Drewsville Station Reservoir Overview

Drewsville Station Reservoir is a small impoundment in the Catskill region of upstate New York, located in Greene County near the town of Jewett. The reservoir holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish in modest numbers, making it a destination for anglers looking for a quieter alternative to the larger Catskill lakes. The water is clear to moderately stained depending on season and recent rainfall, and the shoreline mixes rocky outcrops with wooded banks and some shallow marshy areas.

Access is straightforward but limited—there is a small public boat launch and a few parking spaces managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The reservoir is best fished from a small boat or canoe; shore fishing is possible but restricted to certain areas. Most anglers visit between May and October, when water temperatures support active feeding and the access road is reliably passable.

Key Takeaways

  • Drewsville Station Reservoir holds largemouth and smallmouth bass plus panfish, with the best fishing from May through October.
  • A public boat launch with limited parking is the primary access point; the DEC manages the facility and enforces state fishing regulations.
  • New York State fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and bass have specific size and creel limits that change by season.
  • The reservoir is small enough to fish thoroughly in a half day, making it suitable for anglers with limited time or those new to the region.

Species and Seasonal Patterns

Largemouth bass are the primary target at Drewsville Station, with fish ranging from 12 to 18 inches being common and occasional larger specimens in the 4 to 5-pound range. They concentrate around submerged timber, rocky points, and the marshy shallows on the north end of the reservoir during spring and fall. In summer, they move deeper and hold near the dam structure and along drop-offs where cooler water provides relief from surface heat.

Smallmouth bass are present but less abundant than largemouths. They prefer the rockier sections of shoreline and the steeper banks near the dam. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak periods for both species, when water temperatures sit in the 55 to 70-degree range and fish feed most actively. Summer fishing is possible but slower; early morning and late evening produce better results than midday.

Panfish—primarily bluegill and pumpkinseed—are abundant in the shallower areas and along the marshy edges. They bite consistently throughout the season on small jigs, spinners, and live bait, making them a reliable option when bass are inactive or if you are fishing with children or less experienced anglers.

Access, Parking, and Launch Facilities

The public boat launch at Drewsville Station Reservoir is located off County Road 6 in Jewett, Greene County. The access road is gravel and can become rutted or muddy after heavy rain; a high-clearance vehicle is helpful but not always necessary. Parking is limited to approximately 8 to 10 spaces adjacent to the launch area. There are no facilities—no restrooms, no water, no concessions—so plan accordingly and bring what you need for the day.

The launch itself is a concrete ramp suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Trailers are permitted, but the parking area is tight; arrive early during weekends or holidays if you plan to launch a trailered boat. The reservoir is closed to public access during certain maintenance periods in winter; check with the DEC before planning a trip between November and March.

Shore fishing is permitted in designated areas near the parking lot and along portions of the eastern shoreline accessible by foot. However, much of the shoreline is private property or difficult to reach, so boat access is strongly preferred. If you do not own a boat, renting a small motorboat or canoe from a nearby outfitter in the Catskills is a practical option.

New York State Fishing Regulations

All anglers 16 years old and older must carry a valid New York State fishing license. Licenses are available online through the DEC website, by phone, or at most sporting goods retailers and town clerk offices. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license and is a reasonable choice if you are visiting the region for a short trip.

Bass regulations in New York vary by water body and season. At Drewsville Station, the general statewide rules apply: largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily creel limit of five fish per angler. Smallmouth bass follow the same limits. These rules are subject to change, so verify current regulations on the DEC website or call the regional office before you fish. Panfish have no size limit and a generous daily creel, so they are a low-stress option if you want to keep fish for a meal.

Catch-and-release fishing is permitted and encouraged, especially for bass. The reservoir is not designated as a trophy fishery, so slot limits or special restrictions do not apply. Use barbless hooks or crush the barbs on your hooks to reduce injury to fish you plan to release.

What Gear and Tackle to Bring

For largemouth bass, a 6 to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 10 to 15-pound monofilament or braided line is a solid all-around setup. Bring a mix of lures: soft plastic worms (4 to 6 inches) in dark colors, crankbaits that dive 4 to 8 feet, and topwater plugs for early morning or low-light conditions. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits work well in the marshy shallows. For smallmouth bass, slightly lighter tackle (8 to 12-pound line) and smaller lures—tubes, finesse worms, and small crankbaits—are more effective.

Panfish respond to small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live minnows or waxworms, or to inline spinners in sizes 0 to 1. A ultralight spinning rod makes panfish fishing more enjoyable and is easy to manage from a small boat or canoe.

Bring polarized sunglasses to see fish in the water, a net for landing fish, a tackle box organized by lure type, and extra line. The reservoir is small enough that you will not need a GPS or detailed map, but a basic understanding of the shoreline layout helps you fish efficiently. A depth finder is useful but not essential.

Best Times to Fish and What to Expect

May through June is prime time at Drewsville Station. Water temperatures are warming, bass are actively feeding after spawning, and the weather is generally pleasant. Expect to catch 10 to 20 fish per day if you are fishing actively and matching your lure choice to the conditions. The reservoir can be crowded on weekends during this period, so weekday trips are quieter.

July and August are slower. Water temperatures climb into the high 70s and low 80s, and bass retreat to deeper water and shaded areas. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are your best windows. Midday fishing is possible but requires patience and a willingness to fish deeper structure.

September and October rival May and June for fishing quality. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s, bass feed aggressively in preparation for winter, and the weather is cooler and more comfortable for anglers. Fall is an excellent time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and consistent action.

Nearby Amenities and Lodging

The town of Jewett, about 5 miles from the reservoir, has a small general store and a few local restaurants. For more substantial services—gas, groceries, tackle shops, and lodging—Tannersville and Catskill are 15 to 20 minutes away by car. The Catskill region has numerous bed-and-breakfasts, small motels, and vacation rental properties; booking in advance is wise during peak season.

If you are planning a longer trip, the Catskills offer excellent hiking, scenic drives, and other outdoor recreation. Nearby Kaaterskill Falls and the Catskill Mountain House ruins are popular day-trip destinations. The region is also known for trout fishing on the Esopus Creek and other streams, so combining a reservoir trip with stream fishing is a common strategy for visiting anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Drewsville Station Reservoir?

A boat is strongly recommended because shore access is limited and much of the shoreline is private property. If you do not own a boat, a canoe or small rental motorboat works well. Shore fishing is possible near the parking area, but you will have fewer options and less productive water to cover.

What is the best lure for largemouth bass at this reservoir?

Soft plastic worms in 4 to 6-inch lengths, fished slowly along the bottom or around submerged timber, are consistently effective. Crankbaits and topwater plugs also produce, especially during early morning and late evening. Match your lure color to water clarity—darker colors in stained water, lighter colors in clear water.

Can I fish in winter?

The reservoir is closed to public access during certain maintenance periods in winter. Contact the DEC regional office in New Paltz to confirm whether the facility is open before planning a winter trip. Ice fishing is not typically practiced here because the reservoir is small and ice conditions are unpredictable.

How long does it take to fish the entire reservoir?

Drewsville Station is small—you can cover the main fishing areas thoroughly in 4 to 6 hours. A half-day trip is realistic and productive. Many anglers fish the morning bite, take a break, and return for the evening bite, making it a good destination if you want to combine fishing with other activities.

Are there any restrictions on motor size?

Check with the DEC for current motor restrictions. Many small reservoirs in New York limit motors to reduce noise and protect water quality. Electric motors or paddle-powered boats may be the only options, so confirm before you launch a gas-powered boat.