Fishing at Depression Pond, Dutchess County, New York

• Overview

  Set in Dutchess County, New York, this is Depression Pond. Salt water lies 36 miles off. At roughly 24 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Nearest town is Kent, 2.7 miles off. The nearest city of size is Waterbury, 27 miles away. Not far off: Crane Pond 1.2 miles, Chapel Pond roughly 1.2 miles, Duck Pond 1.2 miles, Swift Pond roughly 2.9 miles and Leonard Pond 3.2 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Depression Pond

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Survey and observation records for Dutchess County include common carp, bluegill and brown trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Read Depression Pond before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 24°F to 71°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The lid usually goes in late March, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Climate averages put the opening at about late March and the closing near late December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Depression Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Crane Pond, 1.2 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Nothing here settles the position at Depression Pond for certain.