Russett Pond Fishing Guide, Essex County, New York

• Overview

  Russett Pond lies in Essex County, in New York. Elevation runs to 1,499 feet. Roughly 26 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. Mineville is the closest place, 2.5 miles off. Ville-Marie is the closest city, 96 miles away. Also on the doorstep: 0.4 miles away is Mill Pond, Tanaher Pond just 0.6 miles, 0.8 miles away is Fifth Pond, Hatching Pond just 1.4 miles and 2 miles away is Lincoln Pond. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Russett Pond

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Reported across Essex County: brown trout, brook trout and white sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Work Russett Pond in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 66°F, with January the cold end at about 17°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. The open-water window runs from around mid April to about early December in an average year. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It holds true on Russett Pond more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You can park half a mile away and walk in from there. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Mill Pond at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing here settles the position at Russett Pond for certain.