Information on local services for both Otsego and Canadarago lakes is available by writing the Cooperstown-Otsego County Tourism office, 242 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820; by calling 1-800-843-3394; or by visiting the agency’s Web site at VisitCoopersTown.com.

REGION 7
Scott Prindle, a Region 7 aquatic biologist, says that Oneida Lake is the gem of the region.

Oneida Lake covers 50,894 acres. There is considerable irregular bottom structure with several large, shallow reefs, especially in the Oswego County section. Maximum depth is more than 50 feet, but most of the lake is much shallower.

Walleyes and yellow perch draw most of the attention from ice-fishermen. In fact, Oneida Lake has a longstanding reputation as one of the top walleye lakes in the country.

As with virtually all lakes, fish populations here have had their ups and downs. The trend now is “promising.”

The most abundant walleye year-class for anglers is about 17 inches long, which means 4-year-old fish. Also reasonably abundant are 8-year-old walleyes that will measure over 20 inches in length, and some substantially larger specimens.

“Since about 2000, there’s been a resurgence in bigger walleyes. There was a pretty big crash in the mid-’90s. It’s back up now to about the long-term average,” Prindle said. “A regulation change protected walleyes to a larger size.”

For those who expect Oneida Lake walleye fishing to return to the “good old days,” forget it.

“It’s never going to be as good as it used to be. It’s never going to have the same biomass,” Prindle said. “Traditionally, Oneida was a turbid lake,” he explained. “That’s what gave it its productivity.”

Sewage systems around the lake have greatly reduced seepage from surrounding homes and camps. Phosphorus load from fertilizers and municipalities has been reduced. These sources previously acted as fertilizer in the lake, encouraging plankton growth that colored the water.

The appearance of zebra mussels cleared the water again, making walleyes more difficult to catch. But this change in the ecosystem has not been bad for all species of fish. Bluegills and pumpkinseeds have become much more abundant.

Clearer water has also prompted the growth of more aquatic vegetation, which is perfect sunfish habitat. Bluegills reach respectable sizes, a few to 10 inches -- highly prized catches anywhere.

“Everybody is targeting walleyes,” Prindle said. “The perch population appears to be down. It’s been a slow, progressive decline, and it’s been up the last two years. But right now, there is nothing to get excited about.”

The lake’s perch, however, are of respectable size and the best anglers can find them in reasonable numbers.

Oneida Lake is easily accessible by turning north from the Thruway onto I-81. State Route 31 follows the southern side of the lake, while state Route 49 follows the northern side.

The walleye season is from the first Saturday in May through March 15. The daily limit is three walleyes. East of the I-81 bridge, and upstream in tributaries to the first barrier that’s impassible to fish, the minimum size is 15 inches.

For information about local services, contact the Oswego County Department of Promotion and Tourism, County Office Building, 46 East Bridge Street, Oswego, NY 13126; or call (315) 349-8322.

WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR
Panfish action might be better at Whitney Point Reservoir, where the outlook for crappies is promising.