Book Your Fishing Charter in Onondaga, NY

Situated in the southwest of Syracuse in New York’s Onondaga County, you’ll find the quaint yet historically-rich town of Onondaga. Though it may not be a premier fishing destination, anglers visiting the area will find nearby waters enough to make a tranquil and educational trip. Its location makes its waters maintain cool temperatures, which are great for species that thrive in those conditions. Anglers also won’t have problems finding access as most spots are landlocked. 

Trout anglers will find the area a viable option as most, if not all, local waters in the county are stocked with thousands of fish every year. Even small streams are stocked with fish due to several larger bodies of water found in proximity. Suppose you want to spend some time out of the water; in that case, you can learn more about the town’s Native American heritage and history as it is still home to one of the politically independent entities and territories recognized by the US Federal Government.

Fishing: Prolific Trout Fishing All Year Round in Onondaga

Though the town may not offer much, nearby waters provide great angling spots that will leave you with a tranquil and productive trip.

Onondaga Lake is not technically found in the town but can be reached by just a short trip to the north. The dimictic lake has offerings like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, common carp, northern pike, yellow perch, tiger muskellunge, channel catfish, walleye, pumpkinseed, and panfish. Species such as American eel, Atlantic Salmon, and whitefish found in the lake have declined though fish like brown trout and lake sturgeon continue to thrive. The quality of sport fishing for its bass species has also gained national acclaim, so you may be able to hook some big fish. 

When you head east, you’ll come upon the small sanctuary of Webster Pond, which is primarily used for fishing. There, you’ll be able to catch fish like largemouth bass, brown trout, white sucker, rainbow trout, brook trout, blue catfish, and spotted bass. It’s also open all year round, so you can visit anytime with operating hours from 9 am to 9 pm.

Traveling the other way to the northeast, you’ll find Carpenter’s Brook, another fantastic trout fishing area. It is abundant in wild trout and is stocked annually as well. You can also target other species like largemouth bass, bluegill, creek chub, green sunfish, and pumpkinseed. The stream also has access for anglers that use wheelchairs. If you travel towards the east, you’ll reach Geddes Brook, which is also rich in wild and stocked trout, but you can find largemouth bass, bluegill, white sucker, yellow perch, black bullhead, and rock bass as well.

If you’re tired of hooking cold-water fish, go to Ninemile Creek. Unlike other local waters, its waters get warmer during the summer, making it ideal for warm water species. Though you can still fish for trout and similar species like cold water in sections of the stream. 

Don’t want to kill or keep your catches? There’s a no-kill artificial lure-only stream called Skaneateles Creek, where you can just opt to practice and hone your angling skills or even just fish for fun. You can’t keep, kill or use live bait when you fish in a stream that has species like rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, channel catfish, yellow perch, creek chub, and skamania trout.

Take in the Deep History of Onondaga, NY

1. Seek Out the Town’s Heritage

The Town of Onondaga Historical Society operates and maintains the local museum and Poorhouse district that had retained and preserved what Onondaga was like when it was first settled by the Onondaga Nation. You can find burials records, newspaper articles, a photo collection, census records, County Poorhouse records, and more.

2. Admire Old Architecture

You can find the only site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Gen. Orrin Hutchinson House, which presents Dutch and other influences in its architecture. The first courthouse in the county is located in Onondaga Hill, remained prosperous since it was built in 1805.