Dug Mountain Ponds, New York: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Hamilton County, Dug Mountain Ponds is a New York water. The country round it is mixed forest from end to end. The water measures roughly 24 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. The nearest place of any size is Northville, 27 miles away. After that come Edinburg at 29 miles and Warrensburg at 30 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Dug Mountain Ponds

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Records held for Hamilton County cover lake trout, brook trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Dug Mountain Ponds repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 64°F and January near 14°F on the long-run figures. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about early December. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. The season on Dug Mountain Ponds rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Jessup River at 1.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Dug Mountain Ponds locally before you travel.