The Wallkill River is a slow flowing river that offers some great fishing opportunities. This river is unique because it flows south to north. At first glance this river may not look productive because of its stained water clarity, but the Wallkill offers opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, catfish, and carp.
Access
Hand launch. Springtown Rd. (County Route 7), Town of Rosendale, 4 1/2 miles north of New Paltz. Parking for 15 cars. Electric motors only. Floating dock and pathway to dock for launching.
Hand launch. Ulster County Fairgrounds. Off Rte 299 1 mile west of New Paltz, south on Libertyville Road (County Rte 7) 2 miles. Located on south side of fairgrounds. Parking for 3 cars. Electric motors only.
Hand launch. Village of New Paltz, Town of New Paltz. Off of Rte 299 on Plains Road. Parking for 5 cars. Electric motors only.
For more information on these launches including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Ulster County page.
Fish Species
Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, walleye, carp, catfish.
Fishing
The smallmouth bass fishery in the Wallkill provides great angling opportunities fishing from the boat or from shore. The average size smallmouth range from 10-14" but catching a fish over 15" is a possibility. In the spring and fall when the smallmouth are most active try using spinnerbaits and topwater plugs to catch aggressive smallies. In the summer time the water temperatures get high and the smallmouth tend to be less aggressive, try using tube jigs bounced on the bottom to get a strike.
Catching carp up to 15 pounds is not uncommon. Try locating deep holes where the carp tend to congregate. Popular baits include canned corn and dough-balls.
