Overview
Lake Moraine, also known as Madison Reservoir, is a highly developed water body located in Madison County near the villages of Madison and Hamilton. It is one of the numerous area reservoirs that was built to supply water to the Erie Canal. Please fish responsibly and check ice conditions before stepping onto surface!
Physical Features:
Elevation: 1300 feet
Area: 251 acres
Shoreline Length: 7.2 miles
Length: 1.62 miles
Maximum Depth: 45 feet
Town: Madison
Aquatic Plant Life:
Traditionally Lake Moraine has had significant rooted aquatic vegetation growth around much of the lake. These heavily weeded areas include: Snake Island, the large bay on the west side and the portion of the reservoir found north of the causeway. In an effort to reduce the amount of the exotic invasive plant, Eurasian watermilfoil, the reservoir was chemically treated in 1996, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2014 and 2017. There are a variety of native aquatic plants now growing in the reservoir along with the remaining watermilfoil.
Access:
On County Route 87 (East Lake Road), 3 miles south of Madison. Concrete ramp. Parking for 13 cars and trailers.
Fish Species:
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, tiger musky, walleye, black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, brown bullhead, golden shiner, white sucker and creek chubsucker.
Fishing:
The reservoir is well known for producing large chain pickerel, up to 24 inches. Though tiger musky are stocked in Lake Moraine, they are infrequently encountered. Largemouth bass are the main gamefish and fish in the 12 to 14-inch range are common, with fish in the 20-inch range caught each year. Panfish, like yellow perch, are abundant but tend to be on the small side. Bullhead fishing can be very good in the early spring. Walleye are becoming more abundant in the lake and should provide some good angling opportunities.