Earl Reservoir Fishing in Orange County, New York

• Overview

  The Orange County end of New York holds Earl Reservoir. The setting is rolling hill. At roughly 15 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. 1.4 miles away sits Highland Mills, the nearest town. After that come Woodbury at 1.6 miles and Mountain Lodge Park at 1.6 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Earl Reservoir

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. County-wide records name common carp, brook trout, bluegill and pumpkinseed. The county list is broader than any single water. On Earl Reservoir a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 25°F in January to roughly 72°F in July. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Time your trip to Earl Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Public data has parking about 150 yards from the shore. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Failing this one, try Hillside Lake, 0.9 miles away. For Earl Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.