Honeoye Lake, situated in the heart of southwestern Ontario County and often referred to as the "Jewel of the Finger Lakes," offers a serene and picturesque natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. As the tenth largest among the eleven Finger Lakes, Honeoye Lake is located just 28 miles south of the vibrant city of Rochester. This stunning lake is characterized by several impressive physical attributes. At an elevation of 804 feet above sea level, it graces the landscape with its presence. Covering an expansive area of 1,772 acres, Honeoye Lake stretches for 4.5 miles in length and reaches a maximum width of 0.8 miles. Below its shimmering surface, the lake reaches a maximum depth of 30 feet, revealing its hidden depths. The shoreline features a rich mosaic of nearshore vegetation, creating a lush and vibrant habitat. Rooted aquatic vegetation thrives in these nearshore areas, extending to a depth of approximately 15 feet. Eelgrass, pondweed, Eurasian milfoil, and water stargrass are the dominant plant species that add to the lake's natural splendor. Honeoye Lake provides convenient public access points to cater to the needs of boaters and anglers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the lake to the fullest. These access sites include: Honeoye Lake Public Boat Launch: Situated at the southeast corner of the lake off East Lake Road, this boat launch offers ample parking for 30 cars with trailers. It is under the care of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and, notably, remains accessible during the winter months for ice fishing enthusiasts. Sandy Bottom Beach: Located at the northwest corner of the lake off Sandy Bottom Road, this site allows launching for small trailered boats, cartop boats, and canoes. Lakeside parking can accommodate around 6 cars, with additional parking near the baseball diamond. The Town of Richmond manages this site, and it remains open for ice fishing during the winter season. Honeoye Lake teems with a variety of fish species, creating an angler's paradise. The aquatic ecosystem here includes Alewife, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Whether you're casting for bass or seeking the thrill of catching walleye, Honeoye Lake offers a diverse range of fish species to cater to every angler's preferences. Fishing Regulations: Anglers visiting Honeoye Lake are advised to adhere to Finger Lakes and Tributary Fishing Regulations, ensuring the sustainability of the lake's abundant fish populations. The modern management of Honeoye Lake's fisheries commenced with the introduction of seasons, bag limits, and size limits for gamefish. Historical records reveal that the lake was first stocked with walleye around the turn of the century. Presently, the prominent sport species in the lake include walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel, with the DEC overseeing the stocking of approximately 8.7 million walleye fry annually into the lake. Honeoye Lake enjoys a distinguished reputation as a prime fishing destination. Besides offering excellent opportunities for sportfish, the lake boasts an exceptional panfish fishery, catering to bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and black crappie enthusiasts. Whether you're angling for the big catch or savoring the joy of panfishing, Honeoye Lake promises an unforgettable fishing experience for all.