Walleye season opens on Oneida Lake on May 1, 2024, marking the 15th consecutive month that Matt Gutchess has fished the lake from his boat due to unusually warm winter temperatures. The early spawn and reduced ice cover have resulted in an abundance of walleye and perch, leading to expectations of a strong inshore bite. Anglers are advised to start shallow and work their way out into deeper water, using small swimbaits or stickbaits in emergent weeds.