Tusten Mountain Lake in Sullivan County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Sullivan County, Tusten Mountain Lake is a New York water. The water sits 1,083 feet up. Small even by pond standards, it rewards one careful line. On size it sits at the modest end of our Sullivan County list. Barryville is the closest town at 4.2 miles. Paterson is the closest city, 59 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Tusten Mountain Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Sullivan County records list brown trout, brook trout and smallmouth bass among the fish reported. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Treat Tusten Mountain Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 23°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, early April opens the water and late December closes it again. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan around that when you fish Tusten Mountain Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, York Lake is 1.2 miles off. Check the position on Tusten Mountain Lake before loading the car.