Hunting in Greene County
Greene County is a haven for deep forests vast mountains, and nestled in the nooks and crannies of the area are some of New York's ideal small and big game hunting regions.
Fishing in the New York Catskills
The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County's waterways can be fished almost year-round and are home to a variety of fish species for anglers of all skills levels. Always remember to follow New York state laws and local regulations while enjoying the great outdoors!
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. Greene County is home to winding mountaintop streams, creeks and ponds, and clear blue river town lakes offering excellent spin or fly fishing throughout the fishing season. You're invited to journey to Greene County and enjoy a true fishing trip - whether you're casting on a remote stream or fishing on the Mighty Hudson River!
Upstate NY Fishing Tournaments
Try your luck and cast a line at bass tournaments in the Catskills for a chance to land a monster and claim your crown.
Upcoming Tournaments:
October 27, 2024 Bob Murphy Memorial Team Open Event on the Hudson River from 7:30am-3:30pm with launch & weigh-in at Dutchman's Landing Park in Catskill. Tournament managed by Bergen Bassmasters and sponsored by the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County.
Important Catskills Fishing Information
Stocked Fishing Waters
Many of Greene County's waterways are stocked with Brown Trout from April through June, including the Batavia Kill, Catskill Creek, East Kill and Colgate Lake.
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 keep your catch, 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. Black bass season is open from the third Saturday in June through November 30 and fish must be at least 15 inches long. The daily limit is five black bass per person.
Catch-and-Release on the Hudson River
On the upper section of the Hudson River, a catch-and-release policy is in place for all sport fishing. All fish, no matter the size, caught in the section of the river between the Federal Dam in Troy and Bakers Falls in the Village of Hudson Falls must be released back into the water without injury to the fish. The use of fish as bait is prohibited, and state-wide open seasons apply to fishing for all species found in the river.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website offers a complete list (continually updated) of stocked fishing waters in the Great Northern Catskills, details on public & special fishing rights in Greene County, as well as additional information about the Hudson River's catch-and-release regulations.
Best Fishing Locations in the Catskills
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 river towns. 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 by the 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 Hudson Valley's most fertile fishing areas, providing sporting types with the opportunity to catch and land trophy fish.
Batavia Kill
Flowing for 22 miles before entering Schoharie Creek upstream of the town of Prattsville, fish for wild Trout in the upper reaches above Batavia Pond. The DEC stocks this stream with approximately 6,000 yearling Brown Trout, and around 350 two-year-old Brown Trout.
Catskill Creek
This creek enters the Hudson River in the village of Catskill after flowing for 37 miles, offering great fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout. The river town section of the Creek is stocked with 6,500 yearling and 400 two-year-old Brown Trout. From the village of Catskill, fish for Bass and Walleye at the mouth of the Hudson River.
Ten Mile Creek
Winds for 10 miles before entering Catskill Creek one mile above the village of Oak Hill. The last two miles of the stream are in Greene County, offering anglers wild Brown and Rainbow Trout.
West Kill
Flows for 11 miles before entering Schoharie Creek near the village of Lexington. Wild Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout are found on this waterway, and are most abundant in the upper eight miles. Approximately 700 yearling Brown Trout are stocked for fishing in the lower three miles of the stream.
Schoharie Creek & East Kill
Meanders for 86 miles before entering the Mohawk River in the village of Fort Hunter. The upper 27 miles in Greene County are for fishing Brown and Brook Trout. Below the reservoir, Schoharie Creek is considered a warm water fishing habitat offering Bass and Walleye fishing. Wild Trout exists throughout Schoharie Creek in Greene County. From the barrier dam at Prattsville, the stream is stocked with 16,300 yearling and 1,600 two-year-old Brown Trout.
List of local Tackle, Bait, Gear, & Licensed New York Fishing Guides
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Fishing Trip Extras
Book a fishing trip with your buddies and enjoy the best of the outdoors, from hiking to learning about Elk farming at Armstrong's Elk Farm, to celebrating a great day with a cold brew made on the Catskills Beverage Trail.
