Oxbow Lake (New York) Explained

Oxbow Lake
Location:Hamilton County, New York
Pushpin Map:New York Adirondack Park#USA
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within New York
Type:Lake
Area:312acres
Part Of:Sacandaga River Basin
Reference:[1.], [2.]
Inflow:Three (3) unnamed tributaries including the discharge from Airdwood Lake
Outflow:Unnamed outlet to Piseco Lake
Basin Countries:United States

Oxbow Lake is a 312acres naturally occurring lake located in the towns of Lake Pleasant and Arietta in Hamilton County, New York within the Adirondack Park. The lake is nearly two miles-long and is oriented in a northeast to southwest direction, with the widest part being at the northeast end, at nearly 0.6miles wide. The lake has 4.3miles of shoreline and no islands. NY Route 8 is located along the southeast shoreline, Oxbow Road crosses the lake inlet on the northeastern end, and Old Piseco Road (County Rt. 24) crosses the lake outlet on the southwestern end.[1] [2]

The southeastern shoreline of the lake is lined with seasonal and some year-round residences. The remainder of the lake shore is generally undeveloped given the existence of extensive wetlands along the northeastern and southwestern ends and the fact that the entire northwestern shoreline (2.1miles) is located within the Jessup River Wild Forest.

The lake is a warm-water fishery given its relatively shallow depth. It is recognized as being a top fishing water for both Largemouth Bass and Pickerel.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Lake Pleasant Quadrangle Map, New York-Hamilton Co., 7.5 Minute Series. U.S. Geological Survey. 2016.
  2. Book: Jessup River Wild Forest, Unit Management Plan, Environmental Impact Statement. New York State Department of Environmental Conservations. 2006. Albany, NY.
  3. Web site: Fishing Spots in Hamilton County. New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation. August 11, 2018.