For travelers searching for an enchanting Upstate New York lakes to visit, look no further than Oneida Lake!
Named for the Oneida Nation of the Iroquois League, the lake’s rich heritage dates back thousands of years when it was originally settled by native North Americans. French explorer Samuel De Champlain was the first European to visit Oneida Lake in 1615. Settlers were drawn to the area by the natural waterways and plentiful supply of fish, which continue to attract visitors from across the country.
Oneida Lake has always been a vital waterway for commerce. Many prominent industries once occupied its north shore, including glass making. The area was home to much of America’s window glass manufacturing in the 19th century, and the local sand gave glass such an exceptional brilliance it was used by Corning Glass Works to make the lens for Palomar Observatory in California, once the world’s largest telescope.
A dream for anglers, Oneida Lake offers prime fishing opportunities year-round. In the spring, walleye can be found in the lake’s shallow waters near spawning areas and tributaries before heading out to deeper waters in the summer.
Walleye is the primary focus at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Oneida Lake Fish Culture Station in Constantia. Each year, 200-300 million eggs are collected and reared to stock the fishery with walleye fry and advanced fingerlings (young fish). The facility also cultivates tiger musky and works to restore rare or threatened fish species such as lake sturgeon.
Other varieties of fish found in the lake include large and smallmouth bass, Northern pike, and yellow perch. Oneida Lake is home to multiple nationally televised bass fishing tournaments throughout the summer, including the Outdoor Channel’s Ultimate Match College Tournament and ESPN’s Bassmaster Memorial. In the winter, the north shore of the lake freezes early, providing a great ice fishing spot for panfish.
For more information on Oswego County’s robust fishing, visit our fishing page.
The lake is also a haven for boating and recreation, with charming restaurants, public and private water access sites, marinas and tackle shops dotting the shoreline. Visit Oswego County, New York, and head to Oneida Lake. Explore 28 acres of serene beauty at Frenchman’s Island, paddle in and out of dozens of coves along the shoreline, or enjoy a delicious meal with scenic lakeside views.