Fish Creek Lodge
Fish Creek
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The Fish Creek watershed
encompasses wild, free-flowing rivers qualified for
inclusion in New York's "Wild, Scenic &
Recreational River" system. Fish Creek has two
rather different characteristics. The west branch flows
from West to East through relatively flat terrain until
it meets the East Branch near Blossvale. The East Branch,
on the other hand is a wild, mysterious river. It is a
mighty river in spite of being called a creek and it can
be dangerous. It drains part of the Tug Hill, one of the
most rural areas of New York State. Since there is no
industry to speak of, the river is a pristine waterway.
New York State has ranked Fish Creek as one of its
highest priorities in the Open Space Plan. The source of
the East Branch of Fish Creek is a swamp, west of
Whetstone Gulf Public Campsite. The stream runs south,
passing through the hamlet of Taberg before turning west
and emptying into Oneida Lake in Slyvan Beach Fish Creek is a great fishing stream and the East Branch is one of the most spectacular streams of the state. For white water kayakers the East Branch is the fabled "River of No Return". Because of cliffs on either side there is little egress except at the bridges. The many waterfalls caused by spring freshets coming off the gorge walls give the waterway its mystical character. A trip down this class 2 and 3 river in early spring is an exhilarating experience. It is one of the prettiest rivers in this part of the world, with 18 waterfalls coming in on top from various creeks. It is cut into the shale 90 feet in places and it is seldom seen by man, other than boaters. |