Fishing at Black Mountain Ponds, Washington County, New York

• Overview

  Black Mountain Ponds sits within Washington County in New York. It sits in pine and birch country. Surface area runs to about 4 acres — small enough to read in one session. Our Washington County list holds plenty of bigger water. You are 7.1 miles from Whitehall. After that come Fair Haven at 13 miles and Warrensburg at 14 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Black Mountain Ponds

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Survey and observation records for Washington County include brown trout, white sucker, tessellated darter, pumpkinseed and brook trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Black Mountain Ponds gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 68°F and January reads 18°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early April. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about mid December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Black Mountain Ponds.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There are toilets mapped about half a mile away. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Lapland Pond, 0.8 miles out. Confirm access to Black Mountain Ponds locally before you travel.