The Westernmost Finger Lake

Conesus Lake sits at the far western edge of the Finger Lakes, about 30 miles south of Rochester and closer to Letchworth State Park than to any of the other major lakes. That western position gives it a slightly different character — it is more connected to the Genesee Valley than to the wine country that defines the central Finger Lakes, and its culture reflects that. This is a lake where local families have kept cottages for generations, where the boat launch on a Saturday morning is full of people who know each other by name, and where the vibe is resolutely unpretentious. Conesus is the Finger Lakes at their most relaxed.

A Local’s Lake

At about eight miles long, Conesus is midsized and manageable. The shoreline is a mix of year-round homes, seasonal cottages, and a few stretches of undeveloped land, particularly on the eastern shore. Unlike the reservoir lakes (Canadice, Hemlock), motors are welcome here, and summer weekends bring a lively mix of pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, and the occasional water skier. Vitale Park, on the western shore, is the community gathering spot — public beach, boat launch, picnic areas, and a pavilion that hosts events throughout the summer. It is the kind of park that every lake community should have and few actually do.

Fishing and Boating

Conesus is a productive fishing lake, particularly for warm-water species. Bass, pike, walleye, and panfish are all present, and the lake’s moderate depth and weed structure create habitat that supports a diverse fishery. Ice fishing is popular in winter, when the lake freezes reliably and local anglers set up tip-ups for pike and perch. For boating, the lake’s size is ideal — big enough to move around but small enough that you never feel lost or exposed to dangerous conditions. The community sailboat races that run in summer are casual, friendly, and open to newcomers.

Letchworth State Park: The Neighbor You Cannot Ignore

Conesus Lake’s proximity to Letchworth State Park is a major asset. Letchworth, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” features the Genesee River cutting through a 17-mile gorge with cliffs reaching 550 feet and three major waterfalls. It is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the eastern United States and routinely voted one of the best state parks in the country. You can combine a morning on Conesus Lake with an afternoon hike along the gorge rim — the drive is about 20 minutes. If you are staying in the Conesus area, Letchworth is not optional.

When to Visit

Conesus is at its best from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when the lake is active and Vitale Park is in full swing. Summer weekends have a festive, communal energy that the bigger lakes cannot replicate. Fall brings quieter water, good fishing, and the Genesee Valley foliage, which is among the best in western New York. Winter means ice fishing and easy access to Letchworth, which is spectacular when the waterfalls partially freeze. Spring is muddy and slow, as it is everywhere in the Finger Lakes, but by May the lake is waking up and the first boats are back in the water.