rates during this productive season.

Summer (June to July)

As summer unfolds, anglers can continue pursuing largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and smallmouth bass at Waneta Lake. With poor oxygen levels limiting fish activity to the upper 20 feet, focus on structure and vegetation. 

Techniques such as trolling along weed edges with larger stick baits or jointed stick baits prove effective for muskellunge, providing an excellent chance to catch trophy-sized fish.

Bluegills, yellow perch, and black crappie become plentiful during this period. Anglers targeting panfish should concentrate on weed lines.

Fall (August to November)

Fall at Waneta Lake brings continued opportunities for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and smallmouth bass. Musky fishing remains productive, with trolling along weed edges and casting large plastic baits proving successful. 

Panfish, including popular species like bluegills, yellow perch, and black crappie, consistently remain the primary targets for anglers, showcasing their enduring popularity in fishing expeditions. 

As the water temperatures decrease, the behavior and whereabouts of these panfish can vary. Adapting to these changes becomes crucial for anglers seeking continued success. 

Winter (December to February)

In the winter months spanning from December to February, Waneta Lake is a superb ice fishing location. As the lake’s surface freezes over, creating a thick layer of ice, the water becomes a perfect fishing spot for enthusiasts seeking pickerel and various panfish species. 

Anglers fishing Waneta Lake employ diverse techniques tailored to the winter setting, with one popular method being the strategic placement of tip-ups across the frozen expanse, each baited with small minnows to entice pickerel lurking beneath the icy surface.

For those in pursuit of panfish, precision is key, as anglers deftly engage in the art of jigging. Armed with spoons like the renowned Swedish pimples, adorned with spikes or minnow heads, they mimic the natural movement of prey to lure in and attract panfish, encouraging them to strike. 

A particular hotspot for this winter activity is found in the northern part of the lake, notably around Red Bank Island. This area, known for its winter fishing allure, stands out as a favored location for ice fishing enthusiasts to drill through the ice and set up their gear for a productive and enjoyable fishing session.

What Waneta Lake is Known For

With a display of remarkable angling skill, Alex Bottcher, a dedicated fisherman hailing from Elmira, NY, achieved an extraordinary catch on Waneta Lake. Nestled along the lake’s west shore on September 22, 2007, Alex found himself in a gripping battle with an impressive muskie while fishing from his kayak.

Measuring an impressive 38 inches in length and boasting a remarkable weight of 14 lbs, the muskie proved to be a prized trophy. Using an artificial lure as bait, Alex engaged in a fierce and protracted struggle before successfully landing his impressive catch.

Waneta Lake has a mud and gravel bottom with rooted aquatic vegetation. It is part of the Waneta-Lamoka Wildlife Management Area, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, particularly at the southern end and the channel to Lamoka Lake.

The surrounding area supports year-round recreation, including kayaking, boating, swimming, and windsurfing in summer, and ice skating, ice sailing, and cross-country skiing in winter.

Local amenities include restaurants and community events, making it a hub for both residents and visitors.

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

Access to Waneta Lake is primarily limited due to private ownership of its shoreline, with cottages often passed down through generations. Nevertheless, there are key public access points and facilities catering to boaters and anglers, ensuring an enjoyable experience on the lake.

For those seeking entry from the northern side of Rt. 23, approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) west of the Hamlet of Tyrone, the designated boat launch stands as a crucial gateway to Waneta Lake. Positioned at the channel inlet, this concrete ramp provides a sturdy foundation for launching watercraft. 

The convenience is further enhanced by ample parking space, accommodating up to 12 vehicles. Visitors can access essential information and details about the lake’s offerings through available brochures at this location.

Beyond the northern access point, the southern reaches of Waneta Lake provide additional access options. While private rentals offer an alternative entry, ensuring convenience for those residing temporarily in the area, the broader public can also explore the lake’s southern end. 

It’s important to note that due to the predominantly private ownership of lakeshore properties, accessing Waneta Lake is often facilitated through designated public facilities and rental accommodations.