Alcove Reservoir, New York: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Alcove Reservoir in Albany County, New York. It sits in pine and birch. At some 1,321 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. Shoreline length is close to 14 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. It is the biggest water on our Albany County list. Ravena lies 7 miles from the water. After that come Castleton-on-Hudson at 10 miles and Delmar at 11 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Alcove Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Records held for Albany County cover common carp, goldfish and brown trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Read Alcove Reservoir before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 21°F and July at about 69°F, the water has a wide range to work through. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Ice-out usually falls in early April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Averages place the thaw at early April and the freeze at mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Alcove Reservoir runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Should this one be busy, Lawson Lake is 3 miles off. What applies at Alcove Reservoir may have changed since it was mapped.