One of New York’s famed Finger Lakes, Conesus is the westernmost and one of the smallest of the chain. Perhaps for this reason it is a relatively underappreciated fishery, but the 8-mile long, 3,000-plus acre lake contains a wealth of fish.
Fish Species
Bass are the main attraction for many Conesus anglers, and the lake hosts bass tournaments throughout the summer on most years. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass inhabit the lake, though largemouths are more common by far. Pike and walleye are both relatively abundant, and can reach impressive sizes. Panfish including bluegill, sunfish and crappie are available as well, and the lake produces bullhead in astonishing numbers. Conesus Lake’s most underrated fish may be carp, which are targeted by few anglers and can grow to 20 pounds or more.
Early Spring Fishing
Bullhead action heats up in late March, almost as soon as the ice recedes, and peaks in early April. The DEC Access Area at the south end of Conesus Lake is a local bullhead hotspot, and a day of fishing can earn you a bucket of these 12- to 15-inch catfish. You might even catch a few pike or walleye as they return to the lake from spawning in the marsh below, but these fish must be released until their season starts on the first Saturday in May. Nightcrawlers will score bullhead on most days, but chicken livers fished close to the bottom are the bait of choice among local bullhead enthusiasts.
Late Spring Fishing
Bass fishing is catch-and-release only before the third Saturday in June, but springtime offers some of the best bass action of the year. Largemouths and smallmouths start to turn up in shallow water in April, and great prespawn fishing peaks in May. Boat docks up and down both sides of this long, narrow lake usually hold bass at this time, and you can often pick them off from shore in Vitale Park, in the town of Lakeville. Soft Jerkbaits, plastic worms and crankbaits are top bass lures. On some days a slow, methodical retrieve is best, but you can often score reaction strikes by bringing in a jerkbait with the wildest, most erratic retrieve you can muster.
Summer Fishing
You can find postspawn bass in weedy and rocky shallows at both ends of Conesus Lake, but as the water warms up these fish gradually transition to deeper water, just past the first major drop-off. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and soft plastics are good summer options for bass. June and July offer a chance to fill up a bucket with bluegill and sunfish as well. These fish spawn in vast colonies on shallow flats up and down the length of the lake and at both ends, and you can tempt sunnies up to 8 or 9 inches with live worms or small jigs.
Winter Fishing
Ice fishing is hugely popular from January to March, and ice fishermen typically catch bluegill and sunfish, with the occasional walleye, crappie or jumbo perch thrown in to anchor their catch. The area off Long Point Park on the lake’s western shore is a top spot, and the lake’s northern drop-off, accessible from Lakeville, regularly produces fish.
Access
Vitale Park in Lakeville offers ample shoreline access at the north end of Conesus Lake, along with parking, restrooms and picnic tables. The DEC Management Area at the south end offers bank fishing and a launch for small boats. To launch bigger craft, Conesus Lake Public Boat Launch provides boat ramps and parking for up to 45 vehicles with trailers on the lake’s east shore.