Cleveland Dock Restoration Offers Fishing Opportunity and More

NYS DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced that the major restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Cleveland Dock Fishing Access Site is complete and the site is now open to the public. Cleveland Dock, located at 69 State Route 49 in the village of Cleveland, Oswego County, provides unique access to the excellent fishing on Oneida Lake and draws visitors for open water fishing, ice fishing, and boat docking. The site also provides emergency services access and helps connect boaters to the New York State Canal system.

“DEC is thrilled to welcome visitors to the newly rehabilitated historic Cleveland Dock on behalf of all our partners dedicated to its restoration,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Cleveland Dock was a significant historic maritime landing place on the Erie Canalway, originally acquired by New York State in 1916, and for more than a century has been a popular fishing and boating location for count

less community residents and visitors. The numerous accessibility improvements to expand recreational access for boaters, anglers, and visitors of all abilities will make this a community resource for future generations.”

Due to age-related deterioration of its waterfront structures, including two protective breakwater walls, Cleveland Dock was in danger of total collapse. Rehabilitation work included removal of a failing concrete and timber sea wall and replacement with a steel sheet pile wall system. Improvements include grading, timber guide rails, railings, sidewalk, a concrete wall cap, benches, site electric, lamp posts, a hand launch for non-motorized boats, and parking lot upgrades. In addition, universally accessible site features include parking spaces and access along the edge of the pier, a picnic table, and fishing access along the pier railing.

DEC funded $788,310 of the restoration and stabilization activities and NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation provided $150,000 for a total investment of $938,310. DEC will maintain the site in partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation, the site owner.

Village of Cleveland Mayor Laureen Tackman said, “With its revival, Cleveland Dock will continue to be a prime recreational spot within our village for fishing access to beautiful Oneida Lake. One of my personal hopes is that this will bring more families to fish with their children. Let us pass the joy of fishing on to the next generation for their enjoyment as well as our own. The delight of seeing a child catch a fish is priceless!”

Oneida Lake Association President Bill Girvan said, “The historic Cleveland Dock on Oneida Lake is now a very safe fishing access site for people of all ages and physical abilities to enjoy, and the view is breathtaking. The members of the Oneida Lake Association really appreciate the efforts of DEC and partners to make Cleveland Dock a great outdoor recreation and leisure location with very good parking and lighting.

Oneida Lake is best known for its walleye and yellow perch fishery. During the open water season, the outflow from Black Creek combines with the deep water along the dock to attract a variety of fish species. Most notably, the dock provides access to postspawn walleye in May and is also a great place to catch cruising walleye in the fall.

Overall, the lake presents a diversity of fish species and will provide an excellent place for the entire family to enjoy fishing. There are few publicly accessible locations on Oneida Lake that rival the high-quality shoreline fishing opportunity provided by Cleveland Dock.

DEC wants to remind anglers and boaters that they play a major role in preventing the spread of invasive species, and responsible practices should be employed to help stop their spread. Following recommended guidelines such as properly cleaning, draining, and drying your boat and gear will lessen the likelihood of spreading invasive species and diseases and help protect this great resource for years to come.

DEC urges that before visiting Cleveland Dock Fishing Access Site, take the PLAY SMART * PLAY SAFE * PLAY LOCAL pledge, and promise to use common sense to protect yourself and others when enjoying the outdoors. Play Smart encourages New Yorkers to recreate safely, responsibly, and locally this summer and to always treat fellow outdoor adventurers with respect.

Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Adventure NY initiative, DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active, outdoor recreation; connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors; protect natural resources; and boost local economies. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative on DEC’S website.