Otisco Lake

Otisco Lake is unique among Finger Lakes.  It was originally about 10' lower than it now is;  the lake's level was raised during the construction of the canal system - in effect flooding the original shoreline.   This lake also does not have a standard New York State (developed) launch on it, so anglers with medium to large boats are forced to launch at one of two marinas at $9 a pop.   Boat traffic is generally light on this lake.  

Why go here?   For me the main attraction is Tiger Muskies!  This lake holds decent numbers of Tiger Muskies, including some 20lb.+ fish.   The other big draw on this lake are walleyes - which get big here as well.   Most walleyes are caught by anglers casting stickbaits at night from shore from the late spring through fall.   Brown trout are stocked here and from year to year their survival is variable.   I saw a few 24"+ fish there this past year.  The lake also has some very nice largemouth and smallmouth bass.   Other species found in the lake include crappies, yellow perch, white perch, bullheads and a few channel catfish.   This lake is loaded with suckers, redhorse and carp and it's hard not to notice them jumping around all day long.

This lake for me has been feast or famine.   Bass fishing is the surest bet, but I usually don't go after them here - for me it's muskies or nothing!    May and June offer some great fishing here with plenty of pre-spawn large and smallmouth bass and chances at bonus walleyes and tiger muskies.    October is also another great month -for smallies, muskies and walleyes.