Fishing in the Catskill Mountains

Just two hours north of New York City, the waters of the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County lure anglers with the promise of trophy Trout, Lunker Bass and a large variety of pan fish. The Catskill Mountains are home to clear blue lakes that are perfect for boating adventures and excellent for spin or fly-fishing throughout the season. You're invited to journey to Greene County and enjoy a true Catskills fishing trip!

Best Fishing Locations in the Catskills

Several lakes and streams in Greene County are stocked with Brown Trout each spring, including Catskill Creek, Kaaterskill Creek, Batavia Kill,East Kill and Colgate Lake to name a few.

Some popular Catskills fishing waters include:

Colgate Lake – Located in the town of Jewett, the lake reaches a depth of 10 feet, providing prime fishing conditions for Brown Trout, Golden Shiner, Common Shiner, Creek Chub and more. A popular fishing spot year-round, the lake is stocked annually with more than 700 Brown Trout.

Greens Lake – Located in the town of Athens, the lake reaches a depth of 50 feet and is a popular year-round fishing spot for Trout in the Catskills. A DEC boat launch is located off of Valley Road along the southwest shoreline. Fish for American Eel, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Chain Pickerel, Golden Shiner, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and many more.

North-South Lake – Located in the town of Hunter, the lake reaches a depth of 12 feet and is surrounded bythe North-South Lake Campground. A DEC boat launch for non-motorized boats only is located off of Route 18. Fish for Chain Pickerel, Tiger Musky, Largemouth Bass and Brown Bullhead and enjoy a family fishing trip.

Hudson River – Running along the eastern border of Greene County, the Hudson River offers ample fishing for Striped Bass (which are more abundant in April and May), as well as Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Tiger Musky and Walleye throughout much of the year. In addition, fishing charters offer guided expeditions to the Catskills' most fertile fishing areas, providing sportsmen with the opportunity to catch and land trophy fish.

Special Fishing Regulations

In Greene County, there are a few exceptions to the New York State's Department of Environmental Conservations General Fishing Regulations for freshwater fishing, including:

• Fish for Trout all year on Greens Lake and Colgate Lake and enjoy winter ice-fishing as long as fish measure 12 inches or more in length. The daily limit is three fish per person. 
• Fish for Black Bass on the Hudson River downstream of the Troy Dam and all along tributaries located on that section of the river. Season is open from the third Saturday in June through November 30and fish must be at least 15 inches long. The daily limit is five fish per person.

See the DEC's website for complete details and information on public fishing rights.