The Oneida River is a large river that forms part of the boundary between Oswego and Onondaga counties. Flowing roughly westward it is the outlet of Oneida Lake and part of the NYS Barge Canal. The Oneida River stretches approximently 18 miles from Oneida Lake to Three Rivers where it joins with the Seneca River, to form the Oswego River. There are three "cuts" or channels for the canal system: Big Bend, Morgan Cut, and Anthony Cut. Each of the channel cuts form an island. Lock 23 is located in Anthony Cut and a water level control dam is located at Caughdenoy.
Public Access Sites
Bonstead Road. On Bonstead Road approximately 2 miles northwest of Village of Three Rivers. Hard surface ramp. 20 cars and trailers.
For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Onondaga County page.
Fish Species
Walleye, tiger musky, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, white perch, brown bullhead, channel catfish, common carp, freshwater drum, bowfin, round goby and gizzard shad.
General Fishing Information
For largemouth and smallmouth bass try crankbaits, bass jigs and spinnerbaits along the shore. For walleye try a jig tipped with night crawler in the deeper holes. Fishing with cut-bait or night crawlers works well for channel catfish below the Caughdenoy Dam.
Fisheries Management
The Oneida River is not stocked. However, because of it's connection with Oneida Lake, Seneca River and Cross Lake, walleye and tiger musky stocked in those waters can also be found in the Oneida River.
Fishing Regulations
Due to the large number of locks and dams found in the area and the water bodies associated with it, some water bodies have been combined. Water body definitions can be found under Water Body in the freshwater Fishing Guide. A printable PDF overview map can also be viewed by clicking on the map to the right. Personally harvested baitfish may not be transported between these water bodies.