Otter Lake in New York

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Otter Lake, near the village of Meridian, is a small lake with about 3 miles of shoreline. I launched at 8 a.m., and there were three other cars in the parking lot. They were all fishermen, so I took my pole along with me. The lake was very quiet, with only about a dozen houses and one farm overlooking the lake. Although motorized boats are allowed, there is a 5 mph limit, so there was no problem with wakes.

I paddled the entire circumference of the lake over about 5 hours, stopping to investigate hunter's duck blinds, numerous turtles, a watersnake, and dozens of goldfinches playing in the marshes that surround much of the lake.

I also stopped in a few spots to fish. I am an amateur kayakfisherman, and this lake was heaven. First, I caught a nine-inch bass. Then, I hooked another larger bass, but lost it. Later on, I hooked an aggressive fish and reeled it in. When it got next to my kayak, I saw that it was a 30-inch walleye (the DEC recently stocked this lake with about 1 million walleye frye). When this fish saw me, it dove so fast that I didn't have time to let out line, and my six-pound test stopped. Later on, I saw the same fish following my lure back to the boat. I also caught 4 crappie before leaving for the day.

This lake is serene. Although it was a windy day, there were no noticeable waves because of the lake's small size. Amazing fishing and quiet - could only hear the sounds of the birds.

Accommodations:

Put-in at Leisure Acres Trailer park. Parking for several cars and a dock. No restrooms. There is a gas station about 3 miles away.

Fees:

Fishing license only. $5 to use Leisure Acres launch.

Directions:

From Rochester: Route 104-East to Route 38-South to Victory, turn right. Turn left on Route 370-East (flashing light). Go straight to the Village of Meridian then turn right on Bonta Bridge Road. Leisure Acres Trailer park is approximately 2 miles south on the right. The launch is at the end of the road.

From Auburn: Route 34-North to Route 370-East Village of Cato, turn right. Go straight to the Village of Meridian then turn right on Bonta Bridge Road. Leisure Acres Trailer park is approximately 2 miles south on the right. The launch is at the end of the road.

From Oswego: Route 104-West to Route 34-South to Cato, turn left. Go straight to the Village of Meridian then turn right on Bonta Bridge Road. Leisure Acres Trailer park is approximately 2 miles south on the right. The launch is at the end of the road.

From Baldwinsville: Take Route 370-West to Bonta Bridge Road in the Village of Meridian, turn left. Leisure Acres Trailer park is approximately 2 miles south on the right. The launch is at the end of the road.

Resources:

website: http://www.cayuganet.org/canoe/index.html
Very helpful with pictures and directions.

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water

Trip Location