Norris Pond, New York: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Dutchess County entry here is Norris Pond, in New York. The shore lies 31 miles out. Small at around 4 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is a small entry by Dutchess County standards. The nearest place of any size is Millbrook, 4.8 miles away. Waterbury is the closest city, 34 miles away. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Norris Pond

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name common carp, bluegill, brown trout and goldfish. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Norris Pond gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 71°F and January near 24°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Winter locks it down, and late March brings it back. Ice clears near late March and comes back about late December in a typical year. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Norris Pond that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Pray Pond at 2.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Norris Pond carry more weight than any list.