Fishing at Silver Lake, Sullivan County, New York

• Overview

  Silver Lake lies within the bounds of Sullivan County, New York. This is rolling bush ground. Roughly 85 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. It is a smooth basin, with the interest below the waterline rather than along it. It ranks high for size among our Sullivan County listings. Nearest place of any size is Fallsburg, 3 miles away. Paterson is the closest city, 58 miles away. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Silver Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. County-wide records name brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, white sucker and rainbow trout. The county list is broader than any single water. Take Silver Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 23°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early April. The water is typically free of ice between early April and mid December. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Silver Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, East Pond is 2.3 miles off. What applies at Silver Lake may have changed since it was mapped.