ANGLING TO GET OUTSIDE?
Ellenville has many great fishing opportunities, from the majestic Rondout Reservoir (permits required) to a multitude of beautiful secluded rivers, streams, ponds and lakes.
rondout reservoir
The Rondout Reservoir is part of New York City’s water supply network. It is a single basin 6.5 miles long and 2,052 acres in area and reaches a maximum depth of 175 feet near the dam. The mean depth is 73.8 feet.
Fishing is permitted in season with a DEP-issued permit in addition to an appropriate New York State license, AND an NYS Watershed permit which is free and can be acquired online. The reservoir is known, as are most Catskill fishing areas, for its trout and bass.
Fishing from boats is also allowed but boats are not allowed to leave the reservoir for environmental reasons and must be stored near it year round. No recreational boating or kayaking is permitted. Hunters with valid city and state permits may also use the lands around the reservoir where hunting is permitted during the season.
While the land is not fenced off, the area is regularly patrolled by uniformed DEP and NYC police. If you are caught trespassing, trust us, you will get ticketed and fined. An NYS fishing license can also be purchased at our Napanoch Walmart, or from the Town of Wawarsing town hall.
In light of the current Covid-19 situation, we recommend you call them first to enquire about purchasing an NYS fishing license at 845 647-7800. There are also a number of parking areas around the reservoir where you can stop to just take in the views. At the Grahamsville end, there is also a designated Bald Eagle viewing area. The reservoir is also a favorite scenic area for motorcyclists and cyclists.
NYS fishing seasons and limits can be viewed here.
PUBLIC ACCESS FISHING
There are a number of great public-access fishing locations in and around the village. For these you do not need an NYS Watershed Permit but you do still need an NYS Fishing License that you can either purchase online or at our Town Hall and Napanoch Walmart. Below are some great locations nominated by our local anglers.
