What You'll Find at Hemlock Lake

Hemlock Lake is a 1,900-acre glacial lake in Livingston County, about 40 miles south of Rochester, that holds lake trout, smallmouth bass, and landlocked Atlantic salmon. The lake runs roughly north to south and reaches depths over 140 feet in places, which keeps the water cold enough year-round to support coldwater species most anglers in the region have to travel far to find. The bottom is mostly rock and gravel, and the shoreline mixes rocky points with shallow bays—the kind of structure that holds fish predictably.

Access is straightforward: there's a public launch at the north end near the hamlet of Hemlock, and a second launch at the south end near Conesus Lake. Both are town-owned and open to the public. The lake is long and narrow enough that you can fish different sections in a single day without burning fuel, and the surrounding land is mostly private, so you'll be working from the water.

Key Takeaways

  • Hemlock Lake holds lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing from shore and boat.
  • Two public launches serve the lake—one at the north end near Hemlock village and one at the south end—both with parking and basic facilities.
  • The lake's depth and cold water mean fish move vertically with the seasons; deep structure in summer requires trolling or jigging, while spring and fall bring them shallower.
  • Smallmouth bass fishing peaks in May and June around rocky points and drop-offs, and again in September and October.
  • No gas motors are allowed on Hemlock Lake, so plan for electric trolling motors, canoes, kayaks, or rowing.

Spring Fishing: April Through May

Spring is when Hemlock Lake fishes best for most anglers. Lake trout and salmon move into shallower water as the lake begins to turn over, and they're hungry after winter. The rocky points on both the east and west shores hold fish, especially where a shallow shelf drops off into deeper water. Work these transitions with small spoons (silver or white, sizes 2 to 3) or live shiners if you can get them.

Smallmouth bass wake up in May and move onto the rocky shelves and shallow reefs. Throw tubes, crankbaits, or soft plastics in dark colors early in the morning and again in the evening. The north basin tends to warm faster than the south, so if the water is still cold, start there. Expect to move around—this is not a lake where you sit in one spot all day.

Summer: A Deeper Game

By mid-June, the lake stratifies. Lake trout and salmon drop to the thermocline, usually between 40 and 70 feet depending on the week. This is when trolling becomes the most reliable method. Troll small diving crankbaits or spoons along the deeper drop-offs, or use a jigging spoon vertically if you find a concentration on your electronics. The south basin, which is deeper overall, holds more fish in summer than the north.

Smallmouth bass fishing slows but doesn't stop. Early morning and late evening, you can still find them on the rocky points in 15 to 25 feet of water. Midday, they retreat deeper or into shade. If you're targeting bass in July and August, focus on the cooler hours and the deeper structure.

Fall: The Second Peak

September and October bring another strong bite as the lake cools and fish move back into shallower water. Lake trout and salmon return to the rocky shelves and points where you found them in spring. Spoons and small crankbaits work well, and the fishing can be fast if you find the right depth—usually 20 to 40 feet. The water is clearer in fall than in spring, so lighter line and smaller lures often outfish heavier tackle.

Smallmouth bass fishing is excellent in October. The fish are feeding hard before winter, and they're less scattered than they are in summer. Rocky points, especially on the east shore, hold concentrations of fish. Throw crankbaits and soft plastics in the 10 to 20-foot range and work them slowly.

Winter and Late Fall

Hemlock Lake does not have a strong ice-fishing tradition, partly because the lake is deep and the ice can be unpredictable. If ice forms and is safe, jigging spoons in 40 to 60 feet of water over the deeper basins can produce lake trout, but this is not a destination winter fishery. Many anglers move to shallower lakes in the region once November arrives.

Late fall (November) can still be productive if you can get out before the ice sets. Lake trout and salmon are deep but still feeding. Jigging spoons vertically in 50 to 80 feet of water is your best bet.

Tackle and Technique Notes

Lake trout and salmon respond to small spoons (Hopkins, Acme, or similar), small crankbaits (Rapala, Bomber), and live shiners or smelt when you can get them. Jigging spoons work year-round in deeper water. For smallmouth, tubes, crankbaits, and soft plastics in dark colors (black, brown, dark green) outfish bright colors on this clear lake.

Remember: no gas motors are allowed. Bring an electric trolling motor if you plan to cover water, or plan to fish from a kayak or canoe. The lake is long enough that paddling to different sections is realistic, but it takes time. Many anglers launch at one end, fish the nearest structure, and call it a day.

Getting There and What to Bring

The north launch is at the end of Lake Road in Hemlock village (Livingston County). There's parking for about a dozen vehicles and a concrete ramp. The south launch is near Conesus Lake, also with parking and a ramp. Both are free and maintained by the town. Arrive early on weekends—the parking fills up, especially in May and September.

Bring a depth finder if you have one; this lake rewards knowing where the structure is. Bring more layers than you think you'll need—the water is cold, and wind off the lake can drop the temperature fast. A net is useful for landing lake trout and salmon. If you're trolling, bring a rod holder or two to free up your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Hemlock Lake from shore?

Shore fishing is possible but limited. The shoreline is mostly private, so you're confined to the public launches and a small area around them. Most productive fishing requires a boat or kayak to reach the deeper structure and rocky points.

What's the best time to catch lake trout?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most consistent. In summer, lake trout are deep and require trolling or jigging. Winter fishing is possible but unpredictable due to ice conditions.

Do I need a boat, or can I kayak?

Kayaking works well on Hemlock Lake. The lake is long but not extremely wide, and you can reach good structure from either launch. Bring a paddle leash and dress for cold water—the lake is deep and cold year-round.

What's the size limit for lake trout and salmon?

New York's current regulations require you to check the DEC website or the current fishing guide before you go. Limits and minimum sizes change, and Hemlock Lake may have special rules. Verify before you fish.

Is there a tackle shop nearby?

The nearest shops are in Geneseo or Livonia, both about 15 to 20 minutes away. Stock up on spoons, crankbaits, and line before you arrive at the lake.