Russell Lake Fishing near Cobleskill, New York

• Overview

  The Schoharie County entry here is Russell Lake, in New York. Elevation runs to 1,427 feet. About 15 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. You are 2.7 miles from Cobleskill. Albany sits 37 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Round about: Cobleskill Reservoir after 4.2 miles, Clausen Pond within 8.1 miles, Bowmaker Pond after 8.5 miles, Rossman Pond within 8.7 miles and Engleville Pond after 9 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Russell Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Schoharie County include brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Russell Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 20°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. The water is typically free of ice between early April and mid December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. On Russell Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Cobleskill Reservoir, 4.2 miles away. What applies at Russell Lake may have changed since it was mapped.