How to Fish Conesus Lake

Conesus Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Largemouth bass are transitioning to pre-spawn patterns, actively roaming shallow flats near deep water access and utilizing docks as staging areas Fish are showing increased feeding activity but may require varied retrieval speeds to trigger strikes as water temperatures fluctuate Key locations: Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those providing shade and ambush points; Shallow flats with quick access to deeper water; Points and steeper banks transitioning to spawning areas. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked around docks and shallow cover, Hard Jerkbaits with varied cadence along points and flats, Soft Jerkbaits skipped under docks. Primary forage: Perch actively moving in shallow areas, Alewife beginning to move shallow. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 35-54°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter locations to staging areas, actively feeding to prepare for spawning. Fish are schooling on structure in 5-15 foot depth range, with increased activity during warming trends. Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior when encountered, particularly responding to bait presentations above their holding depth, as evidenced by their willingness to move up from rock piles to strike. Key locations: Rock piles and points in 5-15 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water; Shallow flats with isolated patches of grass in 6-8 feet; Wind-blown points with good baitfish presence. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits with jerk-jerk-pause cadence, especially effective on wind-blown points and near baitfish schools, Damiki Rig worked 3-4 feet above rock piles when fish are spotted on electronics, Drop Shot around ledges and deeper structure during colder periods. Primary forage: Perch - primary forage based on multiple recent catches, Alewife - particularly around open water points, Minnows - especially important around rock structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Conesus Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 38-48°F. Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding and becoming more aggressive as they prepare for spawning, primarily targeting larger forage in shallow areas near spawning locations Fish are moving from winter deep-water areas to shallow spawning areas, particularly focusing on areas with emerging vegetation and warming water Key locations: Shallow flats adjacent to deep water, especially those with emerging vegetation; Protected coves and bays that warm up first in spring; Points and structure leading into spawning bays. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through shallow areas, Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to emerging weed edges, Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses in slightly deeper transitional areas. Primary forage: Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas, Alewife moving into warmer shallow waters. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Vibrant Assorted Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-68°F. Pre-spawn and spawning largemouth bass moving shallow (2-5ft range) seeking warmer water and bedding areas Fish transitioning between staging areas and spawning flats, with males guarding nests while females move between deeper and shallow water Key locations: Protected shallow coves and pockets with firm bottom (2-5ft depth); Docks providing staging areas adjacent to spawning flats; Secondary points leading into spawning bays. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points, Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and slow presentations to bedding fish, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working around shallow cover. Primary forage: Bluegill gathering in similar spawning areas, Small perch in staging areas, Minnows around shallow vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Moving into shallow staging areas (5-15 feet) near spawning flats, actively feeding before spawn Males preparing and guarding nesting sites in protected areas with hard bottom Females making periodic movements between deeper pre-spawn staging and shallow spawning areas Key locations: Protected rocky coves and points in 5-15 foot depth range; Areas with isolated grass patches in 6-8 feet near spawning flats; Hard bottom areas near deep water access. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly along bottom in likely spawning areas, Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements around staging areas, Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for pre-spawn fish. Primary forage: Perch gathering in shallow areas, Alewife moving into spawning areas, Herring schools in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Conesus Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Northern Pike moving into shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation for spawning Post-spawn fish actively feeding to recover energy, targeting abundant baitfish in transitional areas Key locations: Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and warmer water temperatures; Transition areas where shallow flats meet deeper water; Protected coves with submerged vegetation. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas, Spinnerbaits retrieved near emerging weed edges, Inline Spinners cast parallel to shoreline structure. Primary forage: Perch congregating in shallow spawning areas, Alewife moving into warmer shallow waters. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-72°F. Post-spawn bass transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, becoming more active but scattered across different depth zones Fish showing mixed behavior patterns - some remaining shallow near grass while others moving to deeper dock areas as temperatures rise Key locations: Docks with access to deeper water, especially during morning hours; Shallow grass patches in 3-5 foot range, particularly those with open pockets; Deeper ledges and transitions as the day progresses. Best techniques: Shakey Heads worked slowly around docks and transitions, Texas Rigs (Worming) in grass pockets, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water between productive areas. Primary forage: Bluegill in shallow grass areas, Small baitfish around dock areas. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting perch and baitfish around transition areas between spawning flats and summer haunts Fish are establishing loose schools and becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns as water temperatures stabilize Key locations: Rock piles and ledges in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats; Main lake points with mixed rock and grass in 6-12 feet; Isolated boulder fields near deep water access. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly around rock structure, Ned Rigs dragged along transitional areas between spawning flats and deeper water, Tubes bounced through rocky areas mimicking bottom-oriented forage. Primary forage: Perch concentrating around rock/grass transition areas, Alewife moving into shallower water columns, Small crayfish becoming more active on rocky structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Conesus Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during early morning and late evening Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer locations, following abundant baitfish schools Aggressive feeding behavior near emerging weed edges and points where forage congregates Key locations: Emerging weed edges adjacent to spawning bays; Points and rocky areas near deeper water access; Shallow flats with developing vegetation (2-8 feet). Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near points, Inline Spinners in shallow feeding areas. Primary forage: Perch gathering near developing weed growth, Alewife schools moving into warming shallow areas, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear in the shallows. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Summer?

Water temp 70-75°F. Actively feeding along deep weed edges during early morning and evening, with fish holding in 15-20ft depth range during midday Utilizing submerged vegetation as primary cover, alternating between actively feeding on bluegill and crawfish Key locations: Deep weedlines in 15-20ft range with good vegetation growth; Dock areas adjacent to deep weedlines; Points with submerged vegetation intersecting deeper water. Best techniques: Drop Shot with soft plastics worked along weed edges, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting thick vegetation, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) for covering water along weed edges. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrated around weed edges, Crawfish active in and around vegetation, Various minnow species relating to weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Summer?

Water temp 65-82°F. Actively feeding on primary forage (perch, alewife, herring) around main lake structure during early morning and evening periods Suspending near deep structure edges during midday heat, moving between 12-25 foot depth ranges Establishing feeding zones around primary points and rock piles with optimal access to both shallow and deep water Key locations: Main lake points with mixed rock and boulder structure in 12-20 foot range; Offshore rock piles and ledges adjacent to deeper water; Secondary points with scattered grass patches in 6-12 feet. Best techniques: Drop Shot worked methodically along deep structure edges, Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas, Ned Rigs worked slowly on main lake points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish during prime feeding periods. Primary forage: Perch gathering around rock structure, Alewife suspending near deeper breaks, Herring moving through open water adjacent to structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Conesus Lake in Summer?

Water temp 68-75°F. Pike are actively feeding during early morning hours near weed edges, retreating to deeper, cooler water during peak daytime temperatures Utilizing submerged vegetation as ambush points, particularly during low-light periods Key locations: Submerged weed beds in 8-15 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water; Deep weed edges near points and coves; Deeper, cooler structures during midday hours. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges during early morning, Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') during midday heat. Primary forage: Perch, Alewife. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-62°F. Largemouth bass are in transition mode, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. Fish are showing increased activity around shallow areas (2-5ft) during stable weather, but moving deeper and becoming less aggressive during cold fronts Fish are relating strongly to ambush points near depth transitions, particularly around submerged vegetation edges and dock areas Key locations: Submerged vegetation edges in 2-5 foot range, especially near clearing areas; Docks with nearby depth changes; Points with rock and drop-offs. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses around points and depth transitions, Tubes worked slowly around docks and vegetation edges, Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves mimicking struggling baitfish. Primary forage: Perch - primary forage based on recent fishing success, Minnows - becoming more prevalent in shallower areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Conesus Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-68°F. Actively feeding on baitfish schools (alewife and herring) to build pre-winter reserves Following baitfish movements from deep structure to mid-depth flats throughout the day Schooling behavior increases, with multiple fish often found on the same structure Key locations: Main lake points with access to deep water and boulder structure; Deep rock piles in 15-25 foot range adjacent to baitfish holding areas; Sharp breaks and ledges where current creates baitfish ambush points. Best techniques: Drop Shot worked methodically around deep structure, Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved along breaks. Primary forage: Alewife schools suspending near structure, Herring moving through open water, Perch relating to bottom structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Conesus Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Northern Pike actively feeding on larger forage fish, transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower hunting grounds as water temperatures cool Most aggressive during early morning and late evening, following baitfish schools and utilizing ambush points near structure Increased feeding activity in preparation for winter, with fish moving between deep and shallow water based on daily temperature fluctuations Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to shallow flats where baitfish schools congregate; Points and rock piles near deeper water access; Shallow coves with remaining vegetation, especially during warmer parts of the day. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through baitfish schools, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure transitions, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') parallel to depth changes and structure lines. Primary forage: Perch schooling near structure transitions, Alewife moving in larger schools, Various smaller baitfish congregating in remaining weed growth. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Conesus Lake in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Northern Pike are likely to hold in deeper water (15-25 feet) near steep drop-offs and transitions to shallow flats, waiting to ambush prey Feeding activity tends to be more consistent but less aggressive during open water winter, with fish preferring slower-moving presentations Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to steep drop-offs; Points and ledges transitioning from shallow flats to deep water; Deep rock piles near primary lake channels. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Soft Body Swimbaits (Large), Blade Baits. Primary forage: Perch suspended near deep structure, Alewife schools in open water, Larger baitfish concentrating in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Conesus Lake in Ice?

Water temp 33-39°F. Northern Pike position near weed edges and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water for ambush opportunities Most active during low-light periods, with reduced activity during bright midday hours Feeding becomes more opportunistic and methodical due to slower metabolism in cold water Key locations: Weed edges adjacent to deep water transitions where perch congregate; Shallow flats (8-12 feet) near deep-water access; Points and rock piles that provide ambush locations near deeper water. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths, Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes, Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation. Primary forage: Perch congregating in winter schools, Alewife in deeper water columns, Small panfish near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Metallic Colors.