Mud Lake, New York: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Mud Lake lies in Delaware County, in New York. It sits at 1,804 feet above sea level. About 5 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Most waters listed here for Delaware County are larger. For supplies, Oneonta is 10 miles out. Worcester lies 11 miles off, West End another 12 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Mud Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Delaware County records list brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and white sucker among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The shape of Mud Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 20°F in January up to 67°F in July. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. Open water usually runs from early April until about mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Plan around that when you fish Mud Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Sexsmith Lake sits 2.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Signs at Mud Lake carry more weight than any list.