Fishing at Bodine Lake, Sullivan County, New York

• Overview

  Bodine Lake falls in Sullivan County, part of New York. This is rolling bush country. At roughly 22 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The closest town, Barryville, is 3.2 miles distant. For a city, Paterson is 57 miles off. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Bodine Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. 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. Records held for Sullivan County cover brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, white sucker and rainbow trout. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Bodine Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 69°F; the cold one sits at 23°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. From about early April to around late December, expect open water on the long-run figures. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Time your trip to Bodine Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Montgomery Lake at 0.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Bodine Lake.