Lake Florence near Livingston Manor: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Lake Florence falls in Sullivan County, part of New York. It stands 2,215 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 33 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. It is high ground by New York standards. Livingston Manor is the closest place, 6.5 miles off. Paterson is the closest city, 79 miles away. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Lake Florence

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. County-wide records name brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass and white sucker. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Lake Florence a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 20°F to 66°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early April. Open water usually runs from early April until about mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. It holds true on Lake Florence more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. For a change of water, Mud Pond is 1 mile distant. For Lake Florence, the notice at the access point is the final word.