Hickory Lake
Hickory Lake
Save Hickory Lake Association
Hickory Lake is a shallow natural spring-fed lake of approximately 600 acres located in the Black River watershed in the Town of Macomb in St. Lawrence County.
Its outlet is located at its northern tip, where it becomes Fish Creek. Fish Creek is a shallow, winding, slow-moving creek with intermittent beaver dams that extends for approximately 17 miles until it reaches Black Lake.
Hickory Lake is largely shallow (less than 8 feet) and fairly continuously vegetated with aquatic plants, except in limited near-shore and deeper areas. The maximum water depth recorded was approximately 35 feet deep in a 30-foot-long trough near the southeastern shoreline, but these deeper areas make up only about 10% of the entire lake.
The shoreline of Hickory Lake is a mix of state forest lands on the south and west sides and residential properties on the east. It is popular for outdoor recreation. However, recreational use of the lake has been affected by invasive aquatic plants, which create dense mats that reduce recreational access and degrade habitat diversity.
In total, 19 species of aquatic vegetation have been formally verified. Invasive aquatic vegetation (a hybrid species of Eurasian Watermilfoil) has been mapped in approximately 85% of the lake.
Fish Species
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Perch
Invasive Species
On Land: Phragmites, Purple Loosestrife
Aquatic: Eurasian Watermilfoil, Hydrilla, Water Chestnut, Zebra Mussel
Lake Statistics
Wildlife & Water Quality
Hickory Lake is home to a loon family each year as well as bald eagles, herons and seagulls. Cormorants and swans have been observed to be in residence in recent years.
The last NYS fish survey was conducted in 2005. Lake Association members anecdotally reported that a winter fish kill was experienced approximately five years ago, believed to be caused by a combination of extreme cold winter temperatures and significant invasive weed accumulation. However recent fishing suggests that the fish population are rebounding.
Membership
Approximately 50 residences are located on the eastern side of the lake and make up the membership of the Save Hickory Lake Association. The lake association is a registered non-profit organization.
Places to Expore
Located in Upstate New York near the Thousand Islands Region, this area is a haven for natural beauty, recreation, and wildlife.
Visit the Indian River Lakes region to hike, paddle, and connect with an incredible community.
