The Outlet Creek Today
The Outlet Creek is Keuka Lake's natural outlet. The creek drops approximately 270 feet in 8 miles, through shale and two distinct layers of limestone, before reaching Seneca Lake. The water level in the creek is controlled by a dam in Penn Yan. Water releases are usually not scheduled or published; and large-volume releases, plus heavy run-off down tributaries into the gorge, can cause the water level to rise quickly and significantly at times, while at other times, there is likely to be very little water in the creek. Although the creek is cleared periodically between Penn Yan and Seneca Mills Falls, dramatically changing water conditions can always create new and unseen dangers. Dates for releases requested for recreational purposes - e.g., fishing or paddling - are usually posted at www.kayak-adventures.org. These are comparatively moderate level releases (i.e., only 2 of 5 gates open). Higher volume releases - including releases using all 5 gates -- may be initiated by the Penn Yan Municipal Utilities Board at any time, but are most prevalent in the spring. Large volume releases are usually done in order to keep the water level in Keuka Lake within the lake level guidelines. Before visiting the creek, contact the Penn Yan Municipal Utilities Office, at
(315) 536-3374, regarding upcoming releases.
Fishing
In recent years, the creek has been stocked with brown trout in both the spring and the fall; in many places, fishermen may access the creek by way of the trail. The primary stocking area is from Seneca Mills Falls downstream to the Cascade. On occasion, our friends from the Finger Lakes Chapter of Trout Unlimited provide the fish for the stocking, so they encourage you to practice catch-and-release fishing - and we encourage you to support the TU organization. Remember that the water level in the creek can change quickly; and you are responsible for your own safety.
Paddling
The creek is described in several kayaking and canoeing guidebooks as consisting mainly of class I and II rapids, with several class III rapids. Paddlers should wear proper safety gear and are responsible for their own safety. Take-outs are mandatory before Seneca Mills Falls, the Cascade, and the railroad causeway at Dresden. The upper reach of the creek, between Birkett Mills and Seneca Mills Falls, is cleared periodically, but conditions change daily. Water releases scheduled for recreational purposes are posted at: www.kayak-adventures.org. (Please note that water will be released for recreational purposes only when lake level conditions permit.) Unless notified otherwise, paddlers are asked to exit at the Seneca Mills Falls parking area or portage around (and not paddle through) the primary fish stocking area (between Seneca Mills Falls and the Cascade), whenever possible. A novice level whitewater course has been established below the Cascade; and at the moment, the creek is not clear downstream of the course. Our friends from Cascade Falls Kayak Adventures, a not-for-profit club affiliated with the American Canoe Association, help clear and maintain the creek for public use and also provide opportunities for instruction. Please visit www.kayak-adventures.org for more information.