Rio Reservoir Fishing Guide, Sullivan County, New York

• Overview

  In New York, Rio Reservoir belongs to Sullivan County. The water sits 830 feet up. The water covers around 422 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Some 7.5 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. It is among the larger waters listed here for Sullivan County. Sparrow Bush is the closest town at 5.9 miles. The big place round here is Paterson, 50 miles distant. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Rio Reservoir

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Species logged across Sullivan County include brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, white sucker and rainbow trout. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The shape of Rio Reservoir rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 69°F and January about 23°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. After late March the shallows warm and the fish move up. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late March until roughly late December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. Rio Reservoir fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Echo Lake, 2.5 miles away. For Rio Reservoir, the notice at the access point is the final word.