By David Tyler

CLA member

This article is based only on a series of observations over almost 50 years of fishing in Cazenovia Lake. It is not meant to be a scientific document.

Since 1969, I have been fortunate to be able to fish in the lake on a regular basis. The fishing was good then as it is now, but there have been significant changes in the lake and its fish population.

Around 1970, the lake and its fishery were substantially different than they are now. There was no milfoil, and there were numerous areas where the bottom was rocky with sparse weed cover. These conditions provided excellent habitat for smallmouth bass, which were the primary game fish. For instance, the “sunken island” had practically no weed growth and was an excellent place to catch smallmouths. Over the years, weed growth has increased, and the habitat now favors the growth of largemouth bass, a cousin of the smallmouth, which has become the predominate species. It is fairly uncommon these days to catch smallmouth bass here.

Largemouth fishing varies from year to year but is generally very good. However, in my experience, it is not as productive as it was 10 to 15 years ago. Whether that is related to the growth of invasive plants and the necessity to control them is hard to know. Fishing pressure seems to have decreased since then as well.

Another species which has benefitted from the proliferation of weeds is the chain pickerel. They are a voracious predator and are easy to catch. It is a matter of opinion as to whether they are welcome or a nuisance.

Cazenovia was once known as Owaghena, or “the lake of the yellow perch.” Indeed, perch were once very common, and it was easy to catch a perch dinner, winter or summer. Probably 15 or 20 years ago, fishing for “Jack” perch seemed to decline for some reason. Nowadays, it is common to see fairly large numbers of small perch, but the big ones remain pretty scarce.

Over the years, walleyes have been stocked in the lake with limited success. Baby walleyes have been stocked in the last few years, but it is too early to know how successful this will be. These little walleyes are very vulnerable to predators. There are some big ones in the lake, but they are not plentiful. Cazenovia College students have conducted a netting study which did capture a few good-sized walleyes. It would be great if a consistent walleye fishery could be established.

Cazenovia has always been a perfect lake for kids because of the large numbers of panfish. Bluegills and pumpkinseed sunfish are very numerous, and rock bass are common. Our grandkids can catch them off the dock for hours. I have been the hook baiter and fish unhooker for years.

Cazenovia Lake is a wonderful asset for our whole area. It is constantly changing for natural reasons which have been accelerated by human activity. This growth of native plants is essential to the biological productivity of the lake, while the proliferation of invasive weeds continues to be a major problem.

It is important for us to keep up to date and to do our best to protect our lake. It will require all of our attention to preserve this valuable economic and recreational resource.