NEW YORK LAKES

Waterport Reservoir is a hydroelectric reservoir created by damming Oak Orchard Creek. The NYS Barge Canal is a major tributary and fisheries influence. It has been stocked annually with varying numbers of pond-reared walleye fingerlings and fry from 1989 to the present. The walleye fingerlings were raised by members of the Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs as part of a cooperative program. NYSDEC has provided between 20,000 and 30,000 walleye fry annually, use of a rearing pond on its Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, guidelines for raising and stocking fingerlings, and assessment surveys. Since 2007, walleye fry were not raised to fingerling stage by cooperators, and instead were stocked directly into Waterport Reservoir.

Periodic DEC assessment survey catch rates suggest a marginal walleye population which increased substantially from 1989 to 1992, remained at about the same level through 1994, and then decreased considerably from 1999 to 2009. Growth exhibited by Waterport Reservoir walleye compares favorably with the New York average. Survey catch rates suggest an acceptable density of black bass in the reservoir. Largemouth and smallmouth bass exhibited slightly below average growth for New York. Northern pike appear to be at low density in Waterport Reservoir. The assessment surveys also suggest that size structure and condition are average for crappies, sunfish, rock bass, and yellow perch. It is known from reliable angler reports that yellow perch contribute significantly to panfish catches during the winter ice fishery. White perch are an important component of the Waterport Reservoir fish community and achieve fair size, but it is unclear if they are of importance to anglers.

Are there places to stay in the Waterport Reservoir area?