Syracuse.com - CNY Shoreline hot spots: The two, DEC fishing access areas at the western end of Oneida Lake (second in a series)

[HuntingNY-News]

Two shoreline access areas in Brewerton, just off Interstate-81, have been popular fishing spots on the western end of Oneida Lake for years. “It’s a really great spot in the early season for walleye, and in the late fall as well,” said Al Daher, co-owner of Mickey’s Bait and Tackle in North Syracuse, of the southern location. “Now, there’s... Peter Chen/The Post-StandardPat Giarrusso (bottom), of Syracuse, fishes under the I-81 overpass to Oneida Lake, in Brewerton. Two shoreline access areas in Brewerton, just off Interstate-81, have been popular fishing spots on the western end of Oneida Lake for years.“It’s a really great spot in the early season for walleye, and in the late fall as well,” said Al Daher, co-owner of Mickey’s Bait and Tackle in North Syracuse, of the southern location.“Now, there’s weeds and the walleye fishing is harder to do. Anglers who go there now catch sunfish, perch, smallmouth bass, pickerel and a northern pike on occasion — and sometimes you’ll pick up a walleye, too.”The southern spot is readily accessible and there’s plenty of parking. To get there, exit Interstate-81 at the Brewerton exit. Take a right on Bartel Road and go back over I-81. Turn right on Kathan Road. The parking area, which doubles as a commuter parking lot, is immediately on the right.There’s a path to the lake and a foot bridge to get to a section that enables you to fish either side of I-81 in an area that’s covered with rip-rap (big rocks).The northern spot, located off Route 37 near I-81, is a similar setup in that there’s a parking area and a path to the lake. There’s also a 10-by-12-foot handicapped-acessible fishing platform. Anglers catch the same types of fish as they do at the southern site.On either side, there’s no bathrooms and no charge.“It’s deeper water on the northern side with less weeds, and once again best in the spring and fall. You can fish off the rocks or the deck underneath the bridge,” said Daher’s brother, James. “The only problem with the deck is it’s high off the water and you need a long-handled net if you get a fish.”

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog