Boating Canadice Lake

Can I take my boat out on Canadice Lake?

If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy life of...well anywhere...an escape to Canadice Lake is like stepping into another world.

Part of the Rochester City watershed, Canadice Lake is owned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and designated a state forest within the Finger Lakes Region. The Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, which includes the neighboring lake (can you guess its name? If you guessed Hemlock Lake, you're right!) has some strict rules you must follow if you wish to come boating here.

However, the peace and serenity make it totally worth the visit.

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Why are there so many rules for boating Canadice Lake?

Good queston.

The answer is simple...

...someone is going to drink this water.

You see, Canadice Lake, along with its neighboring lake, Hemlock, provide the drinking water for the city of Rochester. This makes these Finger Lakes incredibly special - and important!

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Boating rules have their perks

The boating rules for Canadice Lake provide some perks to visitors though. If you are looking for a quiet, mostly undisturbed place to fish...Canadice Lake is your spot.

At only 3 miles long and limiting boats with outboard motors to a length of 17-feet-long with a max 10-horse power motor, you aren't going to encounter any noisy, wave-inducing speed boats to disturb your line.

Nor will there be any roudy parties on a pontoon boat to scare away your fish.

Nope, you'll be lucky if you meet another fishing boat at all.

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Are there any other rules I should know about?

Yep, there are. 

You should take note that swimming, wading, bathing, and tubing are also not allowed on Canadice Lake. Why is this? Because Canadice Lake provides drinking water for people 25 miles away. 

You wouldn't want body funk in your drinking water, so please respect the rules for the rest of us!

Additionally, if you're fishing, refrain from cleaning and gutting your catch within 100 feet of the shore. Thank you very much.

I highly recommend you visit the DEC's list of rules and regulations before visiting the Finger Lakes Region so you know what to expect before you arrive. 

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So, what can I do on Canadice Lake?

I'm glad you asked because it seems like there are a lot of don't's. 

You can:

• Putter around in a boat less than 17-feet-long, with a 10-horse power engine
• Go fishing south of the buoys
• Take your binoculars along for some wildlife viewing
• Kayak and canoe (in a vessel with a max length of 24 feet)
• Enjoy the peace and quiet of a lake with no speed boats
• Reconnect with nature, yourself, or the fresh air

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Boater Safety Classes

Beginning on January 1, 2025, all operators of motorboats in New York State require a boater safety course certification. 

You can take the course in-person or online, so no matter were you live, you can get started planning for your upcoming trip to the Finger Lakes. 

Once you complete your certification, you'll get a pretty cool icon to show off on your license too!

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Where can I launch my motor boat on Canadice Lake? 

There is one place you can put in your motor boat with a maximum length of 17-feet-long on Canadice Lake.

Canadice Northeast Boat Launch

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