Rainbow Trout fishing at Croton Falls Reservoir

Spring rainbow trout on Croton Falls Reservoir hold shallow, usually 5 to 20 ft. They move out to 8 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 8 to 40 ft. Put Middle Branch Croton River inflow first on the milk run — an inflow / creek mouth near 27 ft that grades prime for summer. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening. The summer box starts with a dodger + spoon (deep troll) or a flutter spoon.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Croton Falls Reservoir

When the water first warms, smallmouth bass slide up into 3 to 12 ft. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 45 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-lake point: a point around 11 ft that scores prime in fall. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Keep a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig rigged through the warm months.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Croton Falls Reservoir

Come spring, look for largemouth bass tight to the bank in 2 to 10 ft. Expect a summer slide to 8 to 20 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 35 ft. Start at Main-lake point. It's a point holding about 11 ft of water and rates prime come fall. Prime time lands in early morning and the evening. A texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait is the honest summer answer here.

Yellow Perch fishing at Croton Falls Reservoir

The spring pattern is a shallow one: yellow perch in 3 to 12 ft. As the season builds they drop to 10 to 30 ft, wintering in 15 to 35 ft. Top water on the chart: Shallow bay flat, a feeding flat in the 5 ft range, prime in spring. Time it for early morning. Summer baits: a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm gets it done.

Common Carp fishing at Croton Falls Reservoir

Spring common carp on Croton Falls Reservoir hold shallow, usually 2 to 10 ft. They move out to 3 to 15 ft in summer and finish the year down in 10 to 30 ft. Put Shallow bay flat first on the milk run — a feeding flat near 5 ft that grades prime for spring. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening.

Brown Trout fishing at Croton Falls Reservoir

In spring, brown trout run shallow here, mostly 3 to 25 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 25 to 60 ft, and winter fish settle into 5 to 35 ft. Middle Branch Croton River inflow is the standout, an inflow / creek mouth at roughly 27 ft, rated prime for fall brown trout. Time it for after dark and early morning. You won't need more than a spoon at the thermocline or a deep stickbait (night) most summer days.

How deep is Croton Falls Reservoir?

Croton Falls Reservoir is about 101 ft (31 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart comes from U.S. Geological Survey bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled.

What fish are in Croton Falls Reservoir?

Anglers target rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, common carp, brown trout on Croton Falls Reservoir.

Where is the best fishing spot on Croton Falls Reservoir?

Middle Branch Croton River inflow is the top-rated area: an inflow / creek mouth in about 27 ft of water that rates prime for rainbow trout in summer. Every other rated spot, per species and season, is on the map above.

When is the best time to fish Croton Falls Reservoir?

For rainbow trout, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is Croton Falls Reservoir stocked with fish?

Yes — per NYSDEC fish-stocking lists records, Croton Falls Reservoir was most recently stocked May 2026 with 2,250 brown trout. The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Croton Falls Reservoir?

Fishing on Croton Falls Reservoir is regulated by the New York DEC. Check the official New York regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.