The Kensico Reservoir: A Gem of Westchester County
If you are looking for a scenic and serene place to enjoy nature and fishing, you might want to visit the Kensico Reservoir in Westchester County, New York. The Kensico Reservoir is a man-made lake that spans the towns of Armonk and Valhalla, about 15 miles north of New York City. It was formed by the original earth and gravel Kensico Dam constructed in 1885, which impounded waters from the Bronx and Byram rivers. Today, the reservoir is part of the New York City water supply system, receiving most of its water from the Catskill and Delaware aqueducts.
The Kensico Reservoir covers an area of 2,145 acres, with a shoreline length of 21.8 miles and a maximum depth of 144 feet. It holds 30.6 billion gallons of water at full capacity and was placed into service in 1915. The reservoir is surrounded by wooded hills and parklands, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting for recreation and relaxation. You can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching along the reservoir’s shores, or take a boat ride on its clear waters.
Fishing at the Kensico Reservoir
One of the main attractions of the Kensico Reservoir is fishing. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species, including lake trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish. The reservoir is stocked with 8,440 brown trout every spring by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The clear waters of the reservoir are best known for abundant numbers of trout, which can be caught by trolling with spoons or plugs and using sawbellies. You can also try your luck with bass, which can provide some great angling action.
To fish at the Kensico Reservoir, you will need a New York State fishing license if you are 16 years or older. You can purchase a fishing license online, by phone, or in person at a license-issuing agent location. The fees vary depending on the type and duration of the license. For example, a resident annual fishing license costs $25, while a nonresident annual fishing license costs $50. You can also get a 7-day or a 1-day license for a lower fee. Some people may qualify for a free or reduced-fee license, such as senior citizens, military veterans, or Native Americans.
In addition to a fishing license, you will also need a free NYC DEP watershed access permit to fish at the Kensico Reservoir. This permit allows you to access the reservoir and other New York City water supply lands and waters for fishing and other recreational activities. You can apply for a permit online or by mail. You will also need to follow the rules and regulations for fishing at the reservoir, such as using only artificial lures, keeping only one trout over 18 inches per day, and releasing all bass between 12 and 18 inches.
The Kensico Reservoir is a great place to enjoy fishing and nature in Westchester County. It offers a peaceful and beautiful environment, as well as a diverse and abundant fishery. Whether you are a beginner or an expert angler, you will find something to suit your taste and skill level at the reservoir. Just make sure you have the proper licenses and permits, and follow the rules and regulations, to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.
Kensico Reservoir, located in Valhalla, is the last stop in the NYC waterway before the water goes down to NYC. This 2,145 acre NYC Reservoir receives its water from both the Catskill and Delaware aqueducts. 1
Elevation: 354 feet
Area: 2,145 acres
Shoreline Length: 21.8 miles
Maximum Depth: 144 feet
Mean Depth: 44 feet 2
Kensico Reservoir Contour Map 3
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Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by Fish HV Contributors
