This large, gorgeous lake makes for a great backcountry paddle. Quiet, with plenty of opportunity for spotting birds and other wildlife, this lake is perfect for an intermediate paddler.

Getting There

From the intersection of Route 28 and Cedar River Road in Indian Lake, follow Cedar River Road 12 miles. The flow has a rather large meadow parking area near the dam and car top boat access. 

Fishing

Excellent opportunities all along Cedar River Road and the dam at Cedar River Flow

This river produces some excellent brown trout but unless you are fishing the deeper pools you should be able to fly fish the rapid and the base of the rapids. The spring of the year is a bit more productive when the water temperatures are cooler.

Fish species: brook trout, brown trout

Always follow state fishing regulations and be sure to pick up a NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide at your local outfitters or regional DEC office.

Camping

Isolated wilderness camping sites on the Cedar River Flow are located along the shoreline of the and up the narrow inlet. Campsite #1 is an accessible site. A brochure on the area is available from the DEC.

Paddling

Cedar River Flow is an excellent, secluded spot for wilderness paddling. Moose River flows into the area and is restrained by a small dam with a bridge over it, near the camping area. The resulting lake is shallow, but highly scenic, covering more than 640 acres. Paddlers can enjoy watching for a variety of birds.

Birding

On the Flow, paddlers should see Common Loon, Mallard, Hooded and Common Mergansers, Osprey, Herring Gull, and — both of them noisy birds — Pied-billed Grebe and Wilson's Snipe. Red-tailed Hawks and Common Ravens nest at the northwest of the Flow and are seen using the air currents there.

On the river, it's approximately 3 miles to the lean-to on the right bank of the river. Paddle a little farther before running into beaver dams and small rapids. Along the river are hardwoods on the left and a bog on the right, which provides the chance to see and hear many different birds including Olive-sided Flycatchers, Canada Jays, and Boreal Chickadees. Jays frequent the lean-to, where they find plenty of handouts. Wood warblers are common on the left and Northern Parula and Palm Warblers are sometimes seen.

Accessibility

There is an accessible fishing pier and shoreline fishing area at the dam. A designated accessible parking space is available for each. The accessible campsite at Site 1 is nearby.

Winter Overview: The winter road is for snowmobiles only and is usually closed to vehicles until Memorial Day weekend.