Paine Lake, New York: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In New York, Paine Lake falls inside Westchester County. Salt water lies 2.2 miles off. The whole thing is a single swim; walk it in a minute. On size it sits at the modest end of our Westchester County list. Wykagyl lies 0.6 miles from the water. New Rochelle follows at 1.7 miles, then Eastchester at 1.8 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Paine Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Westchester County records list common carp, striped bass, bluegill, brown trout and largemouth bass among the fish reported. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The near bank of Paine Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 75°F; the cold one sits at 30°F. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. The season on Paine Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Huguenot Lake sits 0.5 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Paine Lake before loading the car.