Paddler's Almanac — Wrench & Co.

The Paddler's Chart

Lake / Pond River Route Click marker → jump to card · Filters update the map

82 / 82 shown

No waters match those filters. Try clearing one.

Day Trips & Floats

Single-day route plans · multi-water day trips 3 routes

Chenango Day Float — Norwich to Greene

ROUTE

Chenango County NY · ~14 mi · one long day

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Start: Hale St ramp (Norwich). End: Greene (Rt 41 bridge).
Current: Mild–moderate
Release: Natural flow

Float 14Time 5-7 hours fishing paceEddies Many · the famous 60-smallie hole is in here somewhereShuttle 25 min · 2 vehiclesParking Hale St 20 cars + ramp · Greene 15 carsCamping Optional overnight at Brisben hand-launch sandbar (LNT)Cell DecentHazards Late-summer low water; downed trees in spring

The Chenango River day float for Norwich-area paddlers.
Topwater for smallmouth at first light + last light.
Drift the deep pools below each bridge.
Take out at Greene in time for a beer at one of the village spots.

Deerfield River — Fife Brook to Charlemont

ROUTE

Florida MA → Charlemont MA · 8 mi · half-day

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Start: Fife Brook Dam put-in. End: Charlemont takeout.
Current: Strong (Class I-III depending on release)
Release: BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE schedule · daily release 9-11am typical · call (888) 417-4837 morning of

Float 8Time 3-4 hours runningEddies Many · big eddies behind every boulder · Zoar Gap eddy is famousShuttle 20 min · 2 vehicles OR commercial shuttleParking Fife Brook 30 cars · Charlemont 30+Camping Mohawk Trail SF · primitive · Zoar Outdoor base camp · Savoy Mountain SF (25 min)Outfitter Zoar Outdoor · Crab Apple Whitewater · both offer guided runs + shuttlesCell Spotty in gorgeHazards Class II-III at Zoar Gap on full releases · scout from the road first time

WRENCH-LEVEL water. Not for the noob solo.
Check the release schedule the morning of. No release = no float.
Outfitter shuttle is easier than spotting vehicles.
Wild brown trout fishery in the C&R sections.

— Make sure the dam is open before you start. —

Three-Pond Day — Lebanon → Eaton Brook → Lake Moraine

ROUTE

Madison County NY · three short paddles · one day

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Three launches, ~15 min driving between each
Current: None
Release: —

Size Three Madison County reservoirs · 96 + 272 + 225 acTime Full day · ~2 hours each pondShuttle None needed · just drive betweenParking Each launch 10-20 carsCamping Bowman Lake SP (45 min south) for overnight baseAmenities Hamilton village for lunch (between Lebanon & Eaton Brook)Cell Spotty between · decent in Hamilton

Lebanon Reservoir (morning) — trout + bass · 96 ac, 2 hours.
Drive to Hamilton for lunch (15 min).
Eaton Brook Reservoir (afternoon) — bass + walleye · 272 ac, 2 hours.
Drive to Lake Moraine (10 min) — sunset session for pickerel · 225 ac.

— Three reservoirs, one truck, one day. Norwich-area gold. —

Massachusetts

Framingham westward · Berkshires · CT Valley 24 waters

Onota Lake

MA

Pittsfield · Berkshires · 617 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Paved DCR ramp · Burbank Park
Current: None
Release: —

Size 617 ac · 3 mi longTime Half-day to full-day to circumnavigateParking 60+ cars at Burbank Park · freeCamping Bonny Rigg Campground (private, 1 mi) · Pittsfield SF camping (15 min)Amenities Restrooms, beach, picnic areaCell DecentHazards Wind builds afternoon; lee shore at the dam end

Two basins — north weedy, south deeper. Pike country in the north.
Wind picks up afternoon — paddle the lee shore mid-day.
Burbank Park has parking, beach, restrooms. Easy base.
Quieter weekday mornings; tournament boats on summer Saturdays.

— If Pontoosuc is the morning, Onota is the afternoon. —

Pontoosuc Lake

MA

Pittsfield · Berkshires · 480 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Paved state launch off Hancock Rd
Current: None
Release: —

Size 480 ac · 2 mi longTime Half-day to circumnavigateParking 40 cars · freeCamping Pittsfield SF (5 mi)Cell GoodHazards Heavy summer powerboat traffic + wakes

Big enough for chop; small enough to cross in 20 min.
Walleye over the gravel humps at dusk — anchor and jig.
Heavy summer powerboat traffic — kayak edges, not the middle.
Ice fishing huge in February if you swap the boat for an auger.

Stockbridge Bowl

MA

Stockbridge · Berkshires · 372 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Town launch off Lake Dr · small fee summer
Current: None
Release: —

Size 372 ac · 1.5 mi longTime 2-3 hours casual paddleParking 20 cars · summer feeCamping October Mountain SF (15 min)Amenities Tanglewood next door — concerts, restroomsCell Decent

Steep banks — clear water, fish the drop-offs.
Tanglewood right on the lake — morning paddle, evening symphony.
Smallmouth on jerkbaits in May/June.
Calm most mornings. Wind kicks up by 11am.

Goose Pond

MA

Lee / Tyringham · Berkshires · 230 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Town launch · cartop & small motor only
Current: None
Release: —

Size 230 ac · two connected basinsTime Half-day for both basinsParking 20 carsCamping Beartown SF (15 min) · primitive sitesCell Spotty

Two ponds connected by a channel — bonus exploring.
Lily pad coves for frog fishing in July.
Quiet weekday water — locals + summer cottages.
Smallmouth on the rocky shoreline; LM in the weeds.

Otis Reservoir

MA

Otis · Berkshires · 1,072 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Tolland State Forest ramp
Current: None
Release: Drawn down 10ft+ in winter — call DCR if shoulder season

Size 1,072 ac · 4 mi longTime Full day to fish wellParking 50 cars · state park fee in seasonCamping Tolland State Forest · 90+ sites · reservable · on-water accessAmenities Restrooms, beach, swim area, boat rentalsCell DecentHazards Big-fetch wind chop; powerboat wakes on weekends

Biggest lake in southern Berkshires.
Trophy smallmouth water — light line, clear water.
Weekend powerboat zoo — go early or weekday.
Tolland State Forest = camping + paddling combo trip.

Lake Buel

MA

Monterey / New Marlborough · Berkshires · 200 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Small town launch
Current: None
Release: —

Size 200 acTime Half-dayParking 15 cars · no feeCamping Beartown SF (12 mi) · Otis Tolland SF (20 mi)Cell Spotty

Quiet, small, undeveloped feel.
Largemouth + pickerel in the weed beds.
Bald eagle nest most years.
No frills launch — bring everything you need.

Buckley Dunton Lake

MA

October Mtn SF · Becket · 200 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Cartop only · rough access road (high clearance helps)
Current: None
Release: —

Size 200 acTime Half-dayParking 15 cars at trailheadCamping October Mountain SF · 47 sites · biggest state forest in MACell SpottyHazards Rough access road in spring after frost heaves

Inside October Mountain SF — biggest state forest in MA.
Cartop-only = almost no boat traffic.
Stocked trout in spring + bass + pickerel.
Access road can be rough — high clearance helps.

— If you want quiet, you have to drive for it. —

Highland Lake

MA

Goshen · Hampshire County · 64 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: DAR State Forest ramp
Current: None
Release: —

Size 64 acTime 2-3 hoursParking 25 cars · state park fee in seasonCamping DAR State Forest · 51 sites · on-lake accessAmenities Beach, restrooms, swim raftCell Decent

Inside DAR State Forest — camping nearby.
Stocked rainbows in spring.
Quiet weekdays; family beach scene on weekends.
Small lake — easy to circle in a couple hours.

Lake Wyola

MA

Shutesbury · Franklin County · 124 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State park ramp · cartop & small motor
Current: None
Release: —

Size 124 acTime Half-dayParking 40 cars · state park fee in seasonCamping Lake Wyola SP · primitive cabins · pair with Quabbin tripsAmenities Beach, restrooms, picnic areaCell Decent

Hill-country lake; tree-lined shoreline.
Bass + pickerel + perch.
Wyola State Park camping = base for Quabbin trips.
Pleasant short paddle, kid-friendly.

Cheshire Reservoir

MA

Cheshire · Berkshires · 418 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Town launches at Farnam Road + Route 8 south end
Current: None
Release: —

Size 418 ac · 2.5 mi long, narrowTime Half-day for lengthParking 20 cars at each launchCamping Pittsfield SF (15 min)Amenities Ashuwillticook Rail Trail runs along east shore — bike-and-paddle comboCell GoodHazards Powerlines cross at midpoint — visual reference

Long narrow lake — half hour to cross south-to-north.
Bass and pickerel through the weed flats.
Rail trail along the east shore = walking break, bike shuttle option.
Mt. Greylock visible north — best Berkshires backdrop on the water.

Lake Garfield

MA

Monterey · Berkshires · 270 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Town launch
Current: None
Release: —

Size 270 acTime 3-4 hoursParking 20 carsCamping Beartown SF (5 mi)Cell Spotty

Quiet Berkshire lake just south of Lake Buel.
Bass + pickerel; light pressure.
Pair with Buel for two-water day.
Tree-lined shoreline, modest cottage development.

Lake Mansfield

MA

Great Barrington · Berkshires · 50 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Small town launch off Lake Mansfield Rd
Current: None
Release: —

Size 50 acTime 2 hours easyParking 10 carsCamping Beartown SF (10 min) · Tolland SF (25 min)Amenities Town beach, restrooms summerCell Decent

Small, calm, no-motor-only pond.
LM + pickerel + panfish.
Easy noob water with Great Barrington restaurants right there.
Wrench will be bored. Bring it for a noob warmup.

Quabbin Reservoir (DCR Rentals)

MA

Belchertown / Petersham · 39 sq mi

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: DCR boat rentals at Gates 8 & 43 ONLY — no private boats
Current: None
Release: Season Apr 18 – Oct 17. Rentals first-come; arrive 30+ min before dawn for weekends

Size 39 sq mi · 18 mi long · 412ft max depthTime Full day (no choice — you rent for the day)Parking Full DCR lots at Gates 8 & 43Camping Federation of Sportsmen Clubs allows ground camping nearby; no on-reservoir campingOutfitter DCR runs the rentals directly — call (413) 323-7221 (Gate 8) for statusAmenities Restrooms at Gates 8 & 43Cell Spotty interiorHazards Massive open water · wind builds serious chop · keep close to shore

Only way to paddle Quabbin: rent from DCR at Gate 8 or 43.
Trophy lake trout + smallmouth + salmon water.
Big open water — wind can build serious chop. Watch the sky.
No private kayaks allowed. Period.

— The cleanest fishing water in the East. Rules are the price. —

Connecticut River — Northampton/Hadley

MA

Northampton–Hadley–Holyoke · main stem

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Hatfield, Damon Pond, Mitch's Way (Northampton), Brunelle's Marina
Current: Moderate (faster in spring runoff)
Release: Holyoke Dam release affects flow downstream — check USGS Montague gauge

Size ~15 mi paddleable pool between damsFloat 8-15 depending on launch comboTime 3-6 hours float pick-your-sectionEddies Many — every island and snag creates a holdShuttle 30-45 min driving · 2 vehicles idealParking Hatfield ramp 30 cars · Mitch's Way 20 carsCamping DAR State Forest (15 min west) · Tully Lake CG (45 min east)Cell Good throughoutHazards Holyoke Dam downstream — exit at Brunelle's Marina before; barge traffic; spring high water

Smallmouth + walleye + pike + the occasional shortnose sturgeon.
Stay aware of barge traffic + Holyoke Dam upstream.
Oxbow lakes off the main stem = quiet largemouth paddling.
Spring herring run brings stripers to the dam tailwater.
River character: BIG river (1000+ ft wide in places) but mostly slow current outside spring. Sandy/silt bottom in the main channel, gravel and cobble near the banks. Tannin-stained water with 3-5ft visibility.
Notable structure: bridge piers at Calvin Coolidge Bridge, the Oxbow entrance (formed when the river cut a new channel in 1840), Mitch's Way wing dam.

Connecticut River — Holyoke Pool (Below Dam)

MA

South Hadley / Holyoke · below the dam

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Jones Ferry Boat Ramp (South Hadley); Sportsman's Marina (Holyoke)
Current: Moderate, variable with dam discharge
Release: Holyoke Dam discharge varies daily — call (413) 536-9462 for daily release; spring runs see 30,000+ cfs

Size ~5 mi to next damFloat 5-8Time 3-5 hoursEddies Many directly below the dam · classic shad pool eddies in springParking Jones Ferry 20 carsCamping DAR State Forest (30 min)Cell GoodHazards Below-dam turbulence near release; never paddle near the dam face; debris in spring high water

Below-dam tailwater — shad/striper run spring fishery.
Avoid the immediate dam face — turbulence is no joke.
Spring American shad fishery is world-class — May into June.
Conte Fish Lab right at the dam — fish ladder visible.

Connecticut River — Hatfield to Sunderland

MA

Hatfield → Sunderland Bridge · Pioneer Valley

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Hatfield town launch · Sunderland Bridge takeout
Current: Mild (downstream of Turners Falls dam)
Release: Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage upstream — flow can swing fast (200-2000 cfs)

Float 8 miTime 3-4 hours easy floatEddies Many along the bends · oxbow access pointsShuttle 20 min · 2 vehiclesParking Hatfield 30 cars · Sunderland small lot 10 carsCamping DAR State Forest (15 min)Cell DecentHazards Flow swings from upstream pumped storage · check USGS Sunderland gauge before

Mostly flat slow river through farm country.
Oxbow lakes off the main stem = quiet bass detours.
Easy float — good intro to multi-hour river paddling.
Pioneer Valley views; pull off at sand bars for lunch.

Connecticut River — Turners Falls Pool

MA

Turners Falls / Greenfield · MA-VT-NH border country

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Barton Cove (good base) · Riverside Park
Current: Mild–moderate (dam-controlled)
Release: Northfield Mountain pumped storage causes 1-3ft daily level swings. Check schedule.

Size 7 mi long impoundment behind Turners Falls DamFloat Up to 14 round-tripTime Half-day to full-dayParking Barton Cove 30 cars · campground guests priorityCamping Barton Cove Campground · paddle-in tent sites · open mid-May to mid-October · reservations strongly advisedOutfitter Barton Cove rents canoes/kayaksAmenities Restrooms at Barton Cove; picnic areaCell DecentHazards Pumped storage daily level swings; eagle nesting closures in spring (signed)

Long impoundment behind Turners Falls Dam — quieter than open river.
Walleye + smallmouth + shad in spring.
Barton Cove has camping & rentals at the gate.
Bald eagles nest here — bring binoculars.

Deerfield River — Released Flow Sections

MA

Charlemont–Shelburne Falls · Franklin County

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Fife Brook (Florida MA), Zoar Gap, Charlemont put-ins along Rte 2
Current: Strong (Class I-III depending on release)
Release: BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE schedule daily — usually 800-1200 cfs releases 9-11am. NO release = unfishable. Call (888) 417-4837.

Size Mainstem 10+ mi paddleable below Fife BrookFloat 8 mi Fife Brook → Charlemont (most common run)Time 3-4 hours runningEddies Many · big eddies behind every boulder · Zoar Gap eddy is the famous oneShuttle 20 min driving · 2 vehicles or rideshareParking Fife Brook 30 cars · Charlemont 30+Camping Mohawk Trail SF · primitive sites · Zoar Outdoor base campOutfitter Zoar Outdoor (rentals, shuttle, guided runs) · Crab Apple WhitewaterCell Spotty in the gorgeHazards Class II-III at Zoar Gap depending on release · don't kayak below releases without scouting

Check the dam release schedule the morning you go. Always.
Wild brown trout fishery — the river is C&R artificial in spots.
Outfitters run rentals + shuttles if you don't want to spot vehicles.
NOT a beginner river when releases are on. Wrench's level only.
River character: steep mountain river dropping through a granite gorge. Pool-drop-pool structure. Massive boulders, ledge drops, named rapids (Zoar Gap is Class II-III on full releases). Water is COLD year-round (tailwater).
Reading the water: big eddies on river-left below every boulder; main current line moves dramatically with release level. At 800 cfs the river is friendly; at 1500+ it's serious.

— The river is owned by the dam. Show up when it's open for business. —

Westfield River — West Branch

MA

Chesterfield Gorge · Hampshire County

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Chesterfield Gorge (Trustees) walk-in
Current: Moderate (natural flow, varies with weather)
Release: Natural flow — high in spring, low summer. Best after rain. USGS Knightville gauge.

Size ~12 mi paddleable in the C&R sectionFloat 5-8 typical floatTime 3-5 hoursEddies Many in the gorge · pools below ledges hold fishParking Chesterfield Gorge lot 20 carsCamping DAR State Forest (15 min)Cell SpottyHazards Granite ledges + downed timber · scout before running new sections

C&R artificials only in the gorge — fly water mostly, but kayak-fishable below.
Granite gorge — scenic + technical paddling.
Wild browns. Big ones.
Skip in summer dry spells — too low to float.

Knightville Reservoir

MA

Huntington · Hampshire County · 950 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Army Corps ramp
Current: None when impounded
Release: Flood-control reservoir — level varies seasonally. Drawn down in fall/winter; reservoir character disappears.

Size Variable; full-pool ~950 acTime Half-dayParking 30 carsCamping Knightville USACE campground · primitive · free · first-comeAmenities Restrooms at ramp areaCell SpottyHazards Sudden water releases possible (call Army Corps); drowned timber when high

Army Corps flood-control reservoir on Westfield River.
When full = good kayak water with drowned timber structure.
Drawn down fall through spring — often a river then.
Bass + pickerel + the occasional stocked trout in spring.

Quaboag Pond

MA

Brookfield · Worcester County · 540 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State ramp · paved
Current: Mild (river inflow / outflow)
Release: —

Size 540 ac · connected to Quaboag RiverTime Half-day; full-day with Quaboag River extensionParking 30 cars · state launchCamping Wells State Park (Sturbridge, 15 min)Amenities Old Sturbridge Village 15 min — non-fishing partner optionCell Good

Connected to Quaboag River — kayak both in one trip.
Big largemouth + pike + crappie.
Mostly shallow + weedy — frog-fishing paradise in July.
Old Sturbridge Village 15 min away if Wrench wants a non-fishing break.

Lake Wickaboag

MA

West Brookfield · 320 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Town launch
Current: None
Release: —

Size 320 acTime Half-dayParking 20 carsCamping Wells State Park (10 min)Cell Good

Quiet kayak lake an hour west of Worcester.
Bass + pickerel + perch.
Cottage-rim shoreline, lightly developed.
Pair with Quaboag for a two-water day.

Webster Lake (Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg)

MA

Webster · S of Worcester · 1,442 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State ramp + town landings
Current: None
Release: —

Size 1,442 ac · three connected basins · 5 mi totalTime Full day to fish wellParking State ramp 50 cars · summer feeCamping Hodges Village USACE (Oxford, 20 min)Amenities Restaurants on the lake, full town amenitiesCell GoodHazards Heavy weekend powerboat traffic + wakes

Big multi-basin lake with the world's longest place name.
Heavy summer motor traffic — early morning is the only quiet.
Walleye + smallmouth + pike + LM. Real multi-species lake.
Pair with the Brookfield ponds if you want a quieter half-day after.

Tully Lake

MA

Royalston · N central MA · 200 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Army Corps ramp · cartop only above 10 HP
Current: Mild (flood-control reservoir)
Release: Drawn down fall · usually full by mid-April

Size 200 acTime Half-dayParking 30 carsCamping Tully Lake Campground (Trustees of Reservations) · 35 sites · walk-in or paddle-in only · reservableAmenities Visitor center, restroomsCell SpottyHazards Sudden flood-control releases possible · call USACE Birch Hill

Paddle-in camping at Tully Lake Campground = the move.
Cartop-friendly water (10 HP max), no jet ski circus.
Bass + pickerel + the occasional stocked trout.
Tully Trail connects to Doane's Falls — hike-and-paddle combo.

— Paddle in. Pitch a tent. Eat dinner with your feet in the water. —

New York

Norwich · Madison · Otsego · Finger Lakes · Chautauqua · Allegany 39 waters

Lebanon Reservoir

NY

Lebanon · Madison County · 96 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Concrete state ramp on Reservoir Rd · 14 cars/trailers
Current: None
Release: —

Size 96 ac · 45ft maxTime Half-dayParking 14 cars/trailersCamping None on-site · Bowman Lake SP (35 min)Cell Spotty

Small, quiet, two-story trout + bass fishery.
Old Erie Canal feeder reservoir.
Almost no boat traffic. Often empty on weekdays.
Spring trout, summer bass, fall pickerel.

— The lake nobody fishes is the lake to fish. —

Eaton Brook Reservoir

NY

Eaton · Madison County · 272 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: DEC ramp off County Rte 52
Current: None
Release: —

Size 272 ac · 50ft maxTime Half-dayParking 20 carsCamping Bowman Lake SP (30 min) · Hunt's Pond SP (40 min)Cell Spotty

Clear deep reservoir — light line, finesse approach.
Stocked browns + walleye + smallmouth.
Steep banks = deep water right off the boat.
Less pressure than Cazenovia. Better fishing per cast.

Lake Moraine (Madison Reservoir)

NY

Madison/Hamilton · Madison County · 225 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: DEC ramp — small boats only
Current: None
Release: —

Size 225 ac · shallow weedy throughoutTime Half-dayParking 15 carsCamping Bowman Lake SP (40 min)Cell Spotty

Shallow weedy lake — pickerel paradise.
24-inch chain pickerel caught yearly. Steel leader required.
Tiger muskie stocked sporadically.
Big jerkbaits over the weed flats in May.

Upper & Lower Leland Ponds

NY

Eaton · Madison County · twin ponds

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Route 26 parking · wheelchair-accessible features
Current: None
Release: —

Size Upper 35ac · Lower 28ac · connected by culvertTime Half-day for bothParking 15 carsCamping Bowman Lake SP (35 min)Amenities Wheelchair-accessible fishing platform at Route 26Cell Spotty

Two ponds, one parking lot.
Upper Leland = stocked browns. Lower Leland = tiger muskies.
Connected by a culvert under the highway.
Quiet, easy, two-fishery day.

DeRuyter Reservoir

NY

DeRuyter · Madison County · 558 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State launch
Current: None
Release: —

Size 558 ac · 60ft maxTime Half-day to full-dayParking 30 carsCamping None on-site; Bowman Lake SP (50 min)Amenities Town beach, restrooms summerCell Spotty

Multi-species lake — walleye + bass + pike + tigers.
Erie Canal feeder reservoir like the others.
Town beach for breaks; restrooms.
Some boat traffic but never crowded.

Bowman Lake

NY

Bowman Lake SP · McDonough · 35 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Cartop / canoe / rental rowboats · free state park permit req
Current: None
Release: —

Size 35 ac inside 967-acre state parkTime 2-3 hoursParking 100+ cars in the parkCamping Bowman Lake SP · 150 sites + 8 rustic cabins · reservable · centerpiece of any Norwich-area paddle tripOutfitter Park rents rowboats on weekendsAmenities Beach, restrooms, picnic, hiking trails, Finger Lakes Trail throughCell Spotty

967-acre state park surrounds a 35-acre trout pond.
NO motors. NO ice fishing. Pure kayak/canoe water.
Stocked rainbows + brookies.
Cabins + campground — make it a weekend.

Long Pond (Chenango County)

NY

South New Berlin · 153 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Hand launch 2 mi S of South New Berlin
Current: None
Release: —

Size 153 ac · 9ft avg (shallow)Time Half-dayParking 10 cars at hand launchCamping Hunt's Pond SP (30 min)Cell Spotty

Long deep slow pools — perfect canoe water.
Tiger muskie + pickerel + LM.
Tree-lined shore, no development.
True 'feels remote, isn't really' kind of water.

Susquehanna River — Sherburne to Bainbridge

NY

Chenango County · 60+ mi paddle-able stretch

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Sherburne (Rt 80), Norwich Hale St (hard ramp), North Norwich, Brisben, Greene Rt 41, Bainbridge
Current: Mild–moderate
Release: Natural flow — gets thin in dry summers (USGS Bainbridge gauge)

Size 60 mi paddleable in NY · also see Trips sectionFloat 6-15 between launchesTime Day floats · or multi-day (see Trips)Eddies Many · every bridge pool + bend hold fish · slow stretches betweenShuttle Most launches 15-25 min apartParking 5-15 cars at hand launches; Hale St (Norwich) has 20 + hard rampCamping Whitney Point USACE CG (45 min south) · Gilbert Lake SP (1 hr east) · informal river camping on islands (no fires; LNT)Cell Spotty in valleys; decent at bridgesHazards Strainers + downed trees common · scout after spring storms · summer low water = portaging

Smallmouth + walleye + true muskie below Chenango Bridge.
White twin-tail grub on a leadhead = local cheat code.
Long deep pools below each bridge.
Day floats: pick two launches, spot a vehicle, drift.
River character: 80% slow deep pools, 20% gravel-and-cobble riffles. Banks mostly forested with some agricultural openings. Tannin-stained water, 4-6ft visibility most of the year.
Best holding water: bridge-pool tail-outs, undercut banks at the bends, and the slack water behind midstream boulders.

— Your river. Float it. —

Chenango River — Main Stem

NY

Norwich to Greene · Chenango County

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Hale St (Norwich) hard ramp + multiple hand launches downstream
Current: Mild–moderate
Release: Natural flow

Size ~30 mi Norwich-Greene-BinghamtonFloat 8-12 typical day float (Norwich→Oxford or Greene→Brisben)Time 4-6 hoursEddies Many · documented 60-smallie fall hole between Greene and NorwichShuttle 20-30 min between launchesParking Hale St 20 cars + rampCamping Bowman Lake SP (45 min) for multi-day baseCell DecentHazards Downed trees post-storm; low summer water in some stretches

Smallmouth heaven below Sherburne.
Stocked browns in upper section near Morrisville.
Float Greene to Oxford for documented 60-smallie days in fall.
True muskellunge below Chenango Bridge. Steel leader.
River character: pool-riffle-pool throughout. Average pool depth 4-8ft, riffles ankle to knee. Banks heavily forested with hemlock + maple. Gravel and cobble bottom in riffles, mud/silt in pools.
Key structure: bridge piers (every bridge holds fish), gravel bars at the head of pools, downed sycamores along outside bends.

Tioughnioga River

NY

Cortland → Chenango Forks · ~50 mi

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple hand launches Cortland to Chenango Forks
Current: Mild–moderate
Release: Natural flow

Size 50 mi longFloat 5-12 typical floatsTime 3-6 hoursEddies Many · long deep pools below bridgesShuttle 20-30 min · 2 vehiclesParking Variable 5-15 cars at hand launchesCamping Whitney Point USACE CG · primitive river-edge sites along the wayCell Spotty in valleysHazards Strainers after spring floods · scout new sections

Chenango's quieter sibling. Less press, same fish.
5-10 mi between launches = good day floats.
Smallmouth + walleye + tigers.
Stocked browns in the upper reaches.
River character: similar pool-and-riffle structure to the Chenango but slightly steeper gradient + faster water. East and West Branches merge at Marathon then run as the main stem.
Best fishing: deep slow runs below the Lisle and Killawog bridges; cobble bars below each riffle hold smallmouth.

Whitney Point Reservoir

NY

Whitney Point · Broome County · 1,200 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple launches: Dorchester Park, Upper Lisle, Wileytown
Current: Mild (Otselic River inflow)
Release: USACE flood-control · drawn down fall · full by April

Size 1,200 ac · shallow (avg 12ft)Time Half-day to full-dayParking Dorchester 50+ carsCamping Whitney Point USACE CG (Upper Lisle) · 200+ sites · reservable · ON THE WATERAmenities Beach at Dorchester · restrooms · boat rentals · camp storeCell DecentHazards Sudden water level changes possible (USACE) · drowned timber in some bays

USACE reservoir on the Otselic — paddle-and-camp classic.
Walleye + pike + bass.
Camp at Upper Lisle, kayak from your site.
Ice fishing tournaments in February if you want winter intel.

Hatch Lake

NY

DeRuyter / Lincklaen · Madison/Chenango border · 80 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State hand launch · cartop only
Current: None
Release: —

Size 80 ac · 35ft maxTime 3-4 hoursParking 8 carsCamping Bowman Lake SP (40 min)Cell Spotty

Small overlooked Madison/Chenango border water.
Stocked browns + bass + panfish.
Cartop only = effectively no traffic.
Pair with DeRuyter or Long Pond for a quieter day.

Goodyear Lake

NY

Milford/Portlandville · Otsego County · 408 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State launch
Current: Mild (Susquehanna impoundment)
Release: Dam-controlled flow at outlet — minimal effect on lake

Size 408 ac · long narrowTime Half-dayParking 30 carsCamping Glimmerglass SP (15 min) · Gilbert Lake SP (30 min)Cell Decent

Susquehanna impoundment, long narrow lake.
Walleye fishery is real — jig the river channel at dusk.
Connected by river to the upper Susquehanna system.
Town of Milford for amenities.

Otsego Lake (Cooperstown)

NY

Cooperstown · Otsego County · 4,200 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Glimmerglass SP + Lakefront Park · paved ramps
Current: None
Release: —

Size 4,200 ac · 9 mi long · 166ft maxTime Full day to fish; half-day to paddleParking Glimmerglass 100+ cars · summer feeCamping Glimmerglass SP · 39 sites · reservable · ON THE WATERAmenities Beach, restrooms, swim raft, hiking trailsCell Good in village, spotty in covesHazards Wind builds on long fetch; deep cold water year-round

Long narrow deep lake — wind can build long fetch chop.
Lakers + smallmouth + walleye.
Glimmerglass SP base = ramp, beach, cabins.
Cooperstown across the street for Hall of Fame breaks.

Canadarago Lake

NY

Richfield Springs · Otsego County · 1,917 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State launch
Current: None
Release: —

Size 1,917 ac · 6 mi long · 42ft maxTime Full dayParking 40 cars at state launchCamping Glimmerglass SP (30 min)Amenities Deowongo Island + town beachCell DecentHazards Fetch chop on south winds

30+ POUND tiger muskies caught here yearly. Real number.
Walleye + smallmouth + LM round out the fishery.
Some cottage development; not crazy.
Steel leader is non-negotiable.

Cazenovia Lake

NY

Cazenovia · Madison County · 1,150 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State launch · south end
Current: None
Release: —

Size 1,150 ac · 4 mi long · 64ft maxTime Full day to fish wellParking 40 cars · south endCamping Green Lakes SP (35 min)Amenities Cazenovia village (Colgate-adjacent) for restaurantsCell GoodHazards Tournament boat wakes on summer weekends

Madison County's destination smallmouth lake.
Clear water, finesse approach.
Some tournament boat traffic on summer weekends.
College-town south end (Colgate); quiet east side.

Hemlock Lake

NY

Hemlock · Finger Lakes (minor) · 1,800 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Cartop / kayak only · FREE Rochester Water permit required
Current: None
Release: Rochester drinking water — strict regs. NO gas motors. NO swimming.

Size 1,800 ac · 7 mi long · 96ft maxTime Full dayParking 20 cars at main launchCamping Letchworth SP (45 min) · nothing closer due to restrictionsAmenities NONE on reservoirCell SpottyHazards No swimming · no contamination · long fetch for kayak chop

Kayak-only Finger Lake. Wild feel.
Lakers + smallmouth + the occasional salmon.
Get Rochester Water Bureau permit before launching.
Sister to Canadice (even more restricted, also paddleable).

— What every Finger Lake was 100 years ago. —

Honeoye Lake

NY

Honeoye · Finger Lakes (minor) · 1,772 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State launch at Honeoye Lake SP
Current: None
Release: —

Size 1,772 ac · 4 mi long · 30ft max (shallow)Time Full dayParking Honeoye Lake SP 40 carsCamping Honeoye Lake SP cabins · Letchworth SP (40 min)Amenities Beach, restroomsCell Decent

Shallow warm-water Finger Lake. Different from the deep ones.
LM + pike + walleye.
30ft max depth — kayak-comfortable size.
Honeoye Lake SP base + Sandy Bottom Park beach.

Owasco Lake

NY

Auburn–Moravia · Finger Lakes · 11 mi long

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Emerson Park (Auburn) · state launch
Current: None
Release: —

Size 11 mi long · 178ft maxTime Full day · multi-dayParking Emerson Park 100+ cars · fee in seasonCamping Fillmore Glen SP (south, 10 min)Amenities Beach, restaurants in AuburnCell Good in Auburn, spotty southHazards Long-fetch wind builds fast

Smallest of the major Finger Lakes — still big water.
Lakers + smallmouth + perch.
Auburn at the north end = full city amenities.
Wind builds fast on a long lake. Watch the sky.

Otisco Lake

NY

Marietta–Amber · Finger Lakes (minor) · 2,200 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State launch at Otisco Park
Current: Mild (causeway flow)
Release: —

Size 2,200 ac · split by causewayTime Full dayParking 30 carsCamping Glen Hollow private CG (10 min)Cell Decent

Easternmost minor Finger Lake.
Causeway splits the lake — two distinct fisheries.
Tiger muskies stocked. Walleye + LM.
Less famous + less developed than the majors.

Sodus Bay

NY

Sodus Point · Wayne County · 3,400 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple state + town launches
Current: Mild (Lake Ontario channel connection)
Release: —

Size 3,400 ac · large protected bayTime Full dayParking Multiple lots · 20-50 cars eachCamping Hamlin Beach SP (45 min west) · Fair Haven Beach SP (30 min east)Amenities Sodus Point village restaurants and shopsCell GoodHazards Tournament boat traffic + wakes summer weekends

Largest Lake Ontario south-shore bay.
Largemouth + smallmouth + pike paradise.
Sheltered from open lake wind — kayak-friendly.
Tournament traffic on summer weekends; weekday water is yours.

Irondequoit Bay

NY

Webster–Penfield–Irondequoit · Monroe County · 1,500 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple launches
Current: Mild (channel to Ontario opens seasonally)
Release: Channel to Lake Ontario closes outside boating season

Size 1,500 ac · 75ft hole in middleTime Half-day to full-dayParking Multiple 30-60 car lotsCamping Hamlin Beach SP (25 min)Cell GoodHazards Heavy summer powerboat traffic

Rochester's bay. Heavy use but produces year-round.
Surprising 75ft hole in the middle.
Walleye + LM + pike.
Heavy weekend traffic — early morning is the only window.

West Canada Creek

NY

Trenton Falls to Mohawk River · Oneida/Herkimer · 80+ mi

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple — Hinckley Reservoir, Trenton Falls, Poland, Newport, Middleville
Current: Moderate (varies with dam release)
Release: Hinckley Reservoir releases · USGS Hinckley gauge

Size 80+ mi longFloat 5-15 typical floatsTime 3-6 hoursEddies Many · classic pool-and-riffle Adirondack-foothills riverShuttle 30-40 min between distant launchesParking 10-15 cars at hand launchesCamping Hinckley Reservoir CG · primitive sites along the riverCell Spotty in canyonsHazards Hinckley dam releases unpredictable in spring · Class II in upper sections at higher water

Adirondack-foothills river running into the Mohawk.
Wild brown trout above + smallmouth lower.
Trenton Falls is impassable — portage or take out above.
Connects multi-day opportunities with Hinckley Reservoir.

Mohawk River — Erie Canal Pools

NY

Schenectady to Utica · 80 mi of canalized river

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple at each lock pool
Current: Mild (locks create slack pools)
Release: Erie Canal closes Nov 15-May 15 typically · check NY Canal Corp before

Size Variable pool sizes · 80 mi totalFloat 5-15 between locksTime Day floats per poolParking Variable at each lockCamping Multiple state parks along corridor; canal-adjacent campgroundsCell Good throughoutHazards Commercial barge traffic · lock operation · stay clear of lock approaches

Erie Canal flows through the Mohawk most of the way.
Lock pools each have their own fishery — pool by pool.
Smallmouth + walleye in the deeper pools.
Watch for commercial barges — they have right of way.

Skaneateles Lake

NY

Skaneateles / Mandana · Onondaga/Cayuga · 8,960 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Town launch (north end) · DEC launch at Mandana (west shore)
Current: None
Release: —

Size 8,960 ac · 16 mi long · 300ft max · clearest Finger Lake (Syracuse drinking water)Time Full day · multi-launch worthwhileParking Town launch 50 cars · summer fee · Mandana 20 carsCamping None on-lake · Filllmore Glen SP (30 min south) · Sampson SP on Seneca (45 min west)Amenities Skaneateles village = full restaurants + cafésCell Good in village, decent rest of lakeHazards Wind builds on the 16-mile fetch; cold deep water year-round

Cleanest Finger Lake. You can see 30+ ft down on a calm day.
Lakers + smallmouth + rainbow trout. Trolling for lakers via downriggers; jigs for smallies on rocky points.
Skaneateles village = café breakfast → put-in → finish in time for dinner.
Wind builds fast on the long fetch. Watch the south sky.

— Skaneateles is what every lake wishes it looked like. Pay the parking fee. Eat in the village. —

Cayuga Lake

NY

Ithaca → Seneca Falls · Tompkins/Seneca/Cayuga · 42,956 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple — Taughannock Falls SP (west shore), Long Point SP (east), Ithaca (south end), Cayuga Lake SP (north)
Current: None
Release: —

Size 42,956 ac · 38 mi long · 435ft max · longest Finger LakeTime Full day · multi-day weekendParking Taughannock 100+ cars · summer fee · Long Point 50 · Ithaca multiple lotsCamping Taughannock Falls SP · 76 sites · ON-LAKE · reservable · ALSO Cayuga Lake SP · 287 sites · ALSO Long Point SP · 27 paddle-friendly sitesOutfitter Puddledockers (Ithaca) · rentals + shuttles · multiple Ithaca-area outfittersAmenities Ithaca = full city · multiple state park beachesCell Good around perimeter, decent middleHazards Big-water fetch wind (long lake, exposed); deep cold water; wakes on summer weekends

Longest Finger Lake at 38 miles. Pick a section; don't try to do it all.
Lakers + smallmouth + walleye + landlocked salmon (stocked).
Taughannock Falls drops 215ft right at the west-shore park — paddle up to see it.
Three state park campgrounds = base camp options every direction.

— Cayuga is too long to fish in a day. Pick the section. Camp at the closest state park. Fish in earnest tomorrow. —

Seneca Lake

NY

Geneva → Watkins Glen · Seneca/Yates/Schuyler · 43,343 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Sampson SP (east), Geneva town launch (north), Watkins Glen (south)
Current: None
Release: —

Size 43,343 ac · 38 mi long · 618ft max · DEEPEST lake in NYTime Full day · weekendParking Sampson SP 100+ cars · summer fee · Watkins Glen 50Camping Sampson State Park · 309 sites · ON-LAKE · reservable · ALSO Watkins Glen SP (gorge), no on-lake sitesOutfitter Multiple at Watkins Glen + GenevaAmenities Watkins Glen + Geneva + the entire Seneca Lake Wine Trail rimCell Good around perimeterHazards Deepest lake in NY = serious cold water year-round; long fetch wind; mid-lake currents

Deepest lake in NY. Trophy lakers — 30+ pounders recorded.
Landlocked salmon (stocked) + brown trout + lakers + smallmouth.
Watkins Glen at the south end = gorge state park + NASCAR + wineries.
Sampson SP camping is the main paddler base. 309 sites.

— Seneca is so deep the Navy tests submarines in it. The lakers down there don't know what year it is. —

Canandaigua Lake

NY

Canandaigua → Naples · Ontario/Yates · 10,560 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Kershaw Park (north end, Canandaigua) · Woodville (south end, Naples) · Onanda Park (west shore)
Current: None
Release: —

Size 10,560 ac · 16 mi long · 262ft maxTime Full dayParking Kershaw 80+ cars · fee · Onanda 40Camping Bristol Hills KOA (private, 15 min west) · no state campground on the lake itselfOutfitter Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures (rentals)Amenities Canandaigua town · multiple restaurants + Sonnenberg GardensCell GoodHazards Wind on the long fetch; powerboat traffic summer weekends

Most-developed Finger Lake but extensive paddle-friendly shoreline.
Lakers + smallmouth + walleye + perch.
Naples (south end) = fall foliage destination; paddle the south coves in October.
Bare Hill on the east shore is the Seneca Nation creation site.

Conesus Lake

NY

Lakeville · Livingston County · 3,420 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State launch at south end · town launches
Current: None
Release: —

Size 3,420 ac · 8 mi long · 66ft max (shallowest of the major Fingers)Time Full dayParking State launch 40 carsCamping Letchworth SP (45 min south) · Hamlin Beach SP (1 hr north)Amenities Lakeville for basicsCell DecentHazards Tournament boat traffic on summer weekends

Westernmost major Finger Lake. Shallowest of the big ones.
Walleye + LM + smallmouth + pike.
Ice fishing huge here in February.
Less famous than the deep Fingers; easier for paddle-fishing.

Chautauqua Lake

NY

Mayville → Jamestown · Chautauqua County · 13,000 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple state launches + town launches around perimeter
Current: Mild (Chadakoin River outflow at Jamestown end)
Release: —

Size 13,000 ac · 17 mi long · narrow · two basins divided by the Bemus Point bridgeTime Full day · weekendParking Multiple lots · 30-80 cars eachCamping Long Point SP (east shore) · Westfield/Brocton KOA · multiple private CGs · Allegany SP (45 min south)Outfitter Multiple in Bemus Point + MayvilleAmenities Bemus Point + Mayville + Jamestown · full lakeside infrastructure · Lucy-Desi Museum in JamestownCell Good around perimeterHazards Wind on the long fetch · weed mats in summer · weekend boat traffic

Western NY's marquee multi-species lake.
TROPHY MUSKELLUNGE — Chautauqua-strain muskies are the genetic source for half the state's stockings. 50-inch fish caught yearly.
Walleye + smallmouth + LM + perch + crappie + bullhead. Real cornucopia.
Steel leader is not optional. Big trolling motor recommended for the long lake.

— Chautauqua is the muskie lake. The Chautauqua-strain is what other states ask for. Bring the steel leader. Bring the camera. —

Allegheny Reservoir (Kinzua Lake)

NY

Salamanca / Steamburg · Cattaraugus County · 12,000 ac (NY portion)

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple — Onoville Marina (NY), Quaker Bridge, Willow Bay (NY), Roper Hollow (PA)
Current: Mild (Allegheny River impoundment)
Release: USACE Kinzua Dam drawdown affects level — winter low, summer full

Size 12,000 ac NY + 8,300 ac PA = 20,300 ac total · 27 mi long · 200ft max · STRADDLES NY/PA BORDERTime Full day · multi-day if you go campParking Onoville 100+ cars · Willow Bay 60Camping Allegany State Park (NY side) · Red House and Quaker areas · 300+ sites total · ALSO Willow Bay USFS (PA side) · 60+ sites · ALSO Dewdrop, Kiasutha, and Red Bridge USFS campgrounds (PA)Outfitter Allegheny Outfitters (Warren PA) · rentals + shuttlesAmenities Salamanca (NY) + Warren (PA) for full servicesCell Spotty deep inHazards BIG-WATER fetch wind on the main basin · drowned timber in coves · navigation can confuse you (lake is shaped like a snake)

Massive lake straddling NY/PA border in Allegheny National Forest.
Walleye + smallmouth + LM + muskie + big northern pike.
Allegheny National Forest = paddle-and-camp paradise (multiple USFS campgrounds).
Either NY or PA freshwater license valid on the lake itself.

— Kinzua is the Allegheny throat-cut by Kinzua Dam. 27 miles of cottonwood-and-cliff shoreline. Plan three days; you'll wish for five. —

Red House Lake & Quaker Lake (Allegany SP)

NY

Allegany State Park · Cattaraugus County · 105 + 230 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Red House Lake (north end of park) · Quaker Lake (south end) · cartop/canoe/kayak only
Current: None
Release: —

Size Red House 105 ac · Quaker 230 acTime Half-day each · pair for a full dayParking Each lake has 30+ car lot · state park fee in seasonCamping Allegany State Park · 300+ sites + 400+ cabins · MASSIVE · Red House area or Quaker areaAmenities Park offices, beach, rentals at Red House, restaurant at the Lake CabinCell DecentHazards None significant on either lake

Two paddle-friendly lakes inside Allegany State Park (NY's largest at 65,000 ac).
Stocked trout + bass + bullhead in both.
Red House Lake = kayak rentals available at the lake; family-friendly.
Quaker Lake = quieter, southern end of the park; book a cabin and paddle from the door.

— Allegany State Park is its own world. Two paddle lakes, hundreds of cabins, the Allegheny Reservoir twenty minutes away. Plan a week. —

Genesee River — Mt. Morris to Avon

NY

Mt. Morris → Avon · Livingston County · 15 mi paddleable

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Below Mt. Morris Dam (USACE access) · multiple hand launches to Avon
Current: Moderate (dam-controlled)
Release: Mt. Morris Dam (USACE) controls flow · USGS Mt Morris gauge · summer dependable

Size 15 mi paddleable Mt. Morris → AvonFloat 5-10 typical day floatsTime 3-5 hoursEddies Many · below-dam pool eddies + bend pools throughoutShuttle 20 min · 2 vehiclesParking Mt. Morris 30 cars · Avon 15Camping Letchworth State Park (UPSTREAM of Mt. Morris Dam — major park) · paid sites + cabinsCell DecentHazards Mt. Morris Dam upstream (don't paddle the gorge above) · flow varies with USACE releases

Genesee below the Mt. Morris Dam — gentler than the gorge upstream.
Smallmouth + walleye + the occasional northern pike.
Letchworth State Park UPSTREAM has the famous Grand Canyon of the East — don't paddle that section (impossible).
Mt. Morris Dam controls flow; check before you go.

Chemung River

NY

Painted Post → Elmira → Sayre (PA) · Steuben/Chemung · 45 mi

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple — Painted Post, Big Flats, Elmira (downtown), Wellsburg, Lowman, Sayre PA
Current: Mild–moderate
Release: Natural flow · summer can be thin (USGS Chemung gauge)

Size 45 mi NY paddleable · runs into Susquehanna at Sayre PAFloat 6-15 typical day floatsTime 3-6 hoursEddies Many · classic Susquehanna-tributary pool-and-riffle character · long deep pools below the Elmira bridgesShuttle 20-40 min · 2 vehiclesParking Variable 5-25 cars per launchCamping Mark Twain State Park (15 min north of Elmira) · NY · 142 sites · ALSO multiple river-island primitive options (LNT)Cell Decent throughoutHazards Strainers after spring storms · thin summer water · few small low-head dams

Major Southern Tier river — runs from Painted Post through Elmira and into PA at Sayre.
TROPHY smallmouth + walleye + muskie + carp + flatheads. Real Susquehanna-system fishery.
Long deep pools below each bridge — Elmira bridges hold serious fish.
River character: meandering, mostly forested banks with farm openings, gravel + cobble substrate in riffles, deep silt pools.

— The Chemung joins the Susquehanna at Sayre. Same fish, less press. Smallmouth that fight harder than they should. —

Cohocton River

NY

Avoca → Painted Post (joins Chemung) · Steuben County · 60 mi

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple — Avoca, Bath, Savona, Painted Post
Current: Mild–moderate
Release: Natural flow · summer often thin (USGS Campbell gauge)

Size 60 mi · joins Tioga at Painted Post to form ChemungFloat 5-12 typical day floatsTime 3-5 hoursEddies Many · small-water character throughout · pools below the Bath and Savona bridgesShuttle 20-30 min · 2 vehiclesParking Variable 5-15 cars per launchCamping Stony Brook State Park (10 min from Bath) · 125 sites · NOT on river but closeCell Decent in towns, spotty otherwiseHazards Low summer water = portaging · strainers post-storm

Headwater of the Chemung system. Wild brown trout in upper reaches near Avoca.
Smallmouth + rock bass + the occasional walleye in lower sections.
Less famous than the Chemung; consequently quieter.
Pair an upper-river trout morning with a lower-river smallmouth afternoon.

Sandy Pond (Lake Ontario)

NY

Sandy Pond · Oswego County · 3,800 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple — Greene Point (south), Sandy Pond (central), North Sandy Pond launches
Current: Mild (channel to Lake Ontario opens summer)
Release: Sand barrier separates Sandy Pond from Lake Ontario; channel sometimes naturally closes

Size 3,800 ac · three connected pond bays · 8 mi north-south · sand barrier from Lake OntarioTime Full day to exploreParking Greene Point 30 cars · multiple smaller launchesCamping Selkirk Shores State Park (15 min north) · 144 sites · ON LAKE ONTARIO · reservableAmenities Sandy Pond cottages + small restaurants; Selkirk Shores SP beachCell DecentHazards Sand barrier swells can be Class II when wind shifts; otherwise calm; channel currents at the lake opening

Massive sheltered pond system separated from Lake Ontario by a sand barrier.
Three connected ponds — north, middle, south — explore all in a long day.
Bass + pike + perch + occasional walleye.
When Lake Ontario is whipping in onshore wind, Sandy Pond is glassy. Best calm-water move on the corridor.

— Sandy Pond is what Lake Ontario shoreline anglers go to when the big lake is too rough. Three bays. One sand barrier. Quiet water. —

Henderson Bay

NY

Henderson · Jefferson County · sheltered Lake Ontario NE

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Henderson Harbor state launch + town launches around the bay
Current: Mild (Lake Ontario connection)
Release: —

Size Bay portion ~4,000 ac · sheltered by Stony Point + multiple islandsTime Full dayParking Henderson Harbor 50+ carsCamping Westcott Beach State Park · 168 sites · ON THE LAKE · reservableOutfitter Multiple Henderson Harbor charters offer kayak excursions / paddle trips on quiet daysAmenities Henderson Harbor village restaurants + marinasCell DecentHazards Open-lake exposure beyond the islands; powerboat wakes summer weekends; weather can change fast on big water

Sheltered NE Lake Ontario bay protected by Stony Point and the Galloo Islands offshore.
Same trophy smallmouth water as the charter-fishery offshore — kayak-fishable along the rocky shoreline.
Westcott Beach SP for on-water camping with 168 sites.
Big water still — keep one eye on the sky. Best paddled early morning before wind builds.

— Henderson Bay is big-water kayaking with training wheels. The islands break the chop. The smallmouth don't know the difference. —

Chaumont Bay

NY

Chaumont / Three Mile Bay · Jefferson County · 20+ mi protected bay system

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple state launches — Chaumont, Long Point, Three Mile Bay, Point Peninsula
Current: Mild (Lake Ontario connection)
Release: —

Size 20+ mi long protected bay system · ~10,000 ac · sheltered by Point Peninsula + Long PointTime Full day · multi-day potential with campingParking Multiple launches · 20-40 cars eachCamping Burnham Point State Park · 50 sites · ON THE BAY · reservable · sites have water accessAmenities Chaumont + Three Mile Bay villages for basics; Cape Vincent (20 min) for full restaurantsCell Decent in villagesHazards Sheltered most of the time but the bay mouth opens to Lake Ontario — pay attention near Point Peninsula tip

Massive sheltered NE Lake Ontario bay — multiple inlets and islands.
Burnham Point SP campsites have direct water access — kayak from the tent.
Smallmouth on the rocky shoreline; pike in the weedy bays; perch through the ice in winter.
Long Point + Point Peninsula form the natural breakwater — paddle-friendly even on windy days.

— Chaumont Bay is the NE Lake Ontario kayaker's paradise. 20 miles of sheltered water, islands every direction, campsites on the shore. Plan two days. —

Oneida Lake

NY

Sylvan Beach → Brewerton · Oneida/Madison/Oswego/Onondaga · 50,894 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple state launches — Verona Beach, Sylvan Beach, Cleveland, Constantia, South Bay, Brewerton, Oneida Shores
Current: Mild (Oneida River outflow at Brewerton + Wood Creek inflow at Sylvan Beach)
Release: —

Size 50,894 ac · 21 mi long · 5 mi wide · 55ft max (shallow for its size)Time Full day · weekend with campingParking Multiple launches · 50-150 cars eachCamping Verona Beach State Park · 45 sites · ON LAKE · reservable · ALSO Oneida Shores County Park · ALSO Battle Island State ParkAmenities Sylvan Beach (north shore) + Brewerton (west shore) + Cleveland for full lake-town infrastructureCell Good around perimeter; spotty middleHazards HEAVY motor traffic — 50,000+ ac means commercial walleye boats, jet skis, big cabin cruisers; wind builds FAST on the long fetch; whitecaps in afternoon

NY's biggest lake entirely inside the state. 21 miles long, 5 miles wide, all under 55 feet deep.
Walleye fishery is the marquee — NY's premier walleye factory.
Smallmouth + perch + pike + the occasional muskie.
Big motor traffic — kayak the shoreline + coves, not the open middle. Early morning before wind builds is the move.

— Oneida is too big to paddle in a day. Pick a bay. Fish the shoreline. Watch the south sky in afternoon. The walleye are worth it. —

Pennsylvania Border

Cross-border floats & canyon trips 2 waters

Pine Creek — Grand Canyon of PA

PA

Ansonia → Blackwell · Tioga County PA · 47 mi famous float

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Ansonia (upstream) · multiple PA Fish & Boat access points to Waterville
Current: Moderate (spring) to mild (summer)
Release: Natural flow · BEST early spring (April-May) when flows are reliable · summer often too low to float

Size 70+ mi total · 47 mi through the PA Grand CanyonFloat 10-15 typical day floats · multi-day route also classicTime Day floats 4-6 hrs · multi-day 2-4 daysEddies Many · classic mountain river pool-and-drop · the Owassee Rapid (Class II) is the only named whitewater · everything else is moving flatwaterShuttle 30-60 min between distant launches · 2 vehicles required · OR Pine Creek Outfitters runs shuttlesParking PA Fish & Boat lots at every major access · 10-30 cars eachCamping PRIMITIVE camping along the Pine Creek Rail Trail · DESIGNATED sites only · free · ALSO Hills Creek SP (30 min) · Ole Bull SPOutfitter Pine Creek Outfitters (Wellsboro) · rentals + shuttles + camping gearCell NONE in the canyonHazards Spring high water can be Class II+; Owassee Rapid scout from shore; cell signal nonexistent in the gorge

The PA GRAND CANYON. 800ft deep gorge. The Pine Creek Rail Trail follows the river the whole way.
Float-and-bike combo trip: paddle one way, bike back via the rail trail.
Wild brown trout + smallmouth + carp. Trout are wild — no stocking in the canyon.
PRIMITIVE camping along the canyon = paddle-and-camp classic. Multi-day is the move.
Best window: late April through May (water levels). August often too low.

— The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Three days on the river. Camp on a gravel bar. Catch wild browns where they don't expect you. —

Presque Isle Bay (PA)

PA

Erie · Erie County PA · sheltered Lake Erie bay · 3,800 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple PA Fish & Boat ramps around the bay + Presque Isle State Park
Current: Mild (peninsula creates natural breakwater)
Release: —

Size 3,800 ac · sheltered by Presque Isle peninsula · multiple lagoons inside the peninsula add more paddle waterTime Full dayParking Multiple lots inside the state park · all free with PA entryCamping No camping inside Presque Isle SP (day-use only) · BUT plenty of private + state camping in Erie PA area · Folly's End Campground (Lake City, 15 min) has paddle accessOutfitter Presque Isle Kayak Rentals (inside the park) · seasonalAmenities PA's most-visited state park — beaches, restrooms, food, trails, the Bicentennial TowerCell GoodHazards Powerboat traffic on summer weekends in the open bay; lagoons inside the peninsula are quiet

Largest natural harbor on Lake Erie south shore — sheltered by the Presque Isle peninsula.
Multiple LAGOONS inside the peninsula = a network of quiet, sheltered kayak-only paddle water.
Smallmouth + walleye + perch + pike + occasional muskie in the bay.
Presque Isle State Park is PA's most-visited park — facilities everywhere; come early on weekends.

— Presque Isle Bay is Lake Erie's protected harbor in Erie PA. The peninsula lagoons inside are kayak-only paradise. Come for a long day; stay for the sunset over the lake. —

Southern Vermont

Within 40 mi of the MA border 5 waters

West River (Jamaica to Brattleboro)

VT

Jamaica → West Dummerston · Windham County · 30mi paddleable

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Jamaica SP (upper) · Townshend SP · West Dummerston Bridge (lower)
Current: Strong (release-dependent)
Release: BALL MOUNTAIN DAM whitewater releases · 2 weekends per year (late Apr + late Sept) for guaranteed flow · USACE call (802) 874-4881

Size 30+ mi paddleable from Jamaica to BrattleboroFloat 5-12 typical day sectionsTime 3-5 hrs per sectionEddies Many · classic pool-and-riffle freestone · the Salmon Hole + Dummerston Bridge eddies are landmarksShuttle 20-40 min · 2 vehicles or local outfitter shuttleParking Jamaica SP 50 cars · West Dummerston 20 carsCamping Jamaica State Park CG · 41 sites · ON-RIVER · reservable · ALSO Townshend SP CG · 30 sitesOutfitter Vermont Canoe Touring Center (Brattleboro) · summer rentals + shuttlesCell Spotty in the gorgeHazards Class II-III on releases · DROWNING hazard at the Salmon Hole rapid (scout from shore) · ledges throughout

Vermont's marquee whitewater + flatwater river.
Release weekends in spring and fall = boater capital of New England.
Wild brown + brook trout in the upper river; smallmouth lower.
Two state park campgrounds ON the river — book months ahead for release weekends.

— Two release weekends a year. Be there for one. —

Somerset Reservoir

VT

Stratton / Searsburg · Green Mountain National Forest · 1,560 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Forest Service cartop launch (gravel road in) · NO motorized boats over 5 mph
Current: None
Release: —

Size 1,560 ac · 5 mi long · narrowTime Full day to exploreParking 20 cars at launchCamping Somerset is wilderness-feel; Grout Pond CG (5 mi south) · 13 paddle-in sites at Grout · primitive sites also along the reservoirAmenities NONE on-site · Wilmington for supplies (40 min)Cell NoneHazards Remote · narrow rough road in · weather changes fast in the mountains

Inside Green Mountain National Forest — feels remote.
Brook trout + lake trout + landlocked salmon.
5-mph max speed limit = essentially kayak/canoe only.
The Vermont wilderness lake most people don't know exists.

— Drive the dirt road. Park. Carry the boat. Earn the quiet. —

Harriman Reservoir (Lake Whitingham)

VT

Wilmington / Whitingham · Windham County · 2,036 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Multiple state launches: Mountain Mills (Wilmington), Ward's Cove
Current: None
Release: Drawn down winter for flood control; usually full by May

Size 2,036 ac · 8 mi long · 200ft maxTime Full dayParking 30-40 cars per launchCamping Mountain Mills primitive sites (free, first-come) · Molly Stark SP (20 min, Wilmington)Amenities Wilmington village for suppliesCell Decent at launches; spotty deep inHazards Long-fetch wind chop; deep cold water year-round

Largest lake fully inside Vermont.
Trophy smallmouth + lakers + landlocked salmon (rare for VT).
Big deep water means downriggers for the cold-water species.
Wilmington (Mt Snow ski-town) for amenities.

Sadawga Lake

VT

Whitingham · Windham County · 195 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Town launch · small motors only
Current: None
Release: —

Size 195 ac · floating island in the middle (no kidding)Time Half-dayParking 15 carsCamping Molly Stark SP (20 min)Cell Spotty

FLOATING ISLAND in the middle of the lake — paddle around it.
Largemouth + chain pickerel + perch.
Quiet southern VT water that nobody talks about.
Tiny town of Whitingham right there.

— There's a floating island. That's enough reason to go. —

Hapgood Pond

VT

Peru · Bennington County · Green Mountain NF · 30 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Forest Service launch · cartop only
Current: None
Release: —

Size 30 acTime 2-3 hrsParking 30 cars · $5 day-use feeCamping Hapgood Pond Forest Service CG · 28 sites · ON-POND · reservableAmenities Restrooms, swim area, picnic, hiking trailsCell SpottyHazards None significant

Tiny National Forest pond inside Green Mountain NF.
Stocked brook + brown trout.
Camp at the pond, paddle from your site.
Peru (the Vermont one) for supplies — 5 min.

Southern New Hampshire

Within 40 mi of the MA border 6 waters

Spofford Lake

NH

Chesterfield · Cheshire County · 736 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Pierce Park town launch · state launch at north end
Current: None
Release: —

Size 736 ac · 2 mi longTime Half-dayParking 40 cars at state launchCamping Pisgah State Park (20 min) · primitive sites onlyAmenities Town beach + restaurants in ChesterfieldCell Decent

Southern NH's premier bass lake.
Big smallmouth + LM + pike + perch.
Spring-fed = colder than most southern NH waters, holds trout.
20 min north of Keene; 30 min from MA border.

Otter Lake

NH

Greenfield · Hillsborough County · 130 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Greenfield State Park ramp · cartop and small motors
Current: None
Release: —

Size 130 acTime Half-dayParking Greenfield SP 50 cars · summer feeCamping Greenfield State Park CG · 250+ sites · biggest in southern NH · ON-LAKEAmenities Beach, restrooms, swim raft, hikingCell Decent

Quiet kayak lake inside Greenfield State Park.
Stocked trout + warmwater mix.
Camp at Greenfield SP, paddle from your site.
Family-friendly base for the Monadnock region.

Surry Mountain Lake

NH

Surry · Cheshire County · 250 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: USACE ramp · paved
Current: Mild (flood-control reservoir)
Release: USACE Surry Mountain Dam · drawn down winter · full by May

Size 250 ac when impoundedTime Half-dayParking 40 carsCamping USACE primitive sites + Bear Brook State Park (1 hr)Amenities Beach, restroomsCell SpottyHazards Sudden release possible (USACE) · drowned timber

USACE flood-control reservoir on the Ashuelot River.
Bass + pike + stocked trout in spring.
Drawn down fall/winter; comes back full by April.
Less crowded than Massabesic — Keene-area locals' water.

Lake Massabesic

NH

Auburn / Manchester · 2,500 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: MULTIPLE state launches · NO MOTORS over 10 HP (Manchester water supply)
Current: None
Release: Manchester drinking water supply — kayak/canoe OK, no big motors, no swimming

Size 2,500 ac · two main basins separated by causewayTime Full dayParking Multiple launches · 30-60 cars eachCamping Bear Brook State Park (20 min) · Pawtuckaway State Park (30 min)Amenities Audubon center on east side; trails around the lakeCell GoodHazards Long fetch wind chop on the main basin

Manchester's drinking water = strict motor regs = quiet for paddlers.
Lakers + smallmouth + LM + pike.
Two basins — paddle one for half day, switch sides for the other.
Auburn launch is the main paddler base.

— When the city saves it for drinking, you get to fish it in peace. —

Contoocook River — Hopkinton to Henniker

NH

Hopkinton → Henniker · Merrimack County · 10mi float section

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Hopkinton Town Beach · Davisville access · Henniker Bridge
Current: Moderate (release-influenced)
Release: Hopkinton Lake (USACE) releases affect flow · USGS Hopkinton gauge

Size 70 mi total · 10mi float Hopkinton→HennikerFloat 10Time 4-5 hrsEddies Many · pool-and-riffle classic NH riverShuttle 20 min · 2 vehiclesParking Hopkinton Town Beach 20 cars · Davisville 10 · Henniker 15Camping Bear Brook SP (30 min) · primitive river-edge sitesOutfitter Contoocook River Canoe Co (Henniker) · rentals + shuttlesCell DecentHazards Several small dams require portage · Henniker Bridge has light Class II at high water

Major southern NH river — runs from Pomfret to the Merrimack.
Smallmouth + stocked trout in upper sections + pike in deeper pools.
Pool-and-riffle character throughout; classic NH kayak fishery.
Several portages — plan the section, don't just put in.

Ashuelot River — Keene to Hinsdale

NH

Keene → Hinsdale · Cheshire County · 26mi paddleable

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Keene (Ashuelot River Park) · Swanzey · Winchester · Hinsdale
Current: Mild–moderate
Release: Surry Mountain Dam release affects upper river · natural flow lower

Size 64 mi total · 26mi paddleable Keene→HinsdaleFloat 5-12 typical day floatsTime 3-5 hrsEddies Many · classic small-river pool structureShuttle 20-30 min · 2 vehiclesParking Variable 10-25 cars per launchCamping Pisgah State Park (10 min) · Vermont's Fort Dummer SP across the riverCell DecentHazards Several covered bridges + small dams · scout before running

Southern NH's Connecticut River tributary.
Stocked browns + rainbow trout + smallmouth lower.
Covered bridges throughout — scenic float.
Lower section connects to the Connecticut at Hinsdale.

Southwest Maine

Within 40 mi of the MA border 3 waters

Mousam Lake

ME

Shapleigh / Acton · York County · 891 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: State launch · paved · trailers OK
Current: None
Release: —

Size 891 ac · 4 mi long · 78ft maxTime Full dayParking 40 carsCamping None on-site · private campgrounds in Acton/Shapleigh areaAmenities Town beach + restaurants in ActonCell Decent

Major SW Maine bass lake.
Smallmouth + LM + pickerel + perch.
Connected to Square Pond via the Mousam River.
Lightly developed shoreline by Maine standards.

Square Pond

ME

Acton / Shapleigh · York County · 891 ac

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Town launch
Current: None
Release: —

Size 891 acTime Full dayParking 20 carsCamping Private campgrounds in ActonCell Decent

Sister water to Mousam Lake (connected by Mousam River).
Same multi-species mix — bass, pickerel, perch.
Quieter than Mousam, less developed.
Pair with Mousam for a two-water Maine day.

Mousam River — Lower

ME

Mousam Lake → Kennebunk · York County · 26mi paddleable

Rough

Skill

Motors

Season

JFMAMJJASOND

Launch: Mousam Lake outlet · multiple bridges down to Kennebunk
Current: Mild–moderate
Release: Several small dams affect flow

Size 26 mi paddleableFloat 5-10 typical day floatsTime 3-4 hrsEddies Many · small Maine river characterShuttle 20-30 min · 2 vehiclesParking Variable 5-15 cars per launchCamping Wassamki Springs CG (private, 30 min)Cell DecentHazards Several portages required at old dams

Connects Mousam Lake all the way to the Atlantic at Kennebunk.
Stocked browns in upper sections + smallmouth + pickerel lower.
Quiet rural Maine river — minimal development.
Portages at old mill dams — research the section first.

Outfitters & Shuttles

Rentals, guided trips, vehicle shuttles. Phone and hours change — call first. 12 entries

Salmon River / Pulaski Corridor

Tailwater Lodge Outfitter

Altmar, NY

Lodge + guide service on the Salmon River. Multi-day steelhead packages; drift boat trips.

PA Steelhead Alley (Erie corridor)

Folly's End Campground & Outfitters Outfitter · Rental

Lake City, PA

Campground + outfitter at Elk Creek mouth. Tackle, guide bookings, kayak/canoe rental. Paddler-fisherman base for Lake Erie tributary fishing.

PA / Western NY (Pine Creek, Allegheny)

Pine Creek Outfitters Outfitter · Rental

Wellsboro, PA

Pine Creek Grand Canyon paddle outfitter. Rentals, shuttles, multi-day trip support. Bike rentals for float-and-bike combos along the rail trail.

Allegheny Outfitters Outfitter · Rental

Warren, PA

Allegheny River + Allegheny Reservoir paddle outfitter. Rentals + shuttles. Trip support for the Allegheny National Forest paddle network.

Finger Lakes

Puddledockers Outfitter · Rental

Ithaca, NY

Ithaca paddle outfitter. Rentals + lessons + shuttles on Cayuga Lake and surrounding waters.

Western MA / Pioneer Valley

Zoar Outdoor Outfitter · Rental

Charlemont, MA

Deerfield River whitewater + paddle outfitter. Rentals, guided runs, shuttle service. The base for Deerfield release-weekend paddling.

Crab Apple Whitewater Outfitter · Rental

Charlemont, MA (Mohawk Trail)

Deerfield River whitewater outfitter. Guided trips + rentals + shuttles. ME river trips too.

Barton Cove Campground (Rentals) Outfitter · Rental

Gill, MA

Connecticut River campground with on-site canoe + kayak rentals. Paddle-in tent sites on Turners Falls Pool.

New Hampshire

Contoocook River Canoe Co Outfitter · Rental

Henniker, NH

Contoocook River paddle outfitter. Rentals + shuttles + guided trips on southern NH's main river.

Vermont

Vermont Canoe Touring Center Outfitter · Rental

Brattleboro, VT

Connecticut River + West River paddle outfitter. Rentals, shuttles, lessons.

Maine

L.L. Bean (Flagship) Outfitter

Freeport, ME

24-hour flagship. Full fishing + paddle + camping gear + outdoor school + fly fishing department. Yes, you can buy a rod at 3am.

Maine Sport Outfitters Outfitter · Rental

Rockport, ME

Mid-coast Maine paddle outfitter. Sea kayak rentals + lessons + tours. Less relevant for SW Maine but worth knowing for the Penobscot Bay area.