Located in St. Lawrence County, the Cranberry Lake area (NY 12927) is notable for being the last section of New York State to be settled. Today, it remains one of the state’s largest remote areas, offering an Eden-like escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
Outdoor Opportunities in the Cranberry Lake Region
The Cranberry Lake region encompasses Cranberry Lake, the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, and the Five Ponds Wilderness Area. Spanning nearly 7,000 acres, Cranberry Lake features 40 of its 55 miles of shoreline as state-owned and undeveloped. The 24,111-acre Cranberry Lake Wild Forest borders the lake on the west, north, and east sides, while the expansive 95,525-acre Five Ponds Wilderness Area lies to the south.
Summer Favorites in the Cranberry Lake Region
The vast expanse of the Cranberry Lake region provides year-round outdoor opportunities, but summer is particularly inviting for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and canoeing/kayaking. My most memorable summer outings in the area have been filled with camping, canoeing, and fishing adventures.
Fishing in Cranberry Lake NY
Cranberry Lake offers a variety of fishing options, with popular spots including the lake itself, the Oswegatchie River, and nearby wilderness ponds.
Target Species: Smallmouth Bass, Brook Trout, and Northern Pike
While the lake is home to an abundance of panfish, anglers often target smallmouth bass, brook trout, and northern pike. Smallmouth bass thrive in Cranberry Lake, particularly around structures like points, rocky shorelines, islands, and rocky shoals. Catches tend to be better near wind-blown areas rather than sheltered spots. Effective bait options include tubes, curly-tail grubs, Senko-type worms, and live minnows.
Historically, Cranberry Lake was a hotspot for brook trout anglers during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Although various factors led to a decline in brook trout populations, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) implemented a successful stocking program in 1981 that continues to this day. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for brook trout, particularly near creek mouths, while summer offers good opportunities near springs in the main lake. Trolling with wobblers and worms is highly effective.
Brook Trout: Cranberry’s Historic Fish
Brook trout remain a historic favorite in Cranberry Lake. In contrast, northern pike, introduced by unauthorized individuals, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for anglers. While pike can threaten brook trout populations, they also provide trophy fishing opportunities, with many specimens exceeding 20 pounds caught annually. Successful techniques for targeting pike include casting Mepps spinners, spoons, or surface lures in the numerous bays, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
Fishing Opportunities in the Oswegatchie River
Originating in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, the Oswegatchie River offers native brook trout fishing for those willing to canoe upstream beyond High Falls. The stretch of river from High Falls to Inlet, also accessible by canoe, features stocked brook trout. The area downstream from the log crib dam at the lake’s outlet is particularly popular, with annual stockings exceeding 4,000 fish, including yearling brook trout, yearling brown trout, and two-year-old browns.
Trout fishing in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area is ideal for those ready to hike several miles to reach popular ponds like Olmstead, Cowhorn, and Simmons, as well as other options such as Spectacle, Fish Pole, Darning Needle, and Nick’s ponds. Accessing these ponds is easiest with an inflatable raft, as thick vegetation can hinder shore access.
Camping at Cranberry Lake NY12927
The DEC-operated Cranberry Lake Public Campground features over 150 tent and trailer sites, along with amenities like a picnic area, bathhouse, hot showers, handicapped-accessible sites, a fishing pier, recycling center, trailer dump station, hiking trails, and a swimming beach.
For those seeking a more rustic experience, 46 designated primitive camping sites are available along the shoreline of Cranberry Lake and on Joe Indian Island. Additionally, there are 45 numbered sites along the canoe route between Lows Lake and Inlet. These sites, marked with yellow indicators, are detailed on topographic maps available at the Cranberry Lake Boat Launch and Inlet. For more information, you can contact the campground at 315-848-2315 or visit www.dec.ny.gov.
Hiking Adventures in Cranberry Lake
This region is a hiker’s paradise, featuring miles of marked trails in the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest and the Five Ponds Wilderness Area. Popular hikes include the Bear Mountain Trail, a 2.4-mile loop that begins and ends at the Cranberry Lake Campground, and the High Falls Loop, a challenging 15-mile trail accessible from the parking area on South Shore Road in the Hamlet of Wanakena. The Bear Mountain Trail offers stunning views of Cranberry Lake and the surrounding wilderness.
For a detailed map and descriptions of various hiking trails, contact the DEC Region Six Office in Watertown for a free brochure titled “Hiking Trails in the Cranberry Lake Region.”
Canoeing and Kayaking
Cranberry Lake’s expansive bays and waterways provide excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities, though the main lake can become choppy in strong winds. Paddlers can access the lake from the campground’s car-top launch, the state boat launch off Rte. 3 on Columbian Road, and the car-top launch site at the New York State Ranger School in Wanakena.
The Oswegatchie River, accessible from State Rte. 3 at Inlet, offers 20 miles of serene paddling through wilderness. Most paddlers aim for High Falls, a 13.2-mile journey, but those venturing above the falls should prepare for a portage. While paddling above High Falls, you may encounter beaver dams, while the section below features small sets of rapids during low-water conditions.
Original Article By Captain Mike Seymour
About The Author
Captain Mike Seymour is a licensed Coast Guard Captain and NYS guide who has guided extensively on the St. Lawrence River, Black Lake, and western Alaska. He is a member and former president of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association and is an active writer for several publications. In addition to fishing the St. Lawrence River, he is actively fishing Lake Ontario, the Adirondacks, and the other waters of the state. Contact him at fishmike@twcny.rr.com.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
