The smallest of the six major Finger Lakes, Owasco Lake is located in Cayuga County. The name "Owasco" is derived from the Indian word "Wasco" which means "outlet". A second derivation of the name is from the Indian word "Osco" that means "crossing place."
Physical Features
Length: 11.1 miles
Area: 6,600 acres
Maximum width: 1.3 miles
Average width: 0.9 miles
Deepest point: 177 feet
Water Quality
Owasco Lake serves as a source of water supply for the City of Auburn and the Town of Owasco. As with Skaneateles Lake, Owasco Lake is explicitly protected by NY State ECL. Article 17 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.
Public Access
There is a launch site in the town of Auburn at the north end of the lake in Emerson Park.
At the south end of the lake there is a private marina with store, gas and launching facilities.
Fish Management
Although the shore line can be the enemy to a speeding boater, it is the home of warm water species. When you get inside the buoys crank baits, spinners and jigs are the tools of the day. It is not unusual to limit out on northern pike, and smallmouth bass and newly introduced walleye pike in sections of the lake. The local anglers association introduced walleye pike. As you move south and find the fifty foot depth it is time to consider trout fishing. The principal species of cold water fish are lake, brown and rainbow trout. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike and panfish have a healthy population also.
