Hemlock Lake Bass Fishing Guide
A Pristine Hidden Gem — Untouched Bass Fishing on an HP-Restricted Finger Lake
Book a Hemlock Lake TripWhy Hemlock Lake Is the Finger Lakes' Best-Kept Secret
Hemlock Lake is unlike any other body of water in the Finger Lakes region. As an HP-restricted lake, no big motors are allowed on the water, which means no bass boats, no jet skis, and virtually no fishing pressure from the tournament and recreational crowds that hammer the larger lakes. The shoreline is almost entirely undeveloped — no houses, no docks, no marinas. It is surrounded by dense woodland that runs right down to the water's edge, creating a fishing experience that feels completely untouched by the modern world.
That lack of development and pressure translates directly into the quality of the fishing. Hemlock Lake holds an excellent population of largemouth bass that rarely see artificial lures, and the isolated deep structure throughout the lake creates holding spots that concentrate fish in ways that are predictable once you understand the lake's layout. The water is pristine and clear, the bass are healthy and aggressive, and the solitude of fishing a lake surrounded by nothing but woods is something that no other Finger Lake can offer.
My Experience on Hemlock Lake
Hemlock Lake is where I go when I want to catch a lot of fish. My single best day on any water happened right here — 148 bass in one day. That is not a misprint. One hundred and forty-eight fish. Hemlock's bass population is that good, and when you understand the isolated deep structure patterns that this lake is built around, days like that become possible. Not every trip produces those kinds of numbers, but Hemlock consistently delivers action that will wear out your casting arm.
Because Hemlock is HP-restricted, I fish it with my custom 15-foot rig instead of the Bass Cat Puma. This smaller boat is purpose-built for lakes like Hemlock — it gets me to the fish quietly and efficiently without the need for a big outboard. The advantage of fishing from a smaller, quieter vessel on an unpressured lake is significant. The bass here are not boat-shy or conditioned to avoid common presentations the way they are on high-traffic lakes. They react to lures the way bass are supposed to react, which makes Hemlock an outstanding lake for anglers of all skill levels.
My approach on Hemlock centers on isolated deep structure. Submerged rock piles, humps, points, and transitions that sit away from the shoreline are where the best fish in this lake spend most of their time. With 207 days on this water and 40 years of meticulous notes, I know where every piece of key structure sits and how the fish use it through each season. As a licensed USCG Captain with over 25 years of tournament experience, three career wins, 24 top-10 finishes, and more than $575,000 in career earnings on the FLW and MLF circuits, I bring a level of fish-finding ability and pattern recognition that turns Hemlock's hidden structure into consistent, remarkable fishing.
What Makes My Hemlock Lake Trips Different
- Custom 15-foot rig built specifically for HP-restricted lakes like Hemlock
- 207+ days fished on Hemlock — I know every piece of structure in this lake
- All rods, tackle, and lures provided — just bring your fishing license
- Deep structure expertise: isolated humps, rock piles, and offshore transitions
- Dawn-to-dusk full-day trips available — the best way to experience Hemlock's potential
- Perfect for anglers who want a wilderness fishing experience with no crowds
Hemlock Lake Seasonal Guide
Spring (April – June)
Bass move from deep wintering areas to shallower pre-spawn staging structure as the water warms. The transition zones between deep and shallow water are key during this period. Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and finesse plastics produce well as fish stage before moving to spawning flats. Spring on Hemlock offers a mix of quality and quantity that sets the tone for the rest of the season.
Summer (July – September)
Post-spawn fish settle onto the deep structure patterns that define Hemlock Lake fishing. Isolated humps, submerged points, and rock piles in 15 to 35 feet of water hold concentrations of bass that can produce exceptional catches. Drop shot, Carolina rigs, and deep crankbaits are primary presentations. Early morning topwater bites along the undeveloped shoreline can be outstanding.
Fall (October – November)
This is the best season on Hemlock Lake. Bass group up on deep structure and feed aggressively before winter, and the combination of concentrated fish and a feeding frenzy mindset creates some of the best fishing of the year. Isolated deep structure becomes even more critical as fish pull away from the shoreline and stack on offshore spots. Jigs, deep cranks, and reaction baits produce the biggest catches of the season. Full-day trips in fall are highly recommended.
Late Fall & Winter (December – March)
Hemlock fishes well into the cold months thanks to the custom 15-foot rig, which allows access when other boats cannot launch. Bass move to the deepest structure and slow down, but finesse presentations like drop shot, shaky head, and small jigs worked slowly on the bottom still produce quality catches. The solitude of winter fishing on Hemlock, surrounded by snow-covered woods with no other boats on the water, is a truly unique experience.
Hemlock Lake Trip Rates
All trips include rods, tackle, and lures — just bring your fishing license
Half Day
- Morning or afternoon
- All tackle provided
- Great for beginners
Full Day
- Dawn to dusk
- All tackle provided
- Cover more water & patterns
Rates are for 1-2 anglers. Contact me for group pricing. Gratuity not included.