Fish and the Shoreline

Birds I Mammals I Fish I Reptiles & Amphibians I Insects

Fish and the Lake Ontario Shoreline

A naturally vegetated shoreline is especially important for fish. Most Lake Ontario fish species spend part of their lifecycle in the nearshore area (less than 15 feet from the shore). Shoreline vegetation provides cover, breeding grounds, food and shelter for a variety of fish. Shoreline wetlands are also important as nursery areas for many fish.

In wetlands, yellow perch (above) attach their egg masses to bulrushes and other aquatic plants, while Northern pike spawn in the vegetation.

Walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass (above), freshwater drum, yellow perch, white perch, gizzard shad, various minnows, and several sunfish species spend most of their life-cycle in the nearshore.

Rock and gravel bottoms are important spawning areas for game fish such as walleye (above), and forage species such as suckers, darters and some minnows.

Fallen trees provide food, nesting habitat and shade for bass (above) and sunfish to hide.

Quick Tips for Attracting Fish to Your Shoreline

To encourage fish to use your stretch of shoreline:

Limit your use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Create a shoreline buffer.
Consider using a floating dock to protect shoreline fish habitat.
Protect wetlands on your property.

To find out more about protecting fish habitat read the 6 Tips for Creating a Wildlife Friendly Shoreline page.

New York Sea Grant I SUNY Oswego I Oswego, NY 13126
315-312-3042
Designed by Molly Thompson, Dune/Habitat Educator
mat36@cornell.edu