Mallard Lake in Westchester County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Mallard Lake is one of the Westchester County waters in New York. Salt water lies 11 miles off. About 18 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Pound Ridge is the closest place, 1.7 miles off. Bedford lies 3.2 miles off, North Stamford another 4 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Mallard Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Records held for Westchester County cover common carp, striped bass and bluegill. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Mallard Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 72°F on average, January about 27°F. In milder years the surface never sets. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. That shapes the year on Mallard Lake. Spring fish sit shallower than most people expect.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Henry Morgenthau Preserve runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. If the gate is shut, Blue Heron Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Mallard Lake locally before you travel.