Oakland Lake

A spring fed glacial kettle pond, Oakland Lake is one of the few natural lakes within the 5 boroughs of New York City. At a maximum depth of 20 feet, it is a bit deeper than most of the other lakes in the city. It is part of Alley Pond Park in northeast Queens. Bass are numerous, and many large specimens were caught during a recent survey. Pickerel and large sunfish are also plentiful.

Physical Features

Area: 10.46 acres
Maximum depth: 20 feet

Access

Oakland Lake is located north and adjacent to Queensborough Community College in Queens.

Public Transportation

Take a train or bus to Time Sq 42nd St, Manhattan. Take a 7 train to the last stop, Flushing- Main St. Exit and walk down Roosevelt Ave between Main St and Union St and transfer to the N20-21 bus. Exit at Northern Blvd, Flushing. Walk south on 223rd St to the lake.

Fishing Information

To catch a good-sized largemouth bass, try a soft plastic bait like a plastic worm, Texas or wacky rigged. In summer try reaction baits such as topwater lures, crankbaits, jerk baits, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits- these will work for pickerel as well. Bluegill, pumpkinseed and bullhead can be caught using a bobber and live worms. Remember to tamp down all barbs on hooks as New York City regulations require the use of barbless hooks.

Species Present

For more information on these fish species, visit the page on Freshwater Fishes.

American eel
Black crappie
Bluegill
Brown bullhead
Chain pickerel
Largemouth bass
Pumpkinseed

Special Regulations

Special regulations apply.

New York City Department of Parks and Recreation rules require the use of non-lead weights and barbless hooks.

Fisheries Survey Summary

Largemouth Bass Catch/Hour for Eight New York Water Bodies
Waterbody	8" and over	12" and over	15" and over
Baisley Pond	17	17	9
Central Park Lake	18	15	9
Harlem Meer	76	5	0
Kissena Lake	23	12	4
Oakland Lake	18	8	5
Prospect Park Lake	81	31	14
Van Cortlandt Lake	8	4	0
Willowbrook Lake	54	11	0