Melbern Lake near Liberty: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Melbern Lake sits in Sullivan County, out in New York. It stands 2,021 feet above sea level. Small at around 10 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Sullivan County. Nearest town is Liberty, 1.5 miles off. It is 70 miles to Paterson, the nearest city. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Melbern Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Sullivan County records list brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, white sucker and rainbow trout among the fish reported. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Melbern Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 67°F; by January the average is down near 21°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly mid December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Melbern Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. The nearest alternative is Revonah Lake, 0.7 miles out. Treat access at Melbern Lake as something to verify.