The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Skaneateles Lake
Onondaga County, New York · 8,800 acres (13.8 sq mi)
51°F water, calm this afternoon.
About Skaneateles Lake
In Onondaga County, New York, Skaneateles Lake covers 8,800 acres; it is a natural lake. Skaneateles Lake is so clean that the city of Syracuse has long used it as a largely untreated drinking-water source.
It stretches about 12.4 miles end to end with roughly 32 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 860 ft above sea level. It reaches about 315 ft at its deepest, with an average depth near 148 ft. Skaneateles is right by the lake. Syracuse, the nearest city, is about 16 miles northeast.
- Size
- 8,800 acres (13.8 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 315 ft (average 148 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 32 miles
- End to end
- About 12.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 860 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Onondaga County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 7:00 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 8 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 in Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake holds trout, lake trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. At 51°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 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
No daily level reading for this lake.
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 4:43 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Skaneateles Lake
- Skaneateleson the shore
- Marcellusabout 4.9 mi north
- Melrose Parkabout 5.7 mi northwest
- Elbridgeabout 6.2 mi north
- Syracusenearest city, about 16 mi northeast
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Questions about Skaneateles Lake
What fish are in Skaneateles Lake?
Skaneateles Lake holds trout, lake trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Skaneateles Lake?
About 315 ft at the deepest point, about 148 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Skaneateles Lake?
8,800 acres, with about 32 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Skaneateles Lake?
Skaneateles is on the shore; Marcellus is about 4.9 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Skaneateles Lake today?
The surface was about 51°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Skaneateles Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
