Oakland Lake

A spring fed glacial kettle pond, Oakland Lake is one of the few natural lakes within the 5 boroughs of New York City. At a maximum depth of 20 feet, it is a bit deeper than most of the other lakes in the city. It is part of Alley Pond Park in northeast Queens. Bass are numerous, and many large specimens were caught during a recent survey. Pickerel and large sunfish are also plentiful.

Physical Features:

Elevation: 60 feet
Area: 10.46 acres
Shoreline Length: 0.75 miles
Maximum depth: 20 feet

Access:

Oakland Lake is located north and adjacent to Queensborough Community College in Queens.

Public Transportation

Take a train or bus to Time Sq 42nd St, Manhattan. Take a 7 train to the last stop, Flushing- Main St. Exit and walk down Roosevelt Ave between Main St and Union St and transfer to the N20-21 bus. Exit at Northern Blvd, Flushing. Walk south on 223rd St to the lake.

Fish Species:

American eel, Black crappie, Bluegill, Brown bullhead, Chain pickerel, Largemouth bass, Pumpkinseed.

Fishing:

To catch a good-sized largemouth bass, try a soft plastic bait like a plastic worm, Texas or wacky rigged. In summer try reaction baits such as topwater lures, crankbaits, jerk baits, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits- these will work for pickerel as well. Bluegill, pumpkinseed and bullhead can be caught using a bobber and live worms. Remember to tamp down all barbs on hooks as New York City regulations require the use of barbless hooks.

Regulations:

Special regulations apply. See Special Fishing Regulations for NYC.

New York City Department of Parks and Recreation rules require the use of non-lead weights and barbless hooks.

Fishery Highlights and Reports

A boat electrofishing survey of Oakland Lake was executed in May, 2021. Fish species captured and observed were largemouth bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed and bluegill sunfish, black crappie, American eel, and common carp. Largemouth bass, pumpkinseed and bluegill were found to be relatively large for a New York City water. Full findings can be found in the Oakland Lake Technical Brief (PDF).