Arshamomaque Pond is a small, shallow warmwater fishery in the central Catskills near Margaretville

Arshamomaque Pond sits in Delaware County, roughly 15 miles northwest of Margaretville in the town of Andes. It is a modest pond—roughly 40 acres—with depths that rarely exceed 15 feet. The water is stained and weedy, which makes it productive for warmwater species but also means you will need to work around vegetation and adjust your casting accordingly.

The pond holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Bass fishing is the main draw, though the sunfish population is robust and reliable if you want a simpler outing or are bringing younger anglers. The pond is open to public fishing under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) rules, and there is a small public access point on the eastern shore.

This is not a destination pond for most anglers—it lacks the reputation and size of Ashokan Reservoir or the Pepacton Reservoir further west. But it is a solid local option if you are based in the central Catskills, want to avoid crowds, and do not mind working shallow, weedy water.

Key Takeaways

  • Arshamomaque Pond holds largemouth bass and sunfish in roughly 40 acres of shallow, weedy water near Margaretville.
  • Public access is available at a small parking area on the eastern shore; arrive early during weekends, as space is limited.
  • Fishing is best from late spring through early fall; winter access depends on ice thickness and DEC advisories.
  • New York State fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and bass are subject to statewide size and bag limits.
  • Weedless lures, soft plastics, and topwater plugs work better here than open-water tactics because of heavy aquatic vegetation.

Access and Parking

The public access point is located on the eastern shore of the pond, off County Road 6 (also called Andes-Margaretville Road). There is a small gravel parking area with room for roughly 4 to 6 vehicles. The lot has no facilities—no restrooms, no water, no shade structure. Parking is first-come, first-served.

From Margaretville, take Route 28 west toward Andes, then turn north on County Road 6. The access area is marked with a small DEC sign. The walk from the parking area to the water is short—roughly 50 yards—and the shore is relatively open, making it accessible for anglers of varying mobility. There is no boat launch, so this is a shore-fishing-only location.

Cell service in the area is spotty. Bring a paper map or download offline maps before you arrive. The nearest gas and food are in Margaretville, about 15 minutes south by car.

Seasons and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) is when the pond warms and becomes most productive. Bass begin moving into shallower water to spawn in late April and May, and sunfish are active throughout. Water temperatures climb from the mid-40s in early April to the low 60s by late May. This is the most reliable time to fish here.

Summer (June through August) can be productive but also brings algae blooms and heavy weed growth. The pond can become choked with aquatic vegetation, which makes casting difficult but also concentrates fish in the remaining open pockets. Early morning and late evening are better than midday. Water temperatures reach the low to mid-70s.

Fall (September through October) is a second-best season. Bass feed heavily before winter, and the weed growth begins to die back, making the pond easier to navigate. Water temperatures drop from the 60s to the 40s. By late October, fishing slows considerably.

Winter (November through March) is possible but not recommended for most anglers. Ice forms by December in most years, and the DEC does not maintain an ice-safety advisory for this pond. If you fish through ice, check conditions in person before committing—thin ice is common in areas with springs or current.

Fish Species and What to Target

Largemouth bass are the primary target. They range from 8 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish to 16 or 17 inches. The population is healthy but not dense, so you may need to cover water and work multiple spots before connecting. Bass here respond well to weedless soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and in open pockets.

Bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish are abundant and eager. They are smaller than bass—typically 6 to 8 inches—but they bite readily on small jigs, panfish flies, and live crickets or worms. If you want consistent action, especially with children or less experienced anglers, focus on sunfish in shallow water near the shore.

There are no pike, walleye, or trout in this pond. It is a warmwater-only fishery.

Regulations and Licensing

All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid New York State fishing license. Licenses are available online through the DEC website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and town clerk offices in Margaretville and Andes. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are visiting briefly.

Largemouth bass are subject to New York's statewide regulations: a minimum length of 12 inches and a daily bag limit of 5 fish per angler. Sunfish have no size limit and a daily bag limit of 50 fish per angler. These limits are designed to protect the bass population while allowing liberal harvest of sunfish.

The pond is open to fishing year-round under DEC rules, but access may be limited or unsafe during winter depending on ice conditions. Always check local conditions before visiting in cold months.

Tactics and Gear for Shallow, Weedy Water

Because Arshamomaque is shallow and choked with vegetation, open-water tactics like crankbaits and deep-diving plugs are less effective here. Instead, focus on weedless presentations that can be worked through or around aquatic plants.

Soft plastics rigged on weedless jig heads or Texas-rigged with a bullet sinew are the most productive choice. Work them slowly along weed edges, in open pockets, and around any submerged structure. Colors like black, green, and brown match the stained water and vegetation.

Topwater plugs and poppers work well in early morning and late evening, especially in summer when bass are hunting in shallow water. The commotion attracts fish in weedy areas where they cannot see far.

Spinnerbaits are also effective because the blade creates vibration that fish can detect in stained water, and the wire frame helps the lure slide through weeds without snagging.

For sunfish, small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce), panfish flies, and live bait—crickets, worms, or small minnows—all work. A simple bobber rig with a worm is the most reliable approach if you want steady action.

Nearby Alternatives and Comparison

If Arshamomaque is too small or crowded, the Pepacton Reservoir is about 20 miles west and offers much larger water, more diverse species, and better facilities. Ashokan Reservoir is roughly 25 miles south and is the most popular warmwater fishery in the Catskills, with more developed access and a stronger reputation for bass.

For smaller pond fishing closer to Margaretville, Pakatakan Pond (also called Pakatakan Lake) is about 8 miles south and offers similar warmwater fishing with slightly better access and parking. Both ponds are worth considering if you want options in the area.

If you prefer moving water, the East Branch of the Delaware River runs through Andes and offers trout and smallmouth bass in a completely different setting. The river is more technical to fish but attracts anglers looking for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Arshamomaque?

No. There is no boat launch, and the access area is designed for shore fishing only. The shallow, weedy nature of the pond also makes it difficult to navigate by boat. If you want to fish from a boat in the area, Pepacton Reservoir and Ashokan Reservoir both have public launch sites.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset onward) are most productive, especially in summer when algae and heat slow midday activity. Spring and fall allow more consistent fishing throughout the day because water temperatures are cooler.

Do I need a special permit to fish Arshamomaque?

No. A standard New York State fishing license is all you need. There are no special permits, daily-use fees, or reservation requirements for this DEC-managed public access site.

Is this pond stocked with fish?

Arshamomaque is not regularly stocked by the DEC. The bass and sunfish populations are self-sustaining. The pond is managed for natural reproduction rather than hatchery support.

How far is Arshamomaque from other Catskill fishing destinations?

Margaretville is about 15 minutes south by car. Pepacton Reservoir is roughly 20 miles west (30 to 40 minutes). Ashokan Reservoir is about 25 miles south (45 minutes to an hour). The East Branch of the Delaware River runs through Andes, just a few miles north.