Long Pond in Sullivan County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  You will find Long Pond in Sullivan County, New York. The bank is 2,129 feet above sea level. At 17 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It sits higher than most water we list in New York. Head to Livingston Manor, 10 miles away, for anything you forgot. After that come Liberty at 11 miles and Fallsburg at 14 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Long Pond

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Reported across Sullivan County: brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, white sucker and rainbow trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Take Long Pond a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 64°F, the coldest about 19°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from mid April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid April and starts locking again about early December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It holds true on Long Pond more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Sand Pond at 2.2 miles is the sensible second choice. None of that is settled for Long Pond in what we hold.