Fishing - DEP

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Fishing Frequently Asked Questions

Fishing Frequently Asked Questions


Fishing

City-owned reservoirs are open for fishing from shore and boats. A New York State fishing license and following all applicable New York State fishing regulations is required. It is common for many reservoirs to produce 4–5 pound bass and lake trout exceeding 15 pounds! If you are interested in angling from a boat, visit Boating for Anglers for information about boat tags and other boating requirements.

In addition to our reservoirs, we also offer City-owned watershed lands that border excellent trout fishing streams such as the Batavia Kill, West Branch Delaware River, Esopus Creek, and many smaller tributaries.

Download the Fishing Brochure

Download Reservoir Angler Maps

View the NY State Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisory

For answers to commonly asked questions about fishing, visit Fishing FAQs.

DEP posts Watershed Recreation Signs on City-owned land. These signs indicate the types of permitted recreational activity according to DEP’s recreation rules and all applicable New York State regulations. If your activity requires a free DEP Access Permit, be sure to apply for one before heading out. For answers to commonly asked questions about DEP Access Permits, please visit DEP Access Permit FAQs.

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Recreation Unit Closures

Please read and follow the Watershed Recreation Signs posted in these project areas.

Mount Royal Recreational Unit: Town of Conesville, Sullivan County. A portion of The 279 Acre Mount Royal Recreational Unit will be temporarily closed due to the construction of a pump station. Access to the unit at the intersection of NYS Route 990V and Bull Hill Road, and the areas immediately surrounding the work site will be restricted. Following construction, a portion of the unit where the pump station may remain closed.

Download the Mount Royal Unit Map

New Croton Fishing Access Areas: Town of Somers, Westchester County. DEP lands on both sides of NY Route 100 between Old Route 100 and Muscoot Farm County Park, including New Croton boat storage areas 17, 18, 19, and 20, will be subject to intermittent closures beginning in December 2024. Crews will be performing vegetation management and forest enhancement work throughout 2025. For up-to-date information on locations of active work, please contact the Mahopac boat office at (914) 232-1309 or the DEP Recreational Permit office at (800) 575-5263.

Download the New Croton Angler Map