Fishing Forest Lake in Westchester County, New York

• Overview

  Set in Westchester County, New York, this is Forest Lake. The shore lies 6.2 miles out. The water measures roughly 11 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It lies lower than most water we list in New York. Start from Purchase, 1.7 miles down the road. Stamford sits 9.9 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Forest Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Westchester County records list common carp, striped bass and bluegill among the fish reported. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Read Forest Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 74°F and January at 29°F. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. It holds true on Forest Lake more years than not. A cold snap sets things back for several days.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears 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. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Silver Lake is 1.2 miles distant. Where Forest Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.