Hemlock and Canadice lake.

These two small fingerlakes are some of my favorite day/half day spots to paddle/fish. Both the lakes provide Rochester with fresh water and are maintained by the city of Rochester. There are special rules and a printable permit that you need to have on your person while there but its no big deal. There are no structures on the water except the pumping stations on the north end of each lake. This gives you the feel that your miles from nowhere when in actuality you are 45 mins from down town Rochester. Here is a link to the permit and rules of the area. Please make sure you read and understand them as I am sure if enough people taint these waters Rochester will shut down public access.

Watershed permit

Hemlock Lake: There are 2 put ins on Hemlock. One at the north end and one at the south end. To get to the north end put in, drive south on Route 15A (East Henrietta Road) to the Village of Hemlock.
Proceed approximately 2 miles south through Hemlock on Route 15A to Rix Hill Road. Turn right, Then a left onto a dirt road. Follow the road to the end where you will see a boat launch. To get to the south end just keep on 15A to the south end of the lake. There is an unmarked dirt road on the right. Follow that road to the end to get to the south end boat launch.
Hemlock north end boat launch.

Hemlock south end boat launch.

Canadice lake has one boat launch n the north end but there is also a trail to put small boats and kayaks in near the south end. Canadice is a little smaller than Hemlock and my be a better idea on windy days. Hemlock can get some pretty good chop when the wind picks up. There are only a couple more turns to get to Canadice so doing these two lakes in one day is a possibility. Both put ins are right off the road and very easy to spot.



Directions to Canadice put ins.