Fishing and outdoors guide for the Hudson Valley 2024
By: Hayden Moore
Are you looking to get started on some fishing? While it may not be that time of the year yet, there are plenty of popular fishing spots to explore in the Dutchess County area. The scenic views of the Hudson along with the amazing fish waiting to be caught in these waters make the Hudson Valley an excellent fishing destination for people of all ages and experiences. Fishing is one of the most relaxing pastimes and with warm weather on the horizon, plenty of opportunity to catch some big fish awaits.
Before getting into fishing destinations, it’s important that everyone follows New York State fishing guidelines. If you are over the age of 16, you need a fishing license. Once a license is acquired, you will have the ability to take fish by several methods including spearing, hooking, angling, and traps. It’s also important to note that a New York State fishing license allows you to fish in out-of-state bodies of water like Lake Champlain in Vermont and the Delaware River. Getting a license is convenient and cheap, and if you are an avid fisherman, it’s necessary to have one.
In a large body of water like the Hudson River, it can be tricky to catch fish. “It depends on what you want to fish for and the time of year it is, said Marist fly fishing professor James Melitski. We’re hitting into an interesting time to fish, and with the Hudson River getting cleaner, we have a good run of striped bass.” Access to a boat is certainly helpful, as you will find more success fly fishing for striped bass along the edges where some of the smaller rivers empty into the Hudson River. Striped Bass are a species of migratory fish that flow through the Hudson River in the early spring to spawn before returning to the Atlantic Ocean. “There’s always a bit of a learning curve, said Melitski. “Learning the environment and habitats of the fish will increase your chances of catching fish, and with the fly fishing class in the fall, we spent time casting and fishing and some students are able to catch fish.”
Sylvan Lake located in the town of Beekman is the deepest lake in Dutchess County. It’s shaped like a deep bowl and has beautiful clean water with well-defined weed lines along the edges. “The water is really clean, said Beekman resident Matthew Montaldo. It’s just a great place to be. There’s a section in the lake for swimming and a section for fishing as well as camping spots, so it’s a great place to bring families and just have a good time outdoors.” And of course, there is fishing to be done. Smallmouth bass and sunfish are available to catch, but it can be tricky with the clear water. “Because the water is so clear, the bass will go deep into the weeds, so you’ll need plastic lures to catch them,” said Montaldo. Trout is also a popular fish in the lake. During the early months of spring, the water will still be cool enough to catch trout anywhere in the river.
Another popular spot for not only fishing but also enjoying the outdoors is Long Dock. Located in Beacon, it’s a scenic park with trails, playgrounds, and of course fishing areas. The peninsula was created in the 1800s as a terminal for ferrying rail cars across the river and recently was home to a salt storage and junkyard. Thanks to cleanups, it’s now a family-friendly park. “It has easy access to the river, it’s a pretty park and great for fishing”, said Beacon resident Wyatt Amann. You can find fish such as white catfish and striped bass.
Fishing is not just a pastime, it’s a profound connection to nature. Whether fishing in your local pond or the massive Hudson River and whether you’re a seasoned pro or a rookie, it’s a way to connect with the environment in so many different ways. The future of our marine environments depends on us continuing to practice responsible fishing, so always make sure you are prepared to fish alone or bring along someone experienced to ensure safety for everyone. The fishing is endless in the Hudson Valley, and there are plenty of more places and fish out there!
