All About Lakes

Otisco Lake is the eighth largest of the eleven Finger Lakes and the most easterly. The lake is adjacent to Skaneateles Lake. A unique feature of Otisco Lake is the causeway located at the southern end of the lake, separating it into two different lake basins. As with many of the Finger Lakes, Otisco Lake’s name has indigenous origins, but the exact interpretation is debated with Us-te-ke, ostickney, and ostick all possibilities.

In the Iroquois language, Skaneateles means “long lake.” The lake is the fifth largest in the eleven Finger Lakes. Skaneateles lake has an oligotrophic trophic status and is one of the cleaner Finger Lakes, though the lake still has harmful algal blooms (HABs). The lake has fewer aquatic invasive species than other Finger Lakes as well, though it still has Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed, two common aquatic invasive plants.

Owasco is the sixth largest of the Finger Lakes. The name is derived from the Iroquois words “dwas-co” or “was-co”, which means bridge on the water. The lake has a large watershed relative to its size, with much of the land in agricultural use, this is one reason for the high nutrient loading in the lake.

Cayuga Lake is the second largest Finger Lake, second to Seneca Lake. The lake has the largest watershed, at 1,573 square miles because both Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake drain into Cayuga Lake. Cayuga Lake is the only one of the eleven Finger Lakes to contain the invasive species Hydrilla, a highly invasive plant that is starting to spread throughout New York State. The lake is home to a diversity of fish species, making it a great destination for anglers.

Seneca Lake is one of two Finger Lakes with another flowing into it, Keuka Lake drains into Seneca Lake along its western shore. Seneca Lake is also the deepest of the eleven Finger Lakes and has the largest volume. The great depths and volume of the lake prevent it from completely freezing most years. The lake, as well as those surrounding it, also acts to moderate the local climate, making for perfect conditions for vineyards.

Keuka Lake is the only Y-shaped Finger Lake and the one of two Finger Lakes to drain into another Finger Lake, in this case, Seneca Lake. Keuka Lake derives its name from the Iroquois meaning for “canoe landing.” The region around Keuka Lake, and the Finger Lakes region in general, is known for its wine vineyards.

Honeoye Lake is one of the eleven Finger Lakes in New York, located near the City of Rochester. Honeoye Lake is the shallowest of the Finger Lakes, with a maximum depth of just 30 feet. Honeoye Lake is a popular destination for boating and is surrounded by camps and second homes. In recent years, Honeoye Lake has experienced harmful algal blooms which can affect the recreational use of the lake.

Canandaigua Lake is the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes. The name Canandaigua is derived from the Seneca name Ga-nun-da-gwa, meaning “the chosen spot.” The lake serves as the source of drinking water for the City of Canandaigua.

Conesus Lake is the most westerly of the eleven Finger Lakes. The lake serves as the water supply for both Avon and Geneseo since the late 1800s. It is the closest of the Finger Lakes to Rochester, NY. The lake is known for its sportfishing and recreational opportunities.

Canadice Lake and Hemlock Lake both serve as drinking water reservoirs for the City of Rochester, because of this they are the only two Finger Lakes with completely undeveloped shorelines. The wild nature of Canadice Lake makes it a popular destination for paddlers or those looking to enjoy nature. Swimming in Canadice Lake is not allowed and boats are limited to 17 feet in length and motors to 10 hp.