Dryden Lake

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 1
Species: 12

Dryden Lake is a small but productive fishing destination located in Tompkins County, New York. This modest 102-acre (41-hectare) body of water offers anglers a variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year. With a maximum depth of just 12 feet (4 meters) and an average depth of 6 feet (2 meters), Dryden Lake features relatively shallow waters that support a diverse fish population. The lake's 10-year water retention time contributes to its unique ecosystem and provides consistent fishing conditions for both novice and experienced anglers.

New York licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Dryden Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Redbreast Sunfish

Lepomis auritus

White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Dryden Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Dryden Lake Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on Dryden Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New York licenses and regulations

New York Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the weblink below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New York Fishing License

"You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older and fishing for: -Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups. -Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands, or by use of a club or hook. -Freshwater baitfish for personal use."

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New York Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you to check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New York Stream Access Laws

Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) are permanent easements purchased by NYSDEC from willing landowners, giving anglers the right to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33' strip on one or both banks of the stream). This right is for the purpose of fishing only and no other purpose. Fishing privileges may be available on some other private lands with the permission of the landowner. Courtesy toward the landowner and respect for their property will ensure their continued use.

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Take Dryden Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Dryden Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Dryden Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.