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 that productive because of its stained water clarity but the Wallkill offers excellent opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, walleye 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.
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 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, walleye, carp.
Fishing:
Walleye were first stocked in the Wallkill in 1993. The stocking program has been a success and in the fall of 2008 natural reproduction was documented for the first time. Anglers have the most success fishing for the walleyes using suspending jerkbaits and bright colored jigs bounced on the bottom.
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 were the carp tend to congregate. Popular baits include canned corn and dough-balls.
