Conesus Lake is the most westerly of the eleven Finger Lakes. The lake serves as the water supply for both Avon and Geneseo since the late 1800s. It is the closest of the Finger Lakes to Rochester, NY. The lake is known for its sportfishing and recreational opportunities.
Conesus Lake is a popular destination for recreational boating and sportfishing because of its proximity to Rochester, NY.
Motorboats can be launched at the Conesus Lake Boat Launch off East Lake Road. Cartop launching is available at Conesus Lake Wildlife Management Area off West Lake Road, Pebble Beach of Pebble Beach Road, and Sand Point off Route 20A.
Conesus Lake is a popular sportfishing destination for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, tiger musky, walleye, and yellow perch. The lake is also a popular destination for ice fishing.
Visit the Chip Holt Nature Center located in Vitale Park at the north end of Conesus Lake.
Conesus Lake is home to several invasive species, including Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed. In 2021, starry stonewort was also found in the lake. When visiting Conesus Lake it is important to follow the Clean, Drain, Dry principles to prevent the introduction of new invasive species, as well as the spread of invasive species from Conesus Lake to other lakes. If you are fishing Conesus Lake it is important not to dump bait buckets in the lake as this can introduce non-native species.
Lakeshore residents should follow lake-friendly practices such as reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as planting and planting and maintaining healthy lakeshore buffers. Farms in the watershed should follow best management practices for managing runoff.
In 2006, Conesus Lake was the first lake in New York State outside of the Great Lakes to have a new strain of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). VHS is a fish disease that can lead to massive die-offs. The word “Conesus” comes from the Native American word for “always beautiful.” Turtle-like stones are found in the lake, which are known around the world as “Conesus stones.” Phantom of the Lake is a local legend that has been around for over 150 years. It is believed that Native American Chief Big Tree’s ghost can be seen on the lake during periods of fog calling for help. Some people believe the U.S.S. Lady of the Lake lies at the bottom of Conesus Lake, though this has never been confirmed. Conesus Lake is somewhat unique in that all of the residential camps and homes around the lake are on a wastewater system, avoiding concerns related to septic systems which are common around many lakes.
Land cover in the Conesus Lake watershed. Map created with Model My Watershed.
Open Water
5.17mi²
Perennial Ice/Snow
0.00mi²
Developed, Open Space
3.92mi²
Developed, Low
1.47mi²
Developed, Medium
0.42mi²
Developed, High
0.07mi²
Barren Land
Deciduous Forest
27.22mi²
Evergreen Forest
0.58mi²
Mixed Forest
3.07mi²
Shrub/Scrub
0.58mi²
Grassland/Herbaceous
0.12mi²
Pasture/Hay
10.61mi²
Cultivated Crops
14.27mi²
Woody Wetlands
1.80mi²
Emergent Wetlands
0.75mi²
7.37%
0.00%
5.59%
2.10%
0.60%
0.10%
38.85%
0.82%
4.39%
0.83%
0.12%
15.15%
20.38%
2.57%
1.07%
Stream network and watershed slope in the Conesus Lake watershed. Red areas indicate locations with steep slopes. Map created with Model My Watershed.
1st Order Streams
120.56mi
2nd Order Streams
36.87mi
3rd Order Steams
14.54mi
4th Order Steams
11.86mi
Length in agricultural areas
27.17mi
Length in non-agricultural areas
156.66mi
Total stream length
183.84mi
5.74%
2.74%
1.47%
0.03%
Hydrologic soil groups in the Conesus Lake watershed. Red areas indicate locations with steep slopes. Map created with Model My Watershed.
A – High Infiltration
5.67mi²
A/D – High/Very Slow Infiltration
0.00mi²
B – Moderate Infiltration
7.63mi²
B/D – Medium/Very Slow Infiltration
8.14mi²
C – Slow Infiltration
19.65mi²
C/D – Medium/Very Slow Infiltration
12.09mi²
D – Very Slow Infiltration
20.36mi²
3.12%
0.00%
10.90%
11.62%
28.05%
17.25%
29.06%
Water Quality Data & Lake Management
Research Papers & Presentations
Photo 1: bdesham, Photo 2: See1,Do1,Teach1, Photo 3: Colin Bruckel
Physical Properties
This status does not necessarily represent the current status of HABs in the lake. It indicates whether HABs have ever been reported in the lake.
70.27mi² Conesus Lake is home to several invasive species, including Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed. In 2021, starry stonewort was also found in the lake.
Harmful algal blooms, commonly referred to as HABs, occur due to the rapid growth of specific species of algae. HABs are most often the results
Invasive species are non-native organisms that outcompete native species when introduced to a new environment. They can be animals, plants, or disease-causing organisms. These species
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Saranac Lake, NY 12983
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