What You'll Find at Ashokan Reservoir

Ashokan Reservoir is a 8,300-acre impoundment in Ulster County, roughly 90 miles north of New York City in the Catskill Mountains. It supplies drinking water to the city, which shapes everything about how you fish it: access is limited to specific areas, motorboats are prohibited, and the water is cold and deep year-round. The reservoir holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and carp, with occasional walleye and perch. The shoreline is mostly rocky and wooded, and the water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall.

The reservoir is split into two basins by a narrow channel. The western basin is shallower and more productive for bass; the eastern basin is deeper and colder. Both are accessible to anglers, but only from designated areas. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) manages the water and enforces all rules. Fishing is free, but you must follow strict guidelines about where you can fish and what you can keep.

Key Takeaways

  • Ashokan Reservoir is open to fishing year-round from shore only—no boats, no wading, no swimming.
  • You can fish from designated parking areas and the Ashokan Catskill Preserve trail system, but not from private land or closed sections.
  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the primary target, with a 12-inch minimum size and a 5-fish daily limit per species.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable seasons for bass; summer fishing is slower and requires early morning or evening effort.
  • A New York State fishing license is required; the DEP website lists current regulations and any temporary closures before you go.

Where to Fish and How to Access It

The main public access point is the Ashokan Catskill Preserve, a 1,600-acre tract managed by the Nature Conservancy on the western shore. The preserve has a parking area off Route 28A near the hamlet of Ashokan, and a network of trails that lead to the water's edge. From the parking area, you can walk to several fishing spots along the shoreline. The walk is short—most productive areas are within 10 to 15 minutes on foot—and the trails are well-marked.

A second access point is the Ashokan East Branch parking area, also off Route 28A, which provides access to the eastern basin. This area is less crowded and can be productive in spring and fall, though the deeper water here requires patience and often produces fewer fish than the western basin.

Do not fish from private land, posted sections, or the dam itself. The DEP posts closure notices at access points and on its website. If a section is closed, it is closed—enforcement is active, and fines are steep. Always check the DEP website or call ahead if you are unsure about current access.

Bass Fishing: Seasons and Techniques

Spring (mid-April through May) is the most productive season. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the rocky shoreline and any shallow bays or coves you can reach on foot. Largemouth bass prefer softer bottom and vegetation; smallmouth bass favor rocks and drop-offs. Use small crankbaits, soft plastics, or live shiners if you can obtain them locally.

Summer (June through August) is slower. Bass move deep to escape warm surface water and bright sun. Early morning and late evening produce better results than midday. Fish deeper structure—rocky points, drop-offs, and channel ledges—with slower presentations. Many anglers skip summer and return in fall.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring. Water cools, bass feed aggressively, and they move back to shallower structure. The same techniques that work in spring work here, and the fishing window is longer each day. By late October, water temperature drops into the 50s and fishing slows again.

Winter (November through March) is difficult but not impossible. The reservoir rarely freezes solid, but water temperature hovers in the 40s. Bass are sluggish and deep. If you fish winter, use small presentations and fish slowly near structure. Many anglers do not bother; the effort-to-reward ratio is poor.

Regulations and What You Can Keep

A New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license, seven-day license, or annual license through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or at most sporting goods stores. The cost varies by license type and residency status.

Bass regulations are strict. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass each have a 12-inch minimum size and a 5-fish daily limit per species. You can keep up to 10 bass total (5 largemouth and 5 smallmouth). Chain pickerel have no size limit and no daily limit. Carp have no size or bag limit. Walleye and perch, if you catch them, follow DEC statewide rules—check the current regulations before you fish.

All fish must be measured from the tip of the mouth to the tip of the tail with the mouth closed. If a fish is under the minimum size, it must be released immediately and unharmed. The DEP and DEC conduct regular patrols, and violations carry fines starting at $250 and up.

What to Bring and What to Expect

The shoreline is rocky and uneven. Wear sturdy boots with good ankle support and a grip sole—slipping on wet rocks is common and dangerous. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish early morning or evening; the preserve trails are not lit. A small tackle bag, a net, and a stringer or cooler are standard. The water is cold year-round, so dress in layers and bring a rain jacket.

Insect pressure is moderate in spring and heavy in summer and early fall. Bring insect repellent. The preserve has no facilities—no restrooms, no water, no shelter. Plan accordingly. Cell service is spotty in some areas, so do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergency contact.

The reservoir is popular with hikers and bird-watchers, especially on weekends. Fishing spots can be crowded in spring and fall. Weekday mornings are quieter. The preserve is open dawn to dusk; do not fish after dark or before sunrise.

Nearby Alternatives and Overflow Options

If Ashokan is crowded or closed, the Schoharie Reservoir, about 20 miles north, offers similar fishing for bass and pickerel with more open access. The Pepacton Reservoir, further north in Delaware County, is larger and holds walleye and lake trout in addition to bass. Both require a New York State license and follow DEC regulations.

The Esopus Creek, which flows from Ashokan, is a productive trout stream in spring and early summer. It is smaller and more technical than the reservoir but offers a different experience if you want to switch gears.

Planning Your Trip

Ashokan is a 90-minute drive from New York City and about 30 minutes from Kingston. There is no lodging at the preserve itself, but the towns of Ashokan, Shandaken, and Phoenicia have motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and rental cabins. Restaurants and grocery stores are in Shandaken and Phoenicia, both within 10 minutes of the preserve.

Before you go, check the DEP website for current access status and any temporary closures. Water quality advisories are rare but do occur after heavy rain. The preserve website also lists trail conditions and parking availability. Spring and fall weekends fill up early; arrive before 7 a.m. if you want a parking spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boat on Ashokan Reservoir?

No. Motorboats and sailboats are prohibited. Kayaks and canoes are also not permitted. Fishing is from shore only, from designated access areas.

What is the best time of year to fish Ashokan?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most productive. Water temperature is moderate, bass are active, and the weather is comfortable. Summer is slower and requires early morning or evening fishing. Winter is difficult and not recommended unless you have specific experience.

Do I need a license to fish Ashokan Reservoir?

Yes. Anyone 16 and older must have a valid New York State fishing license. You can purchase a one-day, seven-day, or annual license through the DEC website or at sporting goods stores.

What happens if I catch a bass under 12 inches?

Release it immediately and unharmed. Do not keep it. The 12-inch minimum applies to both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Measuring from mouth to tail with the mouth closed is the standard method.

Are there restrooms or facilities at the Ashokan Catskill Preserve?

No. There are no restrooms, water, or shelter at the preserve. Plan to bring everything you need and use facilities in nearby towns before you arrive.