The Seneca River begins at the outflow of Seneca Lake (Seneca County) and flows eastward for approximately 61 miles where it combines with the Oneida and Oswego rivers, with the Oswego then emptying into Lake Ontario.
Public Access Sites
Onondaga County
On Hayes Road, located at 3664 Hayes Road, Lysander. Hard surface ramp. 9 cars and trailers.
For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Onondaga County page.
Cayuga County
On Bonta Bridge Road. Hand launch. 10 cars.
On Route 38 approximately 3 miles north of the village of Port Byron. Gravel ramp. 15 cars and trailers.
For more information on these launches including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Cayuga County page.
Seneca County
In the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge Area off Route 20, on the Barge Canal just south of Freebridge in the town of Tyre. Hard surface ramp. 25 cars and trailers.
For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Seneca County page.
Accessible Features
From the Hayes Road Parking Area, near the outlet to Onondaga Lake, wheelchair accessible features include the:
- Trailered boat launch with dock; and
- Fishing/viewing platform
Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.
Fish Species
Walleye, tiger musky, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch, brown bullhead, channel catfish, freshwater drum, bowfin, common carp, longnose gar, white sucker, round goby and gizzard shad.
General Fishing Information
The Seneca River has become a popular fishing location for bass and carp tournament anglers. For largemouth and smallmouth bass try spinnerbaits, bass jigs, crankbaits and plastics around the woody structure along the shore. Gizzard shad are abundant in the river and are one of the primary prey species for the gamefish in the river. So, using shad colored baits can be good.
When targeting tiger musky, using a wire leader is highly recommended. For carp, try fishing with corn or one of the many commercial carp baits. Chumming the area you plan on fishing with corn can also help bring carp in and hold them in the area.
