Outdoor Recreation: Fishing
NOTE: The NYSDEC has developed several accessible recreation facilities in the Catskills for individuals with disabilities. For a complete list go to the DEC’s Accessible Recreation Destinations page and search their lists for Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. For more information about NY state parks and other facilities visit Accessible Outdoor Recreation Destinations in and around the Catskills.
Northern Catskills Park
Trout Fishing
Schoharie Creek
West Kill
Warm-water Fishing
Lake Rip Van Winkle in Tannersville
Colgate Lake in Greene County
Note: Colgate Lake is an Accessible Recreation Destination site. See link above.
Southern Catskills Park
Trout Fishing
Willowemoc Creek One of the legendary trout streams that made the Catskills famous for trout fishing beginning in the mid to late-1800’s. The “Willow” is natural, free-flowing river that holds some beautiful fish and beautiful surroundings. Public fishing areas can be found at several sections along the course of the river. Generally typical Catskills fly hatches and fly patterns, according to the time of the season. Some sections open year round for catch and release only. Don’t forget to visit the non-profit Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum, between Livingston Manor and Roscoe to learn about our rich Catskill Mountains fly fishing heritage.
Esopus Creek The Esopus is known for being Babe Ruth’s favorite trout fishing stream. With regular water releases from the Schoharie Reservoir’s Shandaken Tunnel, water levels and cool temperatures provide excellent habitat as the broad creek heads towards the Ashokan Reservoir.
Warm-water Fishing
Mongaup Pond – A 120 acre lake, the largest in the Catskills other than the NYC reservoirs, complete with a campground, swimming and boat rentals for paddling.
Western Catskills Park
Trout Fishing
Beaverkill River – Steeped in lore and legend, the Beaverkill is the preeminent American trout stream. It is the river that made the Catskills famous as the birthplace of American fly-fishing. Very little public access upstream of Roscoe, but many places to get on the river below Roscoe. Many fly shops and guides in the area. Best to fish at off-peak times when you can find some elbow room. River supports a great wild population of trout, mostly browns, but also rainbows and brookies.
Pepacton Reservoir – The biggest brown trout in the Catskills, and perhaps the east, swim in the Pepacton. The reservoir is part of the New York City water supply system, and requires a permit to access. Fish from shore or rowboat just about anywhere in the spring, then go deep during the summer. Live bait fish (usually sawbellies) and shiny spoons (most notably Krocodiles) are proven methods. Water levels fluctuate depending on seasonal rainfall fluctuations. Beware of mercury contamination and other State health advisories.
Warm-water Fishing
Pepacton Reservoir – When the hot summer weather slows down the trout fishing, many anglers turn their attention to hard-fighting “bronzebacks” (smallmouth bass) of the Pepacton and other NYC reservoirs. Cruise the shoreline with fly or spinning rod, looking for good structure such as rock ledges and drop- offs. Access permit required; shore fishing or rowboats only. Water levels fluctuate depending on seasonal rainfall fluctuations; beware of mercury contamination and other State health advisories.
Waneta Lake in the Willowemoc Wild Forest – see above Note: Waneta Lake is an Accessible Recreation Destination site. See link above.
Northeastern Catskill Region
Trout Fishing
The East Branch of the Delaware River and some of its tributaries below Halcottsville have about 5 miles of public fishing rights.
Warm-water Fishing
Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoirs – The lower reservoir, accessed from Mine Kill State Park is less restrictive to use than the upper reservoir. You can check regulations and access information here.
Northwestern Catskill Region
Trout Fishing
West Branch Delaware River – Good fishing in both the farm country of the upper West Branch, and the tailwater river below the Cannonsville Reservoir. River below Deposit, and down into Main Stem of the Delaware below Hancock is one of the few places in the east where you can hire a guide to take you in a drift boat. Lots of public access points. The Delaware system is noted for its wild rainbows.
Southeastern Catskill Region
Trout Fishing
Rondout Creek (upper) – Sections of the Rondout Creek below the Rondout Reservoir and down through Ellenville are stocked each year and generally remain cold enough to support trout. Temperatures begin to rise downstream of Ellenville.
Warm-water Fishing
Rondout Creek (lower) – The flat-water sections of the Rondout, upstream of High Falls, make for great places to try your hand at largemouth bass, crappies, and sunfish.
Southwestern Catskill Region
Trout Fishing
Delaware River – The main-stem Delaware is the largest un-dammed river in the east, and supports a healthy population of naturally spawning brown, rainbow, and brook trout. One of the few good trout rivers in the east that can be floated in a rowboat or driftboat. Several fly shops and professional guides available in the area. The big river can be intimidating, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice on the best fishing tactics.
Warm-water Fishing
Delaware River – When the water temperatures rise in the downstream portions of the Delaware, many fisherman turn to black bass, walleye, and shad.