State Land

Fish Creek State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Fish Creek State Forest location

The majority of the 679-acre Fish Creek State Forest was purchased during the 1940s, with two more pieces acquired during the 1960s. The West Branch of Fish Creek makes up the western boundary of the property and is a protected trout stream.

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are no trails on this property; however, there are approximately 1.1 miles of unpaved forest access roads that may be used for hiking.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

The west branch of Fish Creek runs along the western most boundary line. Brown trout and the occasional wild brook trout can be caught in the creek which is stocked annually with around 12,600 one year-old brown trout (8-10") and 200 two year-old brown trout (12-14").

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the West Branch of the Fish Creek, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map).

North Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Directions

From Rome on Rome Taberg Road/State Route 69. Continue on State Route 69 for about 12 miles. Take a left on Bones Road. On Bones Road go about 1 mile and you will hit Fish Creek State Forest. People can also access the state forest on Forward Road and Trestle Road.

  • This point is at the intersection of Bones Road and Forward Road, in the northeastern corner of the property (43.299139°N, 75.683385°W) Google Maps 

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

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 Fish Creek State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the property; however, there are no trails on this property currently maintained for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Vienna Woods Unit Management Plan (PDF) with Fig. 1,2,3,4,5 & X (PDF, 5.5MB) and Fig. 6 (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

All state forests are lands which have been certified as being managed using responsible forestry practices and having met the requirements for Green Certification according to the policies and principles of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®). In addition, management activities take place in accordance with the actions outlined in the unit management plan.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us [email protected].

History

Fish Creek State Forest is comprised of northern hardwood stands and plantations. The dominant species in the northern hardwood stands are red maple, sugar maple, red oak, black cherry, beech, eastern hemlock, aspen, and black birch. The plantations were planted in the 1940s and 1960s. Today you can still see the red pine, white pine, scotch pine, and norway spruce from these plantings.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Camden, Taberg, McConnellsville, and Rome.

Oneida County Tourism webpage can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks 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.

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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