Piseco in the Town of Arietta is a community that stretches around its namesake lake. There are two NYS Public Campgrounds on the lake, testimony to how lovely and popular the area is. The 133-mile Northville-Placid Trail runs close to the shore of Piseco Lake, using the Post Office as a landmark. The short, steep hike up Panther Mountain is worth the effort because of the expansive view of the lake. And Piseco boasts its own airport with a single runway and a helipad.

Two lakes are within the Town of Arietta. Piseco Lake offers 21.3 miles of shoreline and has traditionally received lake trout stockings. In recent years landlocked salmon have been added to the annual stockings. Because of abundant populations of lakers and landlocks, Piseco Lake sees heavy angling pressure, especially during the winter. Ice fishing actually comprises 80 percent of the pressure here. In the spring, the best catches of trout and salmon are taken by trolling near creeks. Piseco Lake has good numbers of whitefish. Access: Two DEC campsites and one DEC Day Use Area with launches provide quality access to the lake.

The majority of Oxbow Lake’s 4.3 mile shoreline is state forest preserve. The lake has good largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. Look for largemouths near fallen trees, and check out the rocky areas along the north shore for smallies. Bass here grow to three pounds. The south shore is sandy with significant development so it does not attract bass. Oxbow Lake has a plentiful pumpkinseed population and a decent number of pickerel. Access: Anglers access the lake from an unofficial launch at the east end and from a private launch (small fee) at mid-lake on the south shore.

Town of Arietta, Old Piseco Road, Piseco, NY 12139
Phone: 518-548-3415