Otisco Lake Reservoir

Otisco Lake is a freshwater lake in central New York State and is part of the Finger Lakes region. It is a relatively small lake in the regional chain and is used for local recreation and shoreline residences.

The lake supports boating, angling and seasonal lakeside activities, with local public access points and private docks along its shore. It is predominantly a recreational and residential waterbody rather than a large tourist destination.

Otisco Lake lies in Onondaga County, south of the city of Syracuse and near the village and town of Tully, within the upland corridor that separates the Finger Lakes.

• Recreation: One of the smaller Finger Lakes and used locally for boating, fishing and lakeside residences; public boat launches and seasonal recreation are available.

Otisco Lake is located southeast of Syracuse, New York. By car, take NY-80 or local county roads from Syracuse or Tully. The nearest larger towns are Tully and Syracuse; regional buses service those towns but direct public transit to the lake perimeter is limited. Driving is the practical option; small public boat launches exist at public access points.

• If boating, use the public boat launch at the north end near Tuller Hill; local regulations limit motor sizes on some parts of the lake.
• Autumn foliage is excellent for photography-late September to early October.
• For birdwatching, head to sheltered inlets in the morning when waterfowl are most active.