Eldridge Lake is an approximately 11 acre lake located within the City of Elmira in Eldridge Park, which once was the location of a small amusement park. The park is slowly bringing back small amusement rides, such as a carousel and other activities to capture its history. The park is currently used primarily for picnicking, walking, biking, and fishing. The lake has been incorrectly rumored to be "bottomless" and connected to Seneca Lake 20 miles to the north by underground tunnels.
Physical Features:
Elevation: 854 feet
Area: 11 acres
Shoreline Length: 0.5 miles
Town: Elmira
Access:
Eldridge Lake is located in the City of Elmira and can be accessed from Grand Central Avenue, Westside Avenue, and Woodlawn Avenue. There is ample bank fishing access around the lake. Boats are not permitted.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Golden Shiner, White Sucker, Common Carp.
Fishing:
Eldridge Lake provides anglers with some limited warmwater fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and panfish. Spinner baits, jerk baits, crayfish, plastic worms, grubs, and tube baits work well for catching bass. Some large northern pike have been reported in recent years. In addition to the warmwater fishery, NYSDEC stocks both yearling rainbow trout and 2 year old brown trout in the spring. Trout are usually caught during the spring shortly after they are stocked. Good baits to try are worms, minnows, and artificial natural baits (like Gulp or PowerBait). Spinners, small stickbaits, spoons and flies will also work.
Ice Fishing:
Ice fishing is not permitted.
