Silver Lake near Mechanicstown: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Silver Lake falls in Orange County, part of New York. It stands 489 feet above sea level. The water covers some 34 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The nearest town is Mechanicstown, 1.2 miles away. The nearest city of size is Paterson, 39 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Silver Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Reported across Orange County: common carp, brook trout and bluegill. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Silver Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 72°F at the top of summer and 26°F at the bottom of winter. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Plan any trip to Silver Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. A car park lies half a mile away, so the walk in is short. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Echo Lake is 3.2 miles off. For Silver Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.