Fishing at Highland Lake, Orange County, New York

• Overview

  The Orange County entry here is Highland Lake, in New York. Tidal water begins 28 miles from here. Around 117 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. With about 1.9 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. Few waters listed in Orange County are bigger. The nearest town is Middletown, 3 miles away. Further out sit Otisville (3.3 miles) and Washington Heights (3.6 miles). Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Highland Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Across Orange County, recorded fish include common carp, brook trout, bluegill and pumpkinseed. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Highland Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 72°F and January near 25°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. That is the shape of the year on Highland Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. You can leave the car about half a mile from the water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Shawangunk Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. None of that is settled for Highland Lake in what we hold.