What Sturgeon Pool is and where to find it

Sturgeon Pool is a wide, slow section of the Delaware River in Ulster County, roughly two miles south of Port Jervis, New York. The pool forms where the river widens and current slows after passing through a series of rapids upstream. It's a classic holding water for shad during spring migration and a reliable spot for channel catfish and flatheads year-round.

The pool runs from approximately the old railroad trestle area downstream to where the current picks up again. The deepest water sits along the eastern bank, where the main channel cuts through. The western side is shallower and more broken, with scattered rocks and wood that hold smaller fish and provide good cover during low-water periods.

Access is straightforward: take Route 209 south from Port Jervis toward Matamoras, Pennsylvania. A small parking area sits on the New York side near the old bridge pilings. You can also reach the pool by canoe or kayak from the Port Jervis boat launch, which is about a 20-minute paddle downstream.

Key Takeaways

  • Sturgeon Pool holds shad during April and May, and catfish are present from May through October, making it productive across two distinct seasons.
  • The eastern bank's deep channel is where shad rest during their spawning run; the western shallows hold catfish and smaller species year-round.
  • Access by foot is limited to a small parking area, but the pool is easily reached by canoe from Port Jervis or by wading from the bank.
  • Spring water levels can be high and fast; summer and fall offer calmer conditions and better visibility for sight-fishing or reading the water.

Shad fishing in spring

American shad move through Sturgeon Pool during their spawning migration, typically from mid-April through May. The pool's slow current and depth make it a natural resting point. Fish hold in the deeper eastern channel during the day and move into shallower water along the edges at dawn and dusk.

Small shad darts and spoons work best here—white or chartreuse 1/4-ounce darts cast upstream and worked with a slow, steady retrieve. The key is patience: shad in a pool like this are not aggressive feeders, and you may need to make 20 or 30 casts before a take. Early morning and the last hour before dark are most productive. Water temperature matters too; shad bite best when the river is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually means mid-May is better than early April.

Wading is possible along both banks, but the eastern side drops off quickly. If you wade, wear a belt and stay aware of current changes. The pool can rise suddenly if water is being released from upstream dams, so check the USGS Delaware River gauge before you go.

Catfish from late spring through fall

Channel catfish and flatheads move into Sturgeon Pool as water warms in May and stay through October. Channels prefer the slower, deeper sections along the eastern bank; flatheads hunt the rocky shallows and wood on the western side, especially at night.

For channels, use live bluegill or shad as bait, fished on the bottom with a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker. Fish the deep water at dusk and through the night. Flatheads are nocturnal hunters and respond better to live baitfish—shiners or small shad—fished on heavier tackle. A 6/0 or 8/0 circle hook works well for both species and reduces gut-hooking.

Summer water levels are usually lower and clearer than spring, which means catfish move deeper during the day. Night fishing is more productive than day fishing during June, July, and August. By September and October, water cools and catfish become more active during daylight hours, especially in the early morning.

Water levels and seasonal timing

The Delaware River is dam-controlled, and water releases from upstream reservoirs can change the pool's character quickly. Spring runoff (March through May) often brings high, fast water that makes wading difficult and pushes fish into the deepest holes. By late June, water levels usually stabilize at a summer level that is lower and clearer.

Check the USGS Delaware River at Port Jervis gauge before you fish. Flows above 3,000 cubic feet per second make wading unsafe and reduce fishing success. Flows between 1,500 and 2,500 are typical summer conditions and are ideal for both sight-fishing and bottom-fishing. Below 1,000 cfs, the pool becomes very slow and shallow, concentrating fish but also making them spooky.

Fall (September through November) brings cooler water and lower flows. Catfish bite well in October, and shad make a smaller fall spawning run in October and November, though it is less reliable than the spring run.

Tackle and technique for the pool's conditions

Sturgeon Pool's slow current and moderate depth call for lighter tackle than you might use in faster sections of the Delaware. For shad, a 6-foot medium-light spinning rod with 8-pound braid works well. For catfish, step up to a 7-foot medium rod and 12- to 15-pound braid or monofilament, depending on whether you expect flatheads.

The pool's bottom is a mix of sand, gravel, and scattered rock. Snags are not common, but wood and old pilings exist near the access point and along the eastern bank. Use a basic three-way rig for catfish to keep your bait on the bottom without constant snagging. For shad, cast-and-retrieve with small darts or spoons is more effective than bottom-fishing.

Polarized sunglasses help you read the water and spot shad in the shallows during clear conditions. The eastern bank's deep channel is often darker and harder to see into, so focus on the edges where depth transitions occur.

Regulations and what to know before you go

New York and Pennsylvania share the Delaware River, and regulations differ slightly between states. If you fish from the New York bank at Sturgeon Pool, you need a New York fishing license. If you fish from a boat in the main channel, you may need both licenses depending on which state's waters you are in; the safest approach is to carry both.

Shad have a minimum size of 12 inches in New York. Catfish have no size limit. Check the current New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations for any seasonal closures or catch limits, as these can change year to year.

The parking area is small and informal. There are no facilities, so plan accordingly. The area is open to the public, but respect private property on both banks and do not trespass beyond the immediate access point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Sturgeon Pool in winter?

Yes, but conditions are harsh. Water temperature drops below 40 degrees, and catfish become sluggish and move to the deepest holes. Shad do not migrate in winter. Ice can form along the banks, making wading dangerous. Most anglers skip this pool in winter and fish faster, more oxygenated sections upstream.

Is the pool good for smallmouth bass?

Sturgeon Pool holds smallmouth, but it is not a primary bass destination. The slow current and soft bottom favor catfish and shad. Bass are more abundant in the faster, rockier sections upstream and downstream. If you want to target bass, the rapids and pocket water near Port Jervis are more productive.

What time of day is best for shad?

Dawn and dusk are most productive, roughly the first and last hour of daylight. Shad are less active during midday, especially in clear water. Overcast days can extend the bite into midday. Night fishing for shad is not common and usually not worth the effort.

Do I need a boat to fish Sturgeon Pool?

No. You can wade from both banks and reach most of the pool's productive water on foot. A canoe or kayak gives you access to the center channel and lets you cover more water, but it is not necessary. The small parking area and bank access are sufficient for most anglers.

What should I do if water levels are very high?

High water (above 3,000 cfs) concentrates fish in the deepest holes and makes wading unsafe. If you fish during high water, stay on the bank and use heavier tackle and larger baits to reach the deep channel. Consider waiting for levels to drop; the pool fishes better when flows are moderate and stable.