Community
Saratoga lake Through the years
Saratoga Lake is a reminder of the ever changing and ephemeral nature of our environment – a scar left behind over 10000 years ago, after the retreat of ice during the last glacial period of the ice age. Today, it remains the main drainage basin, known as the watershed, for more than 25% of Saratoga County, encompassing 244 square miles of lands and waters in the central portion of the County. The territory that feeds Saratoga Lake (the watershed) includes portions of the towns of Corinth, Wilton, Saratoga, Stillwater, Malta, Ballston, Charlton, Galway and Providence, as well as nearly all of Greenfield, Milton, Village of Ballston Spa and City of Saratoga Springs.
The largest stream that flows into the Lake is Kayaderosseras Creek, which enters the lake from the northwest. During periods of heavy rain and snowfall, water may run onto and off impervious surfaces such as parking lots, roads, buildings, and other structures forming “fast lanes” that transport the water directly into storm.
Rain and snowmelt from throughout the watershed travel via many routes into Saratoga Lake. drains and the lake with minimal natural filtration. What happens throughout the watershed has a direct impact on the health and water quality of Saratoga Lake. As with all watersheds, the water eventually will drain into the ocean. The main outlet from Saratoga Lake is the historic Fish Creek which meanders northeast until flowing into the Hudson River at Schuylerville.
Saratoga Lake is approximately 4.5 miles (7.2km) long, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide at its widest point, and a maximal depth of about 95 feet. The Lake is surrounded by four municipalities: the City of Saratoga Springs on the northwest, the Town of Malta on the southwest, the Town of Stillwater on the southeast, and the Town of Saratoga on the northeast.
There has been human connection to Saratoga Lake for centuries. In the sixteen and seventeen hundreds it was hunting territory for Mohawk Indians. Later settled by Europeans prerevolution, farming and mills and fishing grew in to the early 1800’S. Saratoga Lake has been a regional recreational resource since the 1830s. The lake has been home to Inns, Lake Casinos, then camps, and more recently year-round residences. Today, the lake is used for many recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and wildlife-watching. Most of the Saratoga Lake shoreline is privately owned, but there is public access at the boat launch at the northern end for boaters, as well as several private marinas. Waterfront Park in the City of Saratoga and Brown’s Beach in Stillwater are the two main public access points.
Walk With Us As We Visit The History Of Saratoga Lake
Interesting and informative presentations provided by members of our community through the years. First, as part of the City of Saratoga Springs Centennial Celebration, Alan Richer, president of the Saratoga Lake Association teamed up with Emmett McCarthy of the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club and Dr. Lorraine Skibo of the Saratoga Rowing Association presented an Overview of the History of Saratoga Lake entitled “Saratoga Lake Through the Years.”
This presentation provides a glimpse into the Saratoga Lake of your childhood memories. We received rave reviews including “Best presentation yet!” and “Great Program!”
Rowing & More!
Saratoga Lake and Fish Creek have been a premiere site for Rowing since 1874. Spring and fall Regattas attract thousands of high school and college rowers each year. Besides rowing, the shoreline is dotted with recreational businesses that offer dining, motorboat rentals, kayak and paddleboarding opportunities.
Premiere Fishing
Saratoga Lake is well known as a premiere fishing site and there are frequent Bass fishing tournaments. The weed beds and bottom of the lake yield a diverse and abundant fish community. This top-notch fishery has been recognized in both state and national magazines for its quality and quantity of fish. The lake contains a wide variety of game fish including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, perch, carp, bluegill, crappie, sunfish, walleye, and northern pike.
Community stewardship
With its rich history, its vibrant recreational and social role in the community, and its essential part of our county ecosystem, Saratoga Lake deserves the greatest of stewardship from the surrounding community.
