What You'll Find at Chodikee Lake

Chodikee Lake is a modest impoundment in the Catskill foothills near Ellenville, Ulster County, holding a solid population of largemouth and smallmouth bass in water that rarely exceeds 40 feet deep. The lake sits at roughly 1,200 feet elevation and covers around 60 acres, making it intimate enough that you can read the shoreline structure from the water but large enough to hold fish in multiple zones depending on season and time of day. It's a working reservoir — the water level fluctuates — so expect the banks to shift and plan your access accordingly.

The lake draws local anglers because it's close to the Hudson Valley population centers and because the bass fishing is consistent rather than spectacular. You won't find trophy fish here regularly, but you will find plenty of 12- to 16-inch smallmouth and largemouth that will take a topwater or a soft plastic in the right conditions. The water is relatively clear, which means sight-fishing is possible in spring and fall, and the rocky shoreline and shallow flats near the inlet give you predictable structure to work.

Key Takeaways

  • Chodikee Lake holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass in a 60-acre impoundment near Ellenville, with fish typically ranging 12 to 16 inches.
  • Access is from the parking area on Route 209 north of Ellenville, and water level fluctuates seasonally, so scout the shoreline before launching.
  • Spring and fall offer the most consistent topwater and sight-fishing opportunities when water clarity is highest.
  • Summer bass move to deeper water and structure; focus on the rocky points and the inlet area where cooler water enters.
  • A small boat or kayak is ideal; the lake is shallow enough that wading is possible in low-water periods along the eastern shore.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Throw

Spring (April through May) is when Chodikee produces its most reliable topwater bite. As water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, largemouth move into the shallows to spawn, and smallmouth begin feeding aggressively on the rocky flats. Work the northern end of the lake where the inlet creek enters — that's where water temperature rises fastest. Throw poppers, pencil baits, and small crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range. Early morning and late afternoon are critical; midday the fish retreat to slightly deeper water or shade.

Summer (June through August) is tougher. The lake warms quickly at this elevation, and bass move to the deepest holes and the shadiest structure. Focus on the rocky points on the western shore and any submerged timber you can locate. Soft plastics — 4-inch worms and creature baits rigged Texas-style — work better than topwater. Fish dawn and dusk; midday is nearly dead. If you have a depth finder, look for the 25- to 35-foot zone where smallmouth often suspend.

Fall (September through October) brings a second strong bite as water cools and bass move back to the shallows to feed before winter. This is when sight-fishing works best; the water clarity improves and you can spot fish cruising the flats. Throw the same topwater and small crankbaits you used in spring. The bite lasts longer into the day than it does in summer.

Winter (November through March) is slow. The lake ices over, and open-water fishing is limited to brief warm spells. If you fish it, focus on the deepest holes and fish slowly — a jigging spoon or a small tube jig worked vertically near the inlet.

How to Get There and Where to Launch

Chodikee Lake is accessed from Route 209 north of Ellenville. There is a small parking area and boat launch on the north side of the lake; look for the sign on Route 209 just past the intersection with Cragsmoor Road. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp, adequate for small boats and kayaks but tight if multiple trailers arrive at once. Parking is limited — maybe a dozen spaces — so arrive early on weekends.

If the launch is full or if you prefer to wade, the eastern shore has a public right-of-way along the water. Access is from a small pull-off on Route 209 south of the main launch. The bottom is rocky and uneven, so wear wading boots and move slowly. Water level varies significantly; in dry years the shoreline recedes 20 or 30 feet, exposing mud and creating a different fishing picture than in wet years.

There is no rental facility at the lake, so bring your own boat or kayak. A kayak is actually ideal here — it's quiet, draws minimal water, and lets you reach the shallow flats and inlet creek where the best early-season fishing happens. Parking for kayak anglers is the same as for boat anglers.

Regulations and What You Need

New York State fishing regulations apply. You need a valid New York fishing license, which you can purchase online through the DEC website or at any sporting goods store. Bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a 5-fish daily limit in Ulster County. Largemouth and smallmouth count toward the same limit, so if you catch five smallmouth, you're done for the day.

The lake is open to fishing year-round, but ice-out typically occurs in late March or early April. Check the DEC website or call ahead if you're planning a winter trip — some years the lake remains iced longer than others. There are no special restrictions on tackle or technique; live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing are all permitted.

What to Expect and When to Go

Chodikee is not a destination lake — it's a local spot that rewards anglers who fish it regularly and learn its moods. The fishing is steady but rarely explosive. You're more likely to catch 8 to 12 fish in a morning than to land a 4-pounder, though 3-pound smallmouth and 4-pound largemouth do live here. The water is relatively clean and the shoreline is undeveloped, which keeps the fishery healthy.

Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter than weekends. If you can fish Tuesday through Thursday, you'll have the lake nearly to yourself. Summer weekends draw swimmers and recreational boaters, which pushes the bass deeper and makes the fishing harder. Spring and fall weekends are busy but productive — the trade-off is worth it if you're willing to share the water.

Bring a small cooler, sunscreen, and a hat. The elevation means the sun is intense even when the air feels cool. The wind can pick up in the afternoon, especially in fall, so plan your fishing for morning if you're in a small boat or kayak.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Chodikee is crowded or if you want to explore nearby, Mohonk Lake (a private membership lake) is close but not open to the public. Rondout Reservoir, about 15 minutes north near Lackawack, is larger and holds walleye and bass; it's open to the public and worth a day trip if you want more water and potentially bigger fish. Ashokan Reservoir, further north toward Kingston, is a major impoundment with striped bass, largemouth, and smallmouth, though it requires more planning and a larger boat.

For a different experience, the Wallkill River — which flows through the valley south of Ellenville — holds smallmouth and shad and offers wading and kayak fishing. The river is more technical than the lake but often less crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Chodikee Lake year-round?

Yes, but the lake ices over in winter, usually from December through March. Open-water fishing is possible during warm spells, but most anglers focus on spring through fall. Check local conditions before planning a winter trip.

Do I need a boat to fish Chodikee?

No. You can wade the eastern shore or fish from the bank near the launch. A kayak or small boat lets you reach more water and the inlet creek, where early-season fish concentrate, but it's not required.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most productive. Water is clear, bass are in the shallows, and topwater fishing works well. Summer is slower because fish move deep; winter is difficult because of ice.

Are there largemouth and smallmouth both in this lake?

Yes. Largemouth dominate the shallow, weedy areas and the inlet creek. Smallmouth prefer the rocky points and deeper structure. Both species are present year-round, but their location shifts with season and water temperature.

What if the parking lot is full?

Park along Route 209 outside the lot if it's safe to do so, or return later. Weekday mornings rarely fill the lot. If you're planning a weekend trip, arrive before 7 a.m. to secure a spot.