You will read a lot of horror stories about Onondaga, but it has responded well to treatment. I wouldn't eat anything out of there, but the fishing is still pretty good. I was stationed in Rome, NY for 6 years and used to fish it a little. Best suggestion I can give is Lipless crankbaits in some of the creek channels. Average lake depth is 35ft and doesn't have a lot of "steep" drop offs, but I imagine because of the amount of fertilizer dumped in the lake years ago, there will be plenty of grass or lillypads if you want largemouth. It feeds into the great lakes so smallies will be located where there is any potential for current. The Bassmaster Memorial was fished there last July. PETER E THLIVEROS won that, but they fish 2 days at Onieda and 2 days on Onondaga. I attached a small article but I will do some more research for you;
Ask any Syracusan if Onondaga Lake is a good place to fish and they might look at you in bewilderment. It's reputation as one of the most polluted bodies of water in the United States has tainted its potential as a fishing spot for most. However, ask a select group of local anglers the same question, and if they are forthcoming enough, they will tell you that the fishing on Onondaga Lake is a best kept secret. If you are a devout bass fisherman, the smallmouth action will wear your arm out. Look for them with jigs, spinnerbaits and live golden shiners. A good area for smallies is Willow Bay near the mouth of the Seneca River.
