What You'll Find at Onanda Park

Onanda Park is a 500-acre day-use park in Livingston County, about 30 miles south of Rochester, that gives you access to two separate lakes: Conesus Lake and Hemlock Lake. The park sits on a ridge between them, with parking and facilities at the top and trails leading down to both shorelines. Most anglers come for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish — bluegill and pumpkinseed are reliable — though Conesus also holds some walleye and chain pickerel.

The park is owned by the Genesee Valley Conservancy and operated as a public recreation area. It's free to enter, open dawn to dusk year-round, and has a small parking area, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The trails are steep in places but short — you're never more than a quarter-mile from water. This is a walk-in fishery, not a boat launch, so you're fishing from shore or wading.

Key Takeaways

  • Onanda Park offers shore access to Conesus Lake and Hemlock Lake, both holding largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish year-round.
  • The park is free, open dawn to dusk, and requires a short walk down steep trails to reach either lake.
  • New York State fishing license is required; no special permit is needed for either lake.
  • Spring and fall are most productive for bass; summer panfish action is steady in shallow bays and near structure.
  • Wading is possible along both shorelines, but water depth and bottom composition vary — scout before committing.

Conesus Lake: The Larger Option

Conesus Lake is the larger of the two — about 3,500 acres — and the more popular with anglers. The Onanda Park access puts you on the eastern shore, which is quieter than the western side where most of the residential development sits. From the parking area, follow the trail marked for Conesus; it descends about 200 feet over a quarter-mile to a small beach area and rocky shoreline.

Largemouth bass are the main draw. They're present year-round but most active from April through June and again in September and October. Early morning and late evening are best, especially in spring. Work the shallow bays and weed edges with soft plastics or topwater lures. Smallmouth bass are also here, typically in deeper water and around rocky structure — the eastern shore has more rocks than the western side, which works in your favor from this access point.

Walleye fishing is possible but inconsistent from shore. They're present in the lake but concentrated in deeper water, especially at night. If you're targeting them, fish the deeper drop-offs after dark with live shiners or jigs. Panfish — bluegill and pumpkinseed — are abundant in the shallows, particularly in June and July. A simple rod with small jigs or live crickets will produce steady action.

Hemlock Lake: Smaller and Quieter

Hemlock Lake is smaller — about 1,100 acres — and less developed, with a more natural shoreline. The Onanda Park trail to Hemlock descends steeply from the parking area and reaches the water in about a quarter-mile. The shoreline here is rockier and more irregular than Conesus, with more submerged structure and weed beds close to shore.

Smallmouth bass are the primary species at Hemlock and often larger than those in Conesus. The rocky bottom and structure-rich shoreline suit them well. Fish early and late in the day, working the rocks and drop-offs with crankbaits or jigs. Largemouth bass are present but less abundant than smallmouth. Panfish are also reliable, especially in the shallow bays on the northern end of the lake.

Hemlock is less crowded than Conesus, which can mean less fishing pressure on the bass. The trade-off is that the shoreline is steeper and wading is more limited — scout the area before you commit to a long session. Water clarity is generally good, which helps sight-fishing for bass in spring.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is peak season for bass. Water temperatures are rising, fish are moving shallow to spawn, and topwater and shallow-running lures produce well. Expect cooler mornings and warmer afternoons; dress in layers. The park can be muddy after rain.

Summer (June through August) is slower for bass but excellent for panfish. The heat pushes bass deeper, but bluegill and pumpkinseed bite consistently in shallow bays and near weed beds. Early morning and evening are still best for bass. Mosquitoes can be heavy; bring repellent.

Fall (September through October) brings a second peak for bass as water cools and fish move shallow again. This is often the best time to fish — stable weather, fewer bugs, and active fish. Water levels can drop slightly by late fall, which may affect wading access.

Winter (November through March) is quiet. The lakes don't freeze solid enough for safe ice fishing in most years. Some anglers fish for bass in December and January during mild spells, but conditions are unpredictable. The park remains open, but trails can be icy.

Access, Parking, and Regulations

Onanda Park is located at 3414 Canadice Hill Road in Livonia, New York. There is a small parking area at the top of the property — space for roughly 10 to 15 vehicles. On weekends, especially in spring and fall, it can fill up early. There are no reservations; it's first-come, first-served.

A New York State fishing license is required. You can purchase one online through the DEC website, at sporting goods stores, or at town clerk offices. No special permit is needed for either lake. Both are open to public fishing year-round under standard state regulations.

The park has vault toilets but no running water, no food service, and no boat launch. Bring water and snacks. Picnic tables are available if you want to stay for a longer session. The trails are maintained but steep and can be slippery when wet — wear appropriate footwear.

Wading and Shore Fishing Conditions

Wading is possible at both lakes but requires caution. Conesus has a sandy bottom near the beach area at Onanda, which transitions to muck and weeds further out. Hemlock is rockier throughout, with a steeper drop-off. Neither lake has a gradual shelf — you can go from ankle-deep to over your head quickly.

Felt-soled waders or wading boots with good grip are recommended, especially at Hemlock. A wading staff helps on the rocky bottom. Water temperature stays cold through May and doesn't warm significantly until July. Even in summer, the lakes are cool enough that waders are comfortable for extended sessions.

Shore fishing without wading is productive along both shorelines. Cast from the rocks at Hemlock or from the beach area at Conesus. The key is finding structure — weed beds, drop-offs, and rocky points — which concentrates fish. Scout the shoreline before you fish to identify the best spots.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack a standard bass and panfish setup: a medium-action spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line works for both species. Bring a variety of lures — soft plastics, crankbaits, topwater, and small jigs. For panfish, simple jigs or live bait (crickets, worms) are effective.

Bring more water than you think you'll need. The park has no water source, and the walk down and back up the trail is steep. A headlamp or flashlight is essential if you plan to fish early morning or evening. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat are standard. In spring and fall, bring a rain jacket — weather can change quickly.

Check the weather and water conditions before you go. The DEC website has links to lake information. Call ahead if you're unsure about trail conditions after heavy rain or snow. The park is small and quiet, which is part of its appeal, but it also means no services if something goes wrong — plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Onanda Park?

No. The park is shore access only — there is no boat launch. You fish from the shoreline or by wading. This limits your range but also means less competition and a more peaceful experience than busier boat-launch lakes.

Which lake is better for beginners?

Conesus is more forgiving. The beach area at Onanda has a gentler entry and shallower water for wading. Hemlock's rocky, steep shoreline is more challenging. If you're new to fishing, start at Conesus and work your way to Hemlock once you're comfortable wading.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset to dark) are most productive for bass. Panfish bite throughout the day but are more active in early morning and late evening as well. Midday is slowest, especially in summer.

Can I fish in winter?

Yes, but conditions are unpredictable. The lakes rarely freeze solid enough for safe ice fishing. Some anglers fish for bass in December and January during mild spells, but plan for cold water and shorter days. Spring and fall are more reliable.

Are there any size or catch limits?

New York State sets size and catch limits for bass and panfish. Bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit with a daily limit of five fish. Panfish have no minimum size but a 50-fish daily limit. Check the current DEC regulations before you fish — rules can change year to year.