Fishing in Lake Ronkonkoma

Lake Ronkonkoma is the largest freshwater lake on Long Island. Formed millions of years ago by glaciers, the 243-acre lake is a popular destination for Long Islanders and New York City anglers. Though a productive bass lake, Ronkonkoma can be a challenge to fish. The lake has a maximum depth of 63 feet but most of it, including much of the best fishing, is less than 15 feet.

Habitat

The challenge in fishing Ronkonkoma lies in that the lake offers little naturally-occurring structure to attract fish. The New York department of Environmental Conservation, in cooperation with several other agencies, planted weighted tree stumps in the lake in 2003 in an effort to create artificial reefs for fish habitat. Targeting stumps is a good place to start when you hit the water. The best fishing in Lake Ronkonkoma is generally in the shallows. According to the DEC, lack of oxygen in deep water keeps fish in 15 feet or less throughout most of the year.

Fish

Largemouth bass are the most sought-after game fish in Lake Ronkonkoma, and 20-inch-plus bass are pulled from the lake every year. Smallmouth bass are also available, though less abundant. Walleye have been stocked since 1994, and the lake occasionally gives up walleye in the 30-inch class, especially in springtime. Panfish – including perch, bluegill, crappie and sunfish – are abundant, but big ones are hard to come by. Bullhead and carp also offer an underutilized fishery; and chain pickerel, which are rare, are a particularly prized catch.

Tips & Tactics

Late spring to early summer is the best time to target Ronkonkoma’s bass. Unfortunately, this is also the busiest time of the year at the lake, so try to plan your trip on a weekday if you can. You can also try fishing early in the morning and late in the evening. These tend to be the most productive times to fish in addition to being less busy. Plastic worms, jerkbaits and Senko-style stickbaits are top producers for largemouth bass. Live minnows and nightcrawlers will catch bass or walleye, and a worm under a bobber is usually all you need for panfish.

Access

Gas-powered motors are prohibited on Lake Ronkonkoma, but electric trolling motors and non-powered craft are allowed. You can launch a boat at the DEC boat launch off Victory Drive, on the west shore of the lake. Much of the lake’s shoreline is accessible through Lake Ronkonkoma County Park. The park also offers a 100-foot fishing pier, which is located near some of the lake’s best fish habitat and a good place to start if you are new to the lake. A Suffolk County Green Key is required to fish in the park, and as with other lakes you must have a current New York fishing license.


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