What Hemlock Lake offers and who should fish it

Hemlock Lake is a 1,900-acre glacial lake in Livingston County, about 35 miles south of Rochester. It holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish in cold, clear water that stays deep year-round. The lake sits in a rural valley with limited development, which keeps the water quality high and the fishing pressure moderate compared to other Finger Lakes region waters.

This is a good destination if you want to avoid crowds and don't mind a longer drive from the Rochester area. The lake has public boat launch access and a few shoreline spots where you can fish without a boat. Hemlock works best for anglers targeting bass in spring and fall, or panfish through the summer. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires checking conditions first.

Key Takeaways

  • Hemlock Lake has a public launch at the north end near the village of Hemlock, with parking and a concrete ramp suitable for most trailers.
  • Largemouth bass bite best in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) around shallow structure; smallmouth bass are present year-round in deeper water.
  • You need a New York State fishing license and must follow statewide bass regulations, which currently allow five bass per day with a 12-inch minimum length.
  • The lake has no rental boats or guide services based on its shore, so you must bring your own boat or fish from shore.
  • Cell service is spotty in the valley, so download maps and directions before you arrive.

Public access and boat launch details

The primary public launch is at Hemlock Lake State Boat Launch, located on Route 20A near the village of Hemlock on the north shore. The launch has a concrete ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles with trailers, and a small dock. There is no fee to launch. The ramp is maintained year-round, though winter ice removal may delay opening in some years—call the Livingston County Parks Department to confirm conditions before a winter trip.

Shore fishing is limited but possible at a few spots. The boat launch area itself allows some casting from the dock, and there is a small public fishing access point on the east shore near the hamlet of Springwater, though parking is minimal. Most productive fishing requires a boat because the lake is deep and structure is scattered rather than concentrated along the shoreline.

Bass fishing seasons and techniques

Largemouth bass in Hemlock Lake respond best in spring (mid-April through May) when they move into shallow bays and weed edges to spawn. Fish early morning or late evening with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures around any visible vegetation or fallen trees. The north and west shores have more shallow structure than the eastern side.

Smallmouth bass are present year-round and tend to hold deeper, between 15 and 35 feet. They bite consistently in summer and fall on drop-shot rigs, tubes, and small swimbaits. Fall (September through October) is often the most reliable season for both species because water temperature stabilizes and bass feed aggressively before winter.

Winter fishing is possible through ice, but the lake does not freeze reliably every year. If ice forms, it typically does so by late December. Check with local bait shops in Hemlock or Geneseo before making the trip—they can tell you whether the ice is safe and where other anglers are fishing.

Panfish and other species

Bluegill, pumpkinseed, and other sunfish are abundant in Hemlock Lake and bite readily in summer from shore or shallow water. Fish near weed beds or dock pilings with small jigs, live crickets, or waxworms. Panfish average 6 to 8 inches, with occasional larger specimens in deeper water.

Chain pickerel are also present and can reach 18 to 24 inches. They hunt in weedy shallows and respond to small spinnerbaits or live shiners. Pickerel are aggressive and will strike hard, making them good for anglers who want active fishing.

Regulations and licensing

You must have a valid New York State fishing license to fish Hemlock Lake. Licenses are sold online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are visiting for a single trip.

Current bass regulations allow five fish per day with a 12-inch minimum length for both largemouth and smallmouth. Panfish have no daily limit. Pickerel have a 24-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Regulations can change, so check the DEC website or the current fishing guide before you go. The lake is open year-round for fishing.

When to fish and what to bring

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are the most productive seasons. Water temperature in spring ranges from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and in fall from 65 to 55 degrees. Summer is slower for bass but good for panfish. Winter ice fishing is possible but unpredictable.

Bring a boat if you have one—shore fishing is limited. If you do not own a boat, consider renting from a marina in nearby Geneseo or Avon, both about 20 minutes away. Bring a depth finder if your boat has one; Hemlock's deep structure is easier to locate with electronics. Wear a life jacket, bring sunscreen, and carry water and snacks. Cell service is unreliable in the valley, so download offline maps of the lake before you arrive.

Nearby services and lodging

The village of Hemlock has a few small shops and a diner, but no dedicated fishing lodge or resort. Geneseo, about 15 miles north, has motels, restaurants, and a Walmart. Avon, to the west, also has lodging and supplies. If you are staying overnight, book lodging in Geneseo or Avon rather than expecting to find it in Hemlock itself.

Bait and tackle shops in Geneseo and Avon carry live shiners, worms, and basic lures. They can also provide current information about water conditions and where other anglers are catching fish. Stop in before you launch if you need supplies or local knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Hemlock Lake?

A boat is not required but is strongly recommended. Shore fishing is possible at the boat launch and a few other spots, but most of the lake's structure and fish are in deeper water. If you do not own a boat, rental options are available in nearby Geneseo and Avon.

What is the best time of year to fish Hemlock Lake?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are most productive for bass. Summer is slower for bass but good for panfish. Winter ice fishing is possible but depends on ice formation, which varies year to year.

Are there guides or charter services on Hemlock Lake?

No guide services or charter boats operate from Hemlock Lake itself. You will need to bring your own boat or rent one from a marina in Geneseo or Avon. Local bait shops can provide current fishing information and advice.

What licenses do I need to fish here?

You need a New York State fishing license, available online through the DEC website or at sporting goods stores. A one-day license is cheaper than a full-season license if you are making a single trip.

Can I fish Hemlock Lake in winter?

Yes, but only if the lake freezes solid enough to support your weight. Ice typically forms by late December if conditions are right, but it is not may provide every year. Call a local bait shop or the Livingston County Parks Department to confirm ice conditions before you go.