Trout Fishing Season

Thousands of New Yorkers will grab their tackle and lures this weekend to mark the start of trout fishing season on April 1. And schools of them — pun intended! — will head toward our water supply reservoirs to cast a line.

Our reservoirs in the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley include some of the best trout fishing in the Northeast. Their deep, cold waters are the perfect habitat for trout. And the shallows are also great for warmwater species such as bass.

Before you trek toward one of our bountiful waters, here are a few tips for having a successful and unique day of fishing in and around the watershed:

1. Find your species of choice. The reservoirs are home to many species of fish that are coveted by anglers, but some reservoirs include better habitat for one species or another. We have compiled a handy fishing brochure for anglers to know which species are located at each reservoir, and whether the fishing for each is fair, good or excellent.
2. Find the deepest, coldest water. Some of the best trout fishing on NYC reservoirs happens where the water is coldest and deepest. Other species are best found in the shallows. We provide angler maps that show the depth contours in each of our reservoirs.
3. Rent a boat for access to deeper water. Four of the City’s reservoirs in the Catskills — Cannonsville, Pepacton, Neversink and Schoharie — allow the use of kayaks and canoes starting each year on Memorial Day weekend. Local businesses also rent pre-cleaned boats at each of these reservoirs, making it easy for anyone to access the reservoirs. Rental boats are also a great option for anglers, who might not own a boat, to access some of the deeper water at these reservoirs. Learn more about our Recreational Boating Program.
4. Fishing abounds on streams, rivers and lakes. Great fishing can be found beyond the reservoirs. We own more than 200 miles of frontage along streams, creeks and rivers throughout the watershed. Many of these spots are excellent for fishing off the beaten path. Some water supply lands also include lakes or ponds that are suitable for fishing. We have created an interactive map — known as the RecMapper — to help outdoor enthusiasts find these points of access throughout the watershed. Anglers can use the digital map to zoom in to each property, find waterbodies, and print driving directions.
5. Look toward the tailwaters. Some of the best fishing is found just beyond the dams that form New York City’s reservoirs. We release water from almost all our reservoirs on an ongoing basis. This water that’s released downstream of our dams — commonly referred to as “tailwaters” — creates conditions for excellent fishing. The tailwaters usually include public access points, many of which are operated and maintained by the state.

All this access does come with a few rules. Those fishing on the reservoirs will need a free DEP Access Permit. Those wishing to use a boat on the reservoirs will need to register it with DEP, get it steam cleaned, and affix a boat tag to the side of your vessel. Email us for more details at recreation@dep.nyc.gov or call us at (800) 575-LAND. And don’t forget that New York State rules always apply, including those on fishing license, catch limits, and much more. The state DEC keeps a handy guide of these rules.

We wish you good luck this fishing season. Remember to set the hook, don’t let the big one get away, and send us a photo of your catch!