Canandaigua Lake, known as "The Chosen Spot" by Native Americans, is a splendid waterbody nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region. This magnificent lake is the fourth largest among the Finger Lakes and is located just 29 miles southeast of the vibrant city of Rochester. Canandaigua Lake spans the boundaries of Ontario and Yates counties, with the city of Canandaigua to the north and the settlement of Woodville to the south. Canandaigua Lake graces the landscape with its remarkable physical attributes. At an elevation of 688 feet, it offers a sense of grandeur as you explore its shores. Covering an expansive area of 10,558 acres, the lake stretches majestically for 15.5 miles. Its maximum width extends to 1.5 miles, providing a spacious canvas for water enthusiasts. But the real wonder lies beneath its surface, as the lake plunges to an astounding depth of 276 feet, revealing the profound beauty of its underwater world. The thermocline, that mysterious transition zone between the warm surface waters and the cooler depths, typically occurs at around 35 feet below the surface. Canandaigua Lake boasts a varied and thriving aquatic ecosystem. Rooted aquatic vegetation is primarily concentrated in the shallow northern and southern ends of the lake. Here, Eurasian milfoil stands out as the dominant species, adding vibrancy to the underwater landscape. Other aquatic plants such as pondweeds, stoneworts, and musk grass also contribute to the lake's rich biodiversity. Limited weedbeds can be found tucked away in coves and along certain shorelines, where the bottom slope is more gradual. To make the most of Canandaigua Lake's recreational opportunities, various public access points are available to the community. These sites offer easy access for boating and fishing enthusiasts: Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park: Situated off Route 5 and 20 in the city of Canandaigua, this park provides hard surface ramps, parking for 110 cars and trailers, and it operates with a launch fee. It is under the care of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Woodville: Located on Route 21, just 3 miles north of Naples at Woodville, this site offers hard surface ramps and parking for 86 cars and trailers, with no charge for access. The DEC manages this location, which is maintained year-round, and it provides parking for ice fishing when conditions permit. West River: Found on West River, just off Route 245 on Sunnyside Road near a trailer park, this site offers hand launch access and parking for 5 cars. It is managed by the DEC. Onanda: Situated on West Lake Road, approximately 6.5 miles south of the city of Canandaigua, this site features a hard surface ramp and parking for 25 cars and trailers. It is primarily for winter launching and is available when the state park site at the north end is not in use. This site is managed by the DEC and operated by the Town of Canandaigua. It, too, is maintained year-round and offers parking for ice fishing during suitable conditions. Canandaigua Lake presents an enticing array of fish species, promising excellent opportunities for anglers. The aquatic life within the lake includes Alewife, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Brown Trout, Chain Pickerel, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Smelt, and Yellow Perch. Whether you're seeking the thrill of fishing for trout or the challenge of catching bass, Canandaigua Lake offers an impressive range of species to keep anglers engaged year-round. Canandaigua Lake, with its remarkable natural beauty and aquatic diversity, invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its shores and engage in recreational activities throughout the seasons. Its pristine waters, picturesque surroundings, and thriving fish populations make it an idyllic destination for those who cherish the great outdoors.