What You'll Find at Long Pond

Long Pond sits in the town of Greene, just south of the village center, and holds a solid population of largemouth bass and panfish in shallow, weedy water. The pond runs roughly 40 acres and averages 8 to 12 feet deep, with the deepest holes pushing toward 20 feet along the eastern bank. The bottom is mostly muck and silt, which grows aquatic vegetation that largemouths love — you'll see lily pads, pickerel rush, and submerged weed beds throughout the growing season.

This is not a trophy fishery, but it is a reliable one. Bass here run mostly 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish pushing 18 to 20 inches if you work the deeper edges in spring and fall. Bluegill and pumpkinseed are abundant and eager, making Long Pond a solid choice if you want to bring kids or spend an afternoon catching steady action without fighting crowds.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Pond is a 40-acre shallow pond with largemouth bass and panfish, located in Greene just south of the village.
  • The pond's weedy structure and muck bottom hold bass year-round, with best fishing in spring and fall along deeper edges.
  • Public access is available at a small town-maintained launch on the southern shore, with limited parking for 4 to 6 vehicles.
  • Panfish bite consistently throughout the season, especially in early summer when bluegill move into shallow weed beds to spawn.
  • New York State fishing license is required; no special permit is needed for Long Pond.

Access and Launch Details

The public launch sits on the southern shore, accessible from Route 12 by turning onto Pond Road and following signs to the town access area. The ramp is a single-lane concrete pad, adequate for small boats and canoes but tight for anything larger than 18 feet. Parking is limited to roughly 4 to 6 spaces, and the lot fills quickly on warm weekends — arrive early or plan a weekday trip if you want a may provide spot.

The launch area has no facilities beyond the ramp itself — no restrooms, no dock, no bait shop. Bring what you need. The shoreline around the launch is mostly open, which makes it a good place to start if you are new to the pond and want to get a feel for the water before committing to a longer trip.

Spring Fishing — Bass Transition and Panfish Spawning

March through May is when Long Pond comes alive. Largemouths move from deeper winter holes into the shallows to feed and spawn, and they are aggressive. Work the weed edges with crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits — the transition zone between open water and thick vegetation is where most of your strikes will come. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but overcast days can hold fish active all day.

Bluegill and pumpkinseed begin spawning in May, and they move into water 2 to 4 feet deep around the lily pads and shallow weed beds. A simple panfish setup — light spinning rod, small jigs or live crickets — will produce steady action. The spawning bite is often the best panfish fishing of the year, though it does not last long.

Summer — Deeper Water and Early Morning Bites

By mid-June, the pond stratifies and largemouths move deeper to find cooler water. The deeper eastern bank becomes your best bet, especially the drop-off that runs from roughly 12 to 20 feet. Fish early and late; midday fishing is slow. Soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom, or live shiners drifted near structure, will catch fish when the sun is high.

Panfish remain active in the shallows early and late, but the bite slows during peak heat. If you are targeting bluegill in summer, focus on dawn and dusk, and fish the thickest weed cover you can find — the shade keeps them active longer than fish in open water.

Fall — Second Peak and Preparation for Winter

September and October bring a second strong bite as water cools and largemouths move back into the shallows to feed heavily before winter. The same weed edges that held fish in spring are productive again. Crankbaits and topwater lures work well in September; as water cools further into October, switch to slower presentations like soft plastics and jigs.

Panfish also feed aggressively in fall, and the action can rival spring. The water is clearer than it was in summer, and fish are less spooky — you can often sight-fish for bluegill in shallow weed beds if you move quietly and keep your shadow off the water.

Winter and Late Fall — Limited but Possible

Long Pond does not freeze solid every year, but when it does, ice fishing is possible. Check local conditions before heading out — ice thickness varies year to year, and the pond's shallow depth means it can thaw quickly during warm spells. If ice is safe, jigging for bluegill in 8 to 12 feet of water near the center of the pond can produce steady action.

Open-water fishing in November and December is slow but not impossible. Bass move to the deepest holes and become less active, but patient anglers working the 18 to 20-foot zone with live shiners or large soft plastics can still connect. Most people do not bother; spring and fall are worth the wait.

Tackle and Technique Notes

For largemouths, a medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod with 8 to 12-pound line handles the pond well. Crankbaits in the 2 to 4-inch range, soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and spinnerbaits all work. Live shiners are effective if you can get them, especially in spring and fall. Work the weed edges deliberately — cast parallel to the weeds rather than into the thickest cover, where you will lose gear.

Panfish respond to small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce), live crickets, waxworms, and small spinners. A light spinning rod and 4 to 6-pound line is all you need. Bluegill and pumpkinseed are not leader-shy, so tie direct to your line and keep things simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New York State fishing license to fish Long Pond?

Yes. New York requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website, at most sporting goods stores, or at town offices in Greene. A one-day license is available if you want to try the pond before committing to a full-year license.

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Long Pond?

Yes. The town launch accommodates kayaks and canoes easily. There is no launch fee. Carry your boat to the ramp and launch from there — the area is designed for small watercraft. The pond is shallow enough that you can paddle the entire perimeter in an afternoon.

What is the best time of year to fish Long Pond?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most productive for both bass and panfish. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and the weed beds are established but not so thick that fishing becomes difficult. Summer is possible but slower; winter is for dedicated ice anglers only.

Are there any restrictions on boat size or motor type?

Long Pond is a small pond with no posted restrictions on boat size, but the shallow launch and limited parking suggest it is designed for small boats and canoes. Electric motors are common; check current New York State regulations for any restrictions on gas motors on small ponds, as rules can vary by water body.

Can I fish Long Pond at night?

New York allows night fishing on most public waters, including Long Pond. Largemouths often feed at night in summer when daytime temperatures are high. Bring a headlamp, fish slowly, and stay aware of the shallow bottom — running at speed in the dark is dangerous on a 40-acre pond.