Lake Welch – Harriman State Park

Lake Welch, situated along the eastern fringes of Harriman State Park, beckons fishing aficionados with its abundant warmwater fish variety, encompassing prized catches like largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish. A paradise for angling enthusiasts, the lake thrives with robust populations of impressive bluegill, pumpkinseed, and largemouth bass, as affirmed by surveys. Accessible shores and a user-friendly hand launch on the western side of the lake facilitate seamless entry into its aquatic realm. Amid your angling pursuits, anticipate sharing the waters with fellow enthusiasts relishing the lake’s swimming beach and neighboring campground. With its inviting expanse and scenic backdrop, Lake Welch promises an enriching fishing escapade in Stony Point.

Lake Welch Physical Features:

• Elevation: 1,010 feet
• Shoreline Length: 6.1 miles
• Area: 182 acres
• Max Depth: 33 feet
• Town: Stony Point

Lake Welch Access:

For boat launch access, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) extends its offerings, mandating a PIPC boat permit for entry. The ambiance is kept serene with a ban on gas motors. The hand launch site is conveniently located off Kanawaukee Road. For further information, inquiries can be directed to 845-786-2701. Additional details, including driving directions, are available on the Rockland County Boat Launch Sites page.

Lake Welch Fish Species:

The lake flourishes with an array of fish species, encompassing largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, pumpkinseed, chain pickerel, alewife, and yellow perch. With such a diverse range, anglers are treated to a thrilling assortment of catches, enhancing the allure of Lake Welch’s fishing prospects.

Caution Lake Welch Boaters:

A containment boom in yellow has been strategically positioned at Lake Welch to aid in lake management. Its role is to thwart potential lake algae blooms from encroaching upon waterfront areas designated for swimming and beach access. Buoyed and marked with clear signage, the boom serves as a navigational aid. Caution and adherence to guidelines are advised.

Lake Welch Beach State Park:

Lake Welch Beach State Park showcases Lake Welch, a man-made water body with a sprawling half-mile sandy beach ensconced in the wooded hillocks of the Ramapo Mountains. Eclipsing other beaches in Harriman State Park, Lake Welch transformed from a modest water feature surrounded by farmland into its current expansive state following the completion of a dam in 1942. The park delights visitors with refreshing breezes, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking, and proximity to the Beaver Pond Campground. Winter brings ice fishing and snowmobiling opportunities.

Please note that this site maintains a strict no-alcohol policy and does not permit pets.

Lake Welch Permit Details:

• Metal Detecting: $20 per permit (Cash, check, or credit card accepted)
• Vehicle Entrance Fee: $10/car parking fee (cash only) applicable during the Swimming season:
  • 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays
  • 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends/holidays

Lake Welch Bus Permits:

• Commercial: $100
• Non-profit: $60
• On-Site: $150
• Payment options include cash, check, or credit card.

Surface Area: 205 Acres
Max Depth: Approx: 30 Feet
Mean Depth: 17 Feet
Town: Haverstraw, NY

Lake Welch Contour Map (NYS DEC)

Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by Fish HV Contributors