Fishing Arbutus Lake in Richmond County, New York

• Overview

  Arbutus Lake is one of the Richmond County listings for New York. The water sits 20 feet up. About 13 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It lies lower than most water we list in New York. The town to know is Huguenot, 1.3 miles out. Beyond it, Woodrow at 1.4 miles and Eltingville at 1.7 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Arbutus Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Work the tide here — moving water feeds, slack water rests. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Reported across Richmond County: brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed, common carp and American eel. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Arbutus Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 75°F; by January the average is down near 31°F. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. On Arbutus Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. A picnic spot sits half a mile from the bank. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Part of this sits inside or beside Arbutus Creek Bluebelt, so read the notices. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Wolfes Pond at 0.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Arbutus Lake before loading the car.