Fishing Owasco Lake

AKA: Lake Owasco

Popular Fish Species
Owasco Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
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Owasco Lake, NY

Popular Fish Species Owasco Lake, NY

Owasco Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Owasco Lake continues to deliver a healthy smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for trophy brown trout in Owasco Lake is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed. Rainbow trout are also a popular species here. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for trout.

Lake Trout Fishing

Home to excellent fishing for lake trout, Owasco Lake is delivering some very nice catches. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Owasco Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Owasco Lake in New York.

Rainbow, lake and brown trout are stocked annually into Owasco Lake, a 6,600-acre lake in the central part of the state. Sightseers and anglers alike will enjoy the 25 miles of scenic shoreline that is home to bass, northern pike, crappie and sunfish.

One of the primary fish species found in Owasco Lake is the lake trout. These deep-dwelling fish are known for their impressive size and their preference for colder waters. Anglers target lake trout by trolling with downriggers or using vertical jigging techniques. These powerful fish provide a thrilling challenge and the opportunity for memorable catches.

Owasco Lake is also home to a healthy population of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish such as bluegill and pumpkinseed.

Walleye and trout tend to locate in some of the deeper waters offshore. Boat ramps for all types of boats, and boat rentals provide anglers a choice to bring a boat, rent one, or fish from shore. Camping, restaurants, lodging, marinas and shopping are all readily accessible at the lake. Ice fishing can be very good for trout, panfish and northern pike.

Primary fish species residing in Owasco Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Owasco Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Owasco Marine
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
315 258-9096

Owasco Paddles
Rentals: Canoes and kayaks
315 567-1437

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Emerson Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located at the northern tip of the lake, off Emerson Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Koenig Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Emmi Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and no parking.

Southshore Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Fire 1 Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Marinas

South Shore Marina
2810 Firelane 1, Off Route 38
Moravia, NY 13118
315 497-3006