At the furthest western point of the lake near Tyringham Road, a public boat ramp and parking lot can be found.

The town of Monterey makes these amenities unavailable during the period of June 15 through September 6 because of swimming season.

[2] A 1979 survey recorded a total of 12 species of fish inside Lake Garfield: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, chain pickerel, rainbow trout, golden shiner, brown bullhead, bluegill, white sucker, rock bass and white perch.

[2] Lake Garfield is a popular fishing site for rainbow trout during spring.

Due to the dominant yellow and white perch population, gamefish are usually below average size and abundance although a good bass or pickerel may occasionally be produced by the lake.