Lake Moraine

Lake Moraine, Hamilton, NY

History:

Chenango Canal was opened in 1836 to connect the Erie Canal to the Susquehanna River, Utica to Binghamton. Madison Brook was dammed up to create Madison Reservoir as a water source for the new canal.

After it became popular as a recreational site, Madison Reservoir was renamed Lake Moraine in 1905, in recognition of the glacial moraines on its shores.

Lake Moraine is located 2.5 miles northeast of Hamilton, New York. The lake is 261 acres, consisting of two basins which are separated by a causeway and interconnected by a culvert. The lake has a maximum depth of 45 feet and an average depth of 17.7 feet. MORE INFO

Recreational Activities

With 7+ miles of shoreline and over 250 acres, Lake Moraine is an excellent location for boating, waterskiing, tubing, and wake boarding (public boat launch available). Explore the abundance of wildlife (including our local bald eagle) in a relaxing canoe or kayak.

Fishing:

The reservoir is well known for producing large chain pickerel, up to 26 inches. Tiger musky are stocked in Lake Moraine. Although they are not frequently encountered, several are caught annually. Largemouth bass are the main gamefish and fish in the 12 to 16-inch range are common, with fish in the 20-inch+ range caught each year. Panfish, like yellow perch, are abundant. Bullhead fishing can be very good in the early spring. Walleye are becoming more abundant in the lake and should provide some good angling opportunities.

Fish Species:

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, tiger musky, walleye, black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, brown bullhead, golden shiner, white sucker and creek chubsucker.