Cuba Lake, body of water
Cuba Lake is a man-made body of water spanning Allegany and Cattaraugus counties in western New York, created in 1858. This calm water body covers about 445 acres with a shoreline stretching roughly 6 miles and depths reaching about 46 feet at its deepest point.
The lake was created by damming a creek in the mid-1800s to supply water for a canal system serving the region. The state of New York later took control and supported recreation by leasing properties to local residents who built cottages along its shores.
Cuba Lake carries the legacy of its original name as Oil Creek Reservoir in local memory. Today, the water brings together residents and visitors who fish, boat, or spend quiet time along the shores, making it a gathering place for those seeking connection with the outdoors and local life.
Access the lake from West Shore Road where you will find a public boat launch with a concrete ramp and floating docks, plus a hand launch area for canoes and kayaks. The parking area accommodates about 24 cars with trailers and 10 additional vehicles; during winter, the south end of the dam on South Shore Road opens for ice fishing.
Winter water levels drop by about 6 to 8 feet as a management practice to prevent ice damage, revealing empty space around the shoreline. This seasonal shift shows how actively the lake is managed and creates ideal conditions for ice fishing on the frozen surface.
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