Things to Do and Places to Stay

Black Lake is one of the most widely known fishing and vacation spots in New York State.
The lake is located in upstate New York, approximately 2 hours north of Syracuse.

Things to Do at Black LakeThings to Do at Black Lake

Things to Do at Black Lake

There is an ample supply of first rate facilities on Black Lake catering to the anglers every need. Excellent family run motels, campgrounds and cabin/cottage complexes, with all the modern conveniences, are located along the lake shore.
AccommodationAccommodation

Accommodation

There is an ample supply of first rate facilities on Black Lake catering to the anglers every need. Excellent family run motels, campgrounds and cabin/cottage complexes, with all the modern conveniences, are located along the lake shore.
Bars & Restaurants

Bars & Restaurants

Check out the local restaurants in our region! Lots of good eats no matter what your preference is!
Fish Species of Black LakeFish Species of Black Lake

Fish Species of Black Lake

Black Lake, often referred to as "Nature's Fish Hatchery", is the largest and most diverse of the many Indian River lakes. Over 60 miles of shoreline combined with numerous islands, offers the angler all kinds of ideal fish habitats from rocky points and shoals, to sandbars, weed beds, shallows, and deep water.
AttractionsAttractions

Attractions

Black Lake is a stone throws away from the historic and scenic 1000 Islands region where there are castles, shops, restaurants, and more!
CampgroundsCampgrounds

Campgrounds

Check out the local campgrounds and RV Parks in the region! Perfect for your vacation or visit!
Business DirectoryBusiness Directory

Business Directory

Our business directory features our local businesses. From shops, accomodations, fishing guides and more, start here!
Fishing RegulationsFishing Regulations

Fishing Regulations

Fishing up to code and under the law is important. Visit this section to learn more about fishing on Black Lake and NYS law.

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Only 2 Hours North of Syracuse

Black Lake is one of the most widely known fishing and vacation spots in New York State. It’s the perfect family getaway.

A Freshwater Fisherman’s Paradise

Black Lake is a natural, glacier lake formed by the same glacier that carved out the Great Lakes. The glacier melted from 11,000 to 15,000 years ago, toward the end of the most recent ice age.

The resulting water created the lake. Black Lake encompasses an area of almost 11,000 acres, stretching over 20 miles and is hardly what anyone would call pressured. It is located amidst the huge pre-glacial rocks of St. Lawrence County. About 4 miles across at its widest point, the lake is filled with many sandbars, underwater shoals, and rugged rocky islands similar to those found only in the northern-most reaches of Canada. It is a beautiful place indeed. A visitor can sit and view a picturesque waterway from lofty shores if for no other reason than to relax and get away from it all. Natural splendor is only one of the many wonders offered here. Primarily the Indian River and Fish Creek feed the lake. Over 20 miles to the north, and after flowing through a river-like outlet, Black Lake empties into the Oswegatchie River where it flows over the Eel Weir Dam and ultimately joins the St. Lawrence River at Ogdensburg.

Great Fishing All Year Round

★★★★★

“Black Lake rated as one of the top 5 best July bass lakes in New York state.”
– New York Game & Fish Magazine 2002 –

Hundreds of Prime Fishing Spots

Hundreds of Prime Fishing Spots

Thousands of anglers, both young and old, travel to the shores of Black Lake every year.

While some anglers are generally busy filling their coolers with perch, bluegill, and crappie others are challenged to land trophy size northern pike in the 10 to 15 pound range, largemouth and smallmouth bass (5lb bucket mouths are commonplace here), walleye, catfish, and monstrous muskie. All this while being observed by one of nature’s most efficient fishermen, the Great Blue Heron. The angler has his choice of literally hundreds of prime fishing spots—so many that seclusion is the rule rather than the exception. There is crappie action here that is unrivaled elsewhere. Anglers have proven that Black Lake crappie action is second to none in the Northeast United States for sheer numbers of fish. But this great action does not preclude the fact that 10 to 13 inch perch and 3/4 pound bluegill are very common catches from docks as well as boats. There is something for everyone to catch in Black Lake. The setting is one of serenity and peace.

Winter on the Lake Still Great Fishing

Winter on the Lake Still Great Fishing

The angler can take advantage of high quality fishing in relatively unspoiled and often scenic settings.

At anytime, you will find the pure fresh air very invigorating. The days are rarely too warm and the nights are cool and refreshing. In the spring, after the ice goes out, the shoreline lanterns and campfires of the bullhead fisherman light up the evening sky. Many times the urge to just absorb the divine quiet can overcome the desire to fish. But the fish are still around in abundance should the renewed urge to cast a line come back to you. Now don’t lull yourself to sleep! Just about the time that happens, there are big fish in this lake that will scare the daylights out of you with their vicious top-water strikes. If you have the occasion to frequent the backwaters, you may observe a 3 or 4 foot long garpike or a 20-pound catfish cruising the shallows. Now these critters are not game fish, but boy, what fighters. Black Lake is a grand place and is truly “A Freshwater Fisherman’s Paradise”.

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Black Lake NY – A Freshwater Fisherman’s Paradise

Black Lake, NY

Black Lake is one of the most widely known fishing and vacation spots in New York State. The lake is located in upstate New York, approximately 2 hours north of Syracuse. Black Lake is a natural, glacier lake formed by the same glacier that carved out the Great Lakes.

Resources

Associations

Finding Black Lake

Traveling north on New York Interstate 81 exit at LaFargeville {Exit 49, Milemarker 169}. Turn right on NY State Route 411 and follow to NY State Route 37 {Red Caution Light}. Turn left on Route 37 and follow 18 miles to the Amber Caution Light in the Village of Hammond. Turn right on Lake Street (County Route 6) and follow a few miles to the shoreline of Black Lake.