Fishing at Beacon Reservoir, Putnam County, New York

• Overview

  Out in Putnam County, New York, sits Beacon Reservoir. The bank is 1,286 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 21 acres — small enough to read in one session. 1.9 miles away sits Beacon, the nearest town. Newburgh lies 3.8 miles off, Fishkill another 4 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Beacon Reservoir

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Records held for Putnam County cover brown trout, bluegill, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Read Beacon Reservoir for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 72°F, while January sits near 26°F. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. That is the shape of the year on Beacon Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Hudson Highlands State Park runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Lake Valhalla at 0.8 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing on Beacon Reservoir should be assumed from this page alone.