What You'll Find in Rondout Creek

Rondout Creek is Ulster County's longest tributary, running roughly 75 miles from its headwaters in the Catskills down to the Hudson River at Kingston. The lower creek—from Rosendale downstream to the Hudson—holds smallmouth bass, shad, and catfish in a mix of pools and moving water that shifts character with the season. The middle section around High Falls and Rosendale is narrower and faster, better for wading and sight-fishing. The upper creek above Rosendale is smaller still, rocky, and cold enough to hold brook trout in spring and early summer.

Access is scattered but real. Unlike some Hudson tributaries, Rondout has public fishing areas and several spots where you can reach the water without trespassing. The creek's flow depends heavily on releases from Ashokan Reservoir upstream, which means water levels can change quickly and the best fishing windows shift with the dam schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • The lower Rondout from Rosendale to Kingston holds smallmouth bass and shad year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • Public access points include the Rosendale Trestle parking area, the Binnewater Road area near High Falls, and several spots along Route 209 between Rosendale and Kingston.
  • Water levels rise and fall with releases from Ashokan Reservoir, so checking the dam schedule before you fish can mean the difference between wadeable conditions and dangerous flows.
  • Smallmouth respond to tube jigs and crankbaits in spring; shad run in May and June, and again in fall, with small spoons and shad flies working best.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

Spring (April through May) brings shad into the lower creek as they move upriver to spawn. The run is not as heavy as it was decades ago, but fish still move through in waves, especially on warming days after rain. Fish small spoons, shad flies, and tube jigs near current breaks and deeper pools. Smallmouth also wake up in spring and move into shallower water; early morning and dusk are prime times.

Summer slows the action. Water warms and fish move deeper into pools or hold in current. Early morning and evening are your only reliable windows. Catfish bite throughout the night if you want to stay late, and they respond to chicken liver, cut shad, and stink baits fished on the bottom.

Fall (September through November) is when Rondout shines. Shad move downstream again, water cools, and smallmouth feed aggressively. Crankbaits, tube jigs, and live shiners all work. The creek is also less crowded than spring, and water levels are often more stable.

Winter fishing is possible but cold and unpredictable. Some anglers target catfish and larger smallmouth in deep pools, but access can be difficult and water releases from the dam can make wading dangerous without warning.

Public Access Points and Where to Park

The Rosendale Trestle area is the most popular access point. There is a small parking area on the north side of the old railroad trestle (now a pedestrian bridge) just off Route 213. From there you can walk down to the creek and fish both upstream and downstream. This spot is good for wading and gives you access to a long stretch of fishable water.

Binnewater Road near High Falls offers another public access point. Take Binnewater Road south from High Falls and look for a small pull-off near the creek. The water here is narrower and faster, better for sight-fishing and wading with a light rod. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends.

Route 209 between Rosendale and Kingston has several informal pull-offs where you can reach the water. These spots are less developed than the Trestle area but often less crowded. Look for small gravel areas on the shoulder; if there is no obvious parking, do not block private driveways or farm gates.

The Kingston waterfront near the mouth of the creek has some access, but much of it is private or posted. Stick to the public areas unless you have permission.

Understanding Ashokan Reservoir Releases

Ashokan Reservoir sits upstream and supplies water to New York City. The dam releases water on a schedule that changes with the season and rainfall. When the dam opens the spillway, water levels in Rondout Creek can rise quickly, turning a wadeable creek into a dangerous torrent in minutes.

Before you fish, check the Ashokan Reservoir release schedule through the New York City Department of Environmental Protection website. They publish daily and weekly forecasts. If a large release is scheduled, either fish early in the day before the water rises or fish a different day. Many local anglers fish the day after a big release, when levels drop but the creek is still moving and fish are active.

Even without a scheduled release, heavy rain upstream can push water downstream fast. If you are wading and the water starts rising noticeably, get out immediately. The creek can go from knee-deep to chest-deep in an hour.

Tackle and Techniques for Rondout Smallmouth

Smallmouth in Rondout respond to a mix of lures and live bait. Tube jigs in brown, green, and black work year-round in deeper pools and around structure. Cast them upstream and let them drift, working them slowly along the bottom. Crankbaits that mimic shad are effective in spring and fall, especially in moving water. Small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) work well for shad and also attract smallmouth.

Live shiners fished under a bobber or on a light jig head are reliable, especially in spring and early summer. Fish them near current breaks, behind rocks, and in deeper pools. If you are wading, sight-fishing with a small tube jig or crankbait can be productive in clear water, particularly in the High Falls area.

For shad, small spoons and shad flies (white or chartreuse) are standard. Fish them in current, casting upstream and letting them swing through deeper pools. Shad are not always easy to hook, so set the hook hard when you feel a take.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Early morning and dusk are best year-round. Smallmouth feed most actively in low light, and shad move through the creek during these windows. If you can only fish midday, focus on deeper pools and shaded areas. Overcast days are better than bright, sunny ones.

Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends, especially in spring and fall. The Rosendale Trestle area draws the most traffic, so if you want solitude, try Binnewater Road or the Route 209 pull-offs.

Rondout is not a trophy fishery. Smallmouth average 10 to 14 inches, with occasional fish to 16 or 17 inches. Shad are typically 12 to 18 inches. Catfish can run larger, sometimes 20 inches or more. The appeal is the mix of species, the moving water, and the fact that you can fish it year-round without traveling far from Kingston or New Paltz.

Regulations and What You Need

New York State requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a one-day license online through the DEC website or at most tackle shops in Kingston and New Paltz. Rondout Creek is open to fishing year-round, but there are seasonal restrictions on certain species. Smallmouth bass have a minimum size of 12 inches and a daily limit of five fish. Shad have no minimum size but a daily limit of five fish. Catfish have no size or bag limit.

Always check the current New York State fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change. The DEC website has the full details, and most local tackle shops can answer quick questions about what is legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rondout Creek safe to wade?

Wading is generally safe in the lower creek during normal water levels, but the bottom is rocky and uneven. Wear wading boots with good grip and use a wading staff if you are not confident. Always check the dam release schedule before you go, and get out immediately if water levels start rising.

Can I fish Rondout in winter?

Yes, but conditions are harsh. Water is cold, access can be icy, and dam releases can happen without warning. Some anglers fish for catfish and larger smallmouth in deep pools, but most people wait for spring. If you do fish in winter, tell someone where you are going and check the weather and dam schedule first.

Where do I buy a fishing license?

You can buy a one-day or annual license online through the New York State DEC website, or at most tackle shops in Kingston, New Paltz, and surrounding towns. A one-day license is cheaper if you fish only occasionally.

What is the best time of year to fish Rondout?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September through November) are best. Shad run in both seasons, water is cool, and smallmouth feed actively. Summer is slower, and winter is difficult. If you can only fish one season, go in fall when the weather is pleasant and the fishing is consistent.

Do I need a boat to fish Rondout?

No. Most of the productive water is accessible from shore or by wading. A small kayak or canoe can extend your range, but it is not necessary. The creek is narrow enough that wading and shore fishing cover most of the good spots.