Ilion Reservoir Number One Fishing near Ilion, New York

• Overview

  Ilion Reservoir Number One is a Herkimer County water, New York side. The bank is 735 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 3 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Herkimer County standards. Ilion is the closest town at 1.9 miles. Then Mohawk, 2.9 miles, and Frankfort, 3.3 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Ilion Reservoir Number One

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. County-wide records name white sucker, yellow perch, brook trout, brown bullhead and brown trout. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Fish Ilion Reservoir Number One where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 68°F and January about 19°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early April. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about mid December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. On Ilion Reservoir Number One that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Ilion Reservoir Number Two is 0.7 miles off. Check the position at Ilion Reservoir Number One before loading the car.