DeRuyter Reservoir

DeRuyter Reservoir is a highly developed lake located on the border of Madison and Onondaga counties, near the Town of DeRuyter. It is one of the numerous area reservoirs that was built to supply water to the Erie Canal.

Walleye, chain pickerel, largemouth and smallmouth bass are the main gamefish found in the reservoir. Bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, black crappie, yellow perch, rock bass and brown bullhead are also found there. Walleye can often be tricky to locate, but some good starting points would be the 20 foot contour around the island, and point in the middle section of the lake. Try fishing with deep diving crankbaits, jigs or worm harnesses. Largemouth bass can be found around the vegetation while smallmouth bass are more often caught in the northern deeper portion. With the numerous chain pickerel in the lake, using a wire leader is advised if fishing around vegetation. The reservoir is also a popular ice fishing location for walleye, chain pickerel, and panfish.

For more information please visit The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Access Points

Fish