Constantia Fishing Guides
Constantia fishing charters work Oneida Lake’s shoals, drop-offs, and bays for walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, and northern pike.
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Constantia, NY Fishing Guide
Constantia sits on the north shore of Oneida Lake, giving charter captains quick access to some of the lake’s most productive fishing grounds. Most trips here run as half-day or full-day charters, with some guides offering sunrise and evening departures to take advantage of prime feeding windows. Specialty trips, such as ice fishing in winter or night trolling for walleye in summer, are also popular. The fishery is built around varied structure—rocky shoals, submerged humps, deep drop-offs, and expansive weedy bays. These spots hold fish year-round, but location and presentation shift with the seasons.
Launch points in Constantia typically include the public ramp at the north end of town, which allows a short run to the central lake basin or east toward Cleveland and west toward Brewerton. Run distances are minimal—often under 5 miles to reach prime fishing areas—which means more time with lines in the water. The Oneida River, flowing out of the west end of the lake, provides another option for anglers targeting walleye and bass in moving water.
In spring, walleye and bass move shallow, favoring rocky points and nearshore flats. Summer sees them slide to deeper ledges and mid-lake shoals, while perch and panfish remain active in the weeds. Fall fishing often brings some of the biggest walleye of the year as they feed heavily before winter. Ice season in Constantia draws anglers onto frozen bays and points, with shanties dotting the lake.
Techniques vary from trolling stickbaits and worm harnesses for walleye, to drop-shotting and jigging for bass, to live bait rigs for perch and panfish. Fly anglers can target smallmouth during warmer months, especially along rocky shorelines. Nearby waters like the Salmon River and Lake Ontario, less than 30 minutes away, offer additional opportunities for trout, salmon, and steelhead when you’re looking to change things up. Constantia’s central position on Oneida Lake means there’s always a productive option within a short run.
Fishing Seasons in Constantia
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Constantia focuses on shallow-water action as walleye, bass, and perch move into rocky points, shorelines, and weed edges to spawn or feed. Walleye season typically opens in early May, and trolling small stickbaits or drifting live minnows works well. Bass, which remain catch-and-release until the season opens, are aggressive and often hit soft plastics or jerkbaits in 4–8 feet of water. Perch school up along drop-offs, making them easy to locate with electronics. Water temperatures rise quickly in the shallows, so morning trips can be best early in the season, while midday fishing improves as spring progresses. The north shore’s access points allow anglers to get on the bite without long boat runs
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings warm water and scattered fish, but walleye remain the prime target for Constantia charters. Early mornings and late evenings are top times for trolling crawler harnesses or crankbaits along mid-lake humps and deeper breaklines. Smallmouth bass patrol rocky shoals and drop-offs, hitting tubes, Ned rigs, and drop-shot rigs. Perch and sunfish stay active in weed beds, making for steady action on light tackle. Night fishing is a local favorite for big walleye—slow-trolling stickbaits under the stars often produces trophy-class fish. Calm summer days also allow easy runs across the lake for those wanting to fish the south shore flats.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime time for Constantia walleye fishing, as fish feed heavily before winter. Trolling crankbaits along 15–25 foot breaks produces consistent catches, while jigging blade baits and spoons works well when fish are stacked. Smallmouth bass action stays strong into October, especially around rocky structure. The perch bite intensifies in cooler water, with schools bunching up and feeding aggressively. This is also a season when weather can change quickly—north winds can stack waves along the south shore, so charters often work the north shore’s protected areas. Fewer boats are on the water, making it a quieter, more focused fishing season.
Winter (December–February)
Ice fishing in Constantia starts once the bays and points lock up, usually by January. Walleye are the marquee target, with anglers using jigging spoons, rattle baits, and live minnows just off bottom. Perch action is steady through winter, with the biggest fish often caught in deeper basins. Northern pike cruise weedy areas and hit tip-up rigs baited with large shiners. The north shore’s bays freeze earlier than the main lake, offering safe ice sooner and easier access. Snowmobiles and ATVs are common for reaching mid-lake spots, and local guides set up heated shanties for comfort during long days on the ice.
Gamefish in Constantia
- Walleye – 15–28 inches. Caught by trolling crankbaits along breaklines in summer, jigging blade baits in fall, and through the ice on jigging spoons.
- Smallmouth Bass – 12–20 inches. Found on rocky shoals and drop-offs; hit tubes, Ned rigs, and jerkbaits in warmer months.
- Yellow Perch – 8–14 inches. Schooled on drop-offs and in weed beds year-round; best on live minnows or small jigs
- Northern Pike – 24–38 inches. Hold in weed beds and ambush prey; taken on spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and tip-ups in winter.
- Black Crappie – 9–14 inches. Found near submerged wood or weed edges, especially in spring and fall, on small minnows or jigs.
- Bluegill – 6–10 inches. Common in weedy bays; caught on worms, small plastics, and ice jigs.
- Channel Catfish – 18–30 inches. Feed in deeper basins and near river mouths; best on cut bait or nightcrawlers after dark.
Constantia Fishing FAQs
Where do most Constantia fishing charters launch from?
Most charters launch from the public ramp in Constantia, giving quick access to the north shore shoals, drop-offs, and open-water humps of Oneida Lake.
What trip lengths are available?
Charters typically offer half-day, full-day, and specialty trips like night trolling or ice fishing. Half-days are great for targeting a single species, while full days allow working multiple spots.
Is fishing gear provided on Constantia charters?
Yes. Captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait suited to the season’s target species. You can bring your own gear if you prefer.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Oneida Lake?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid New York State fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local tackle shops.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Constantia?
Walleye fishing is strong from spring through late fall, with peak action in May, early summer evenings, and October. Ice season also offers steady catches.
What fishing techniques work best here?
Trolling crankbaits and worm harnesses for walleye, jigging blade baits in fall, drop-shotting for bass, and live bait rigs for perch are among the top methods.
How many people can a charter take?
Most boats can comfortably handle 3–6 anglers, though ice fishing trips may be smaller depending on shanty size.
Are there night fishing trips in Constantia?
Yes. Many captains offer night trolling for walleye in summer, when fish move shallow and feed aggressively.
Can I fish other waters nearby?
Absolutely. The Salmon River and Lake Ontario are less than a half-hour away, offering seasonal trout, salmon, and steelhead runs.