Canandaigua Lake Homes

Canandaigua Lake

Overview
Length 15.5 Miles / Max Depth 276 Feet / Max Width 1.5 Miles / Shoreline 36Miles
The fourth largest of the Finger Lakes, Canandaigua Lake is located 29 miles southeast of the city of Rochester. Called by the Indians, The Chosen Place, Canandaigua lies within Ontario and Yates counties. The lake is bordered on the north by the city of Canandaigua, and on the south by the settlement of Woodville.

Fishing
Canandaigua Lake supports both coldwater and warmwater fish. Large and Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch are the most popular species for anglers but they also enjoy fishing for Lake Trout, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Lake Trout are the only trout native to Canandaigua Lake. Both Lake and Brown Trout are stocked annually by the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Canandaigua Lake also has Sunfish, Bullheads and Chain Pickerel.

Bird Watching
Most of the wildlife common to the Finger Lakes can be found around Canandaigua Lake. Being as long as it is, it is used heavily by waterfowl, particularly during migration, and is especially important to black ducks, canvasbacks, and redheads, all of which are in serious decline. The state holds in stewardship 6,100 acres, including 1,700 acres of marsh, at the southern end of the lake. This area is called High Tor Fish and Wildlife Management Area.

Wineries
Canandaigua Lake is large enough to create a terroir conducive to the growing of grapes. Although there aren't as many wineries around Canandaigua Lake as there are around Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga lakes, there are a few, and they're worth a visit. They are members of the Canandaigua Wine Trail.

Did You Know
Squaw Island is located at the north end of the lake. It is the smallest Fish and Wildlife Management Area in New York State and one of only two islands in the Finger Lakes.
On a calm day you will be able to see through the lake's clear water two sunken boats--the Lady of the Lake, which tragically caught fire and sank near the village dock, and the Onnalinda, which was scrapped and set ablaze. It floated out toward the shallow water on the eastern side of the lake where it finally sank. These sites are favorites with scuba divers.

History
The first steamboat in the Finger Lakes region was the Enterprise, which was launched in 1825. Canandaigua Lake's steamboat era ran from 1827 with the launching of the Lady of the Lake and ended in 1935 when the Idler discontinued passenger service. There were fourteen major boats that provided commercial service on Canandaigua Lake. Today, the Canandaigua Lady, a 19th century replica of a double-decked paddleboat, continues this tradition.

Keeping it Clean
Canandaigua Lake is invaluable to residents and visitors alike. Over 60,000 people depend on its clean water for drinking, nearly $100 million is generated from tourism and recreation, and the value of the lake-influenced tax base is approaching $1 billion. Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit, volunteer group of citizens and community members dedicated to ensuring the environmental and economic vitality of Canandaigua Lake and its watershed.

Personal
My brother and his family do all their boating on Canandaigua Lake. My wedding reception was held on the east shore of Canandaigua Lake, so my wife and I are obviously very fond of this lake.

References:
Note: The information above was compiled from various websites. It is meant to provide a general overview of the lake. It does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information.

Bob Markel
“Your Personal Guide For Lakefront Real Estate”