The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Onondaga Lake
Onondaga County, New York · about 2,860 acres (4.5 sq mi)
52°F water, level steady, calm this morning.
About Onondaga Lake
Onondaga Lake spreads over about 2,860 acres in Onondaga County, New York.
It stretches about 3.6 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 11.2 miles. At about 360 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Liverpool is right by the lake. The closest city is Syracuse, about 2 miles away.
- Size
- About 2,860 acres (4.5 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 11.2 miles
- End to end
- About 3.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 360 ft
- County
- Onondaga County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph
Sunday Good
- 7:00 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in New York, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 52°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
Steady over 7 days.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:55 am · sunset 4:42 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Onondaga Lake
- Liverpoolon the shore
- Lakelandon the shore
- Galevilleon the shore
- Solvayon the shore
- Syracusenearest city, about 2 mi southeast
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Questions about Onondaga Lake
What fish are in Onondaga Lake?
Lakes like Onondaga Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Onondaga Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Onondaga Lake?
About 2,860 acres, with about 11.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Onondaga Lake?
Liverpool is on the shore.
What is the water temperature at Onondaga Lake today?
The surface was about 52°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Onondaga Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
