Conesus Lake, the most westerly gem among the famed Finger Lakes, is a pristine body of water that offers anglers a remarkable fishing experience in Livingston County, New York. Nestled 2 miles west of Livonia and just 25 miles south of Rochester, Conesus Lake's stunning natural beauty and abundant aquatic life make it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This exceptional lake is situated at an elevation of 818 feet and covers an expansive area of 3,420 acres. Measuring 8 miles in length with a maximum width of 1 mile, Conesus Lake boasts a maximum depth of 66 feet and features a thermocline that typically occurs at around 30 feet. The lake belongs to Livingston County and is found within the Town of Livonia, where its pristine waters and surrounding landscapes offer an exceptional backdrop for angling adventures. One notable characteristic of Conesus Lake is its aquatic vegetation. The shallower regions and those extending to approximately 15 feet deep, especially at the north and south ends of the lake, are characterized by abundant aquatic plant life. Over the years, the composition of rooted aquatic plants has evolved, with native species often replaced by dense stands of Eurasian milfoil, making for an intriguing ecosystem for anglers to explore. Public access to Conesus Lake is provided through various sites that cater to the needs of recreational fishers. Among these sites are the Conesus Lake Public Boat Launch, located on East Lake Road near MacPherson Point, which boasts a hard surface launch ramp, parking for 45 cars with trailers, and is operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Additionally, the Conesus Inlet Wildlife Management Area offers a cartop launch and parking for 40 cars, while Pebble Beach, in the northwest corner of the lake, provides cartop access and parking for 120 cars, both of which are overseen by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Lastly, Sand Point, situated at the north end of the lake off Rt.20A, offers cartop access and parking for 45 cars, with operations shared by the Town of Livonia and the DEC. The diverse fish community in Conesus Lake provides anglers with a rewarding fishing experience. The lake is home to a variety of species, including alewife, bluegill, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, tiger musky, walleye, and yellow perch, ensuring that there's something for every angler to enjoy. Fishing regulations in Conesus Lake follow the guidelines set for the Finger Lakes and their tributaries. It's important to note that ice fishing shelters are prohibited by local health ordinances. The management of fish species in Conesus Lake has evolved over time. In the past, the lake was renowned for its exceptional walleye fishery during the 1960s, but this gradually declined throughout the 1970s. Simultaneously, the lake gained fame for its remarkable yellow perch ice fishing. However, this fishery also declined throughout the 1980s, likely due to increased competition for food resources and predation by newly introduced alewives. Presently, Conesus Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for both bass species, northern pike, bluegills, and sunfish. Ongoing studies by the DEC indicate that the walleye population is on the rise, thanks to annual stocking efforts. Yellow perch populations are also showing signs of improvement. Since 1991, the DEC has been stocking Conesus Lake with tiger muskies, a fast-growing, sterile hybrid of northern pike and muskellunge, adding an exciting dimension to the lake's diverse fishery. Conesus Lake stands as a shining example of the natural beauty and rich aquatic life that define the Finger Lakes region in New York. Its history and the ongoing efforts to preserve its unique ecosystem contribute to making it a must-visit destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike.