Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: None
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 372-0645; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of North Collins, Erie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9H
• Maps: Clear Lake WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation, such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing. Located on the north side of Genesee Road and west of NYS Route 75, this 526-acre parcel includes the Clear Lake Reservoir. This area's diverse habitat includes the lake, mature forest, wetlands, bushland, and open fields.

Other non-wildlife dependent activities such as hiking, kayaking, and canoeing may be allowed as long as these activities do not impede or interfere with the primary uses of the area. Two parking areas have been developed on the WMA: one on the west side of the lake and the other on the east side. The east side parking area will be limited to people that have a small boat, canoe, or kayak to hand launch. No trailers will be allowed.

New York State Office of Mental Health recently transferred the administration of the Clear Lake property to DEC to be managed as a WMA. This reservoir was constructed in the 1920s as a water source for the former Gowanda Psychiatric Center and was later used by the Collins Correctional Facility for the same purpose.

Directions

• The west side parking area is found on the north side of Genesee Road in Erie County (42.552048вЃ° N, -78.853625вЃ° W - Get Google Map Driving Directions).
• The east side parking area is also found north of Genesee Road and west of Route 75 (42.553525вЃ° N, -78.851631вЃ° W - Get Google Map Driving Directions).

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of this WMA must follow all Wildlife Management Area Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Activity Rules and Regulations:

• Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) - updated in 2022
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Outdoor Safety Tips:

• Hunting Safety Tips
• Hiking Safety Tips

NOTE: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health (leaves DEC website).

How We Manage Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Clear Lake WMA is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing/photography). Funding to maintain and manage this site is provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration or "Pittman-Robertson" Act, which is acquired through excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition and archery equipment.

The primary goals and objectives of Clear Lake WMA are to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and to permit compatible public uses of the land. View the Habitat Management Plan for Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area (6.6 MB PDF), approved in November 2021, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

Links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

• Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
• Hampton Brook Woods Wildlife Management Area
• Cazenovia Creek Fish and Wildlife Management Area

State Lands and Facilities

• Buffalo Niagara 

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails, and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions, and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories, or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.