Owasco Lake is about 10.5 miles long and has a maximum depth of approximately 175 feet and a mean depth of the lake of about 94 feet. Due to these features, Owasco has a good warm/cool water fishery as well as a cold water fishery. Species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, perch, bullhead, sunfish, rock bass and a few other species inhabit the littoral zone of the lake that extends out from the shore to about 50 feet of depth, although I have caught bass and perch as deep as 70 feet.

Most warm/cool water species and their forage spawn successfully in the lake, however walleyes are the exception. Walleye stocking in Owasco Lake does not exist at this time and there are no plans to do so in the future.

For the most part cold water species such as lake trout, brown trout and rainbow trout inhabit the deeper portions of the lake. The forage base for these species include alewives, smelt, lake minnows, and various insects such as midge flies and other invertebrates. Alewives are an invasive species that was introduced into the lake during the 1970s. Northern pike were also stocked into the lake during this time. Neither fish species were stocked by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. No species should be stocked by individuals since new introductions could have a serious negative impact on the lakes ecosystem.

Each year, the DEC stocks Owasco Lake with 16,000 yearling lake trout, 11,000 brown trout - although 2,500 of these fish are stocked in the Owasco Inlet - and 25,000 rainbow trout. All of the rainbow trout are stocked in the Owasco Inlet, which acts as a nursery for one to two years at which time the survivors migrate to the lake.

Most cold water species have minimal success at spawning time due to the degradation of spawning areas. Excessive run-off consisting of silt and sediment may cover the clean gravel beds or smother the eggs after storm events. Also, exotic species often eat the eggs and young fry to such a degree that success is limited, thus the need for stocking the many trout species.

Recent exotic species found in Owasco Lake include zebra mussels, which are about the size of your thumbnail and consume plankton, which serves as the main food source for young fish. Loss of plankton causes the water in the lake to be very clear and thus encourages weed growth to greater depths in the lake. Spiny water fleas are also new exotics. Many exotic species were discharged into Lake Ontario by ocean going vessels and eventually have made their way to inland lakes and streams. Some of these exotic species have caused serious negative impacts to existing fresh water ecosystems.

Landowners can help the fishery by not throwing lawn clippings, leaves, etc., into the lake or into streams leading to the lake. Also, the elimination of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers containing phosphorus for usage on lawns around the lake should be promoted.

For additional information on Owasco Lake and its watershed, go online to www.owla.org.

Crosby is a retired Seneca Falls middle school teacher, president of Owasco Lake Anglers' Association, vice president of Cayuga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, and has served on the steering committee for Owasco Flats restoration and as chairman of the Owasco Lake Walleye Restoration Program.