Fishing Report for New Croton Reservoir - 2025-04-05

1. Current Conditions Overview

• Water Temperature: 41°F, which is cool but above freezing, influencing fish behavior as they seek thermal refuge and food in slightly warmer areas.
• Ice Thickness: 0-1 inches, indicating open water with minimal ice cover, allowing fish to move freely.
• Weather: Drizzle with a high of 54.6°F and a low of 44.6°F, wind from the southeast at 18.8 mph, and 96% chance of rain. These conditions will affect water clarity and fish activity, with possible stained or muddy waters near inlets.
• Fish Behavior: Fish are likely to be in areas with structure or thermal gradients, seeking food in low-light conditions due to cloud cover.

2. Top Fishing Hotspots (Weighted Predictions)

1. Northern Bay near the Creek Inlet

• Location: North shore, near the creek inlet.
• Clarity: Stained due to creek runoff.
• Thermal: Slightly warmer from groundwater.
• Structure: Creek mouth with submerged vegetation.
• Species: Trout, pickerel.
• Score: 9/10. High potential due to thermal input and structure.

2. Rocky Shore on the East Side

• Location: East shore, near rocky outcrops.
• Clarity: Clear to stained.
• Thermal: Cooler, 40-42°F.
• Structure: Rocky reefs.
• Species: Bass, pickerel.
• Score: 8.5/10. Good structure for ambush predators.

3. Southern Cove near Submerged Hump

• Location: Southern cove, near submerged hump.
• Clarity: Stained.
• Thermal: 41-43°F.
• Structure: Submerged hump, drop-offs.
• Species: Bass, panfish.
• Score: 8/10. Attracts feeding fish.

4. Western Shore with Sunken Logs

• Location: Western shore, sunken logs area.
• Clarity: Muddy near shore, clearer away.
• Thermal: 41-42°F.
• Structure: Sunken logs, brush piles.
• Species: Bass, crappie.
• Score: 7.5/10. Sheltered spots despite mud.

5. Mid-Lake near Deep Drop-Off

• Location: Central area, deep drop-off.
• Clarity: Clear.
• Thermal: 40-41°F.
• Structure: Deep contour changes.
• Species: Trout, perch.
• Score: 7/10. Deeper species habitat.

6. South Shore near Weed Bed

• Location: South shore, weed bed.
• Clarity: Stained.
• Thermal: 41-42°F.
• Structure: Aquatic vegetation.
• Species: Panfish, bass.
• Score: 6.5/10. Productive but challenging.

7. Northwest Shore near Inlet

• Location: Northwest shore, inlet area.
• Clarity: Muddy.
• Thermal: 41-42°F.
• Structure: Inlet with rocks.
• Species: Pickerel, trout.
• Score: 6/10. Less clarity but good structure.

3. Water Clarity Analysis

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• Northern Bay: Stained from creek runoff.
• Mid-Lake: Clearer water.
• Western Shore: Muddy near sunken logs.
• Southern Cove: Stained from inflows.
• Northwest Shore: Muddy near inlet.

4. Thermal Gradient Analysis

• Northern Bay: 42-43°F, warmer from creek.
• Rocky East Shore: 40-42°F, cooler.
• Southern Cove: 41-43°F, moderate.
• Western Shore: 41-42°F, stable.
• Mid-Lake: 40-41°F, cooler.
• South Shore: 41-42°F, moderate.

5. Top Species to Target

1. Chain Pickerel: Active in cooler, stained waters.
2. Brown/Rainbow Trout: In deeper, cooler areas.
3. Largemouth Bass: Near structures in stained areas.
4. Bluegill/Black Crappie: In warmer, vegetated zones.

6. Weather Impact Analysis

• Today: Rain and wind reduce clarity, but fish remain active in structured areas.
• Week Outlook: Varying conditions; adapt to clarity changes.

7. Time-of-Day Strategy

• Morning: Target deeper structures before rain.
• Afternoon: Focus on inlets and structures during Solunar peaks.
• Evening: Fish shallower areas as water cools.

8. NY Regulations for New Croton Reservoir

• Catch Limits: Check NY DEC for specific limits.
• Gear Restrictions: Follow state guidelines.

9. Reasoning Appendix

• Weighting: Thermal (high), Clarity (high), Structure (medium-high), Weather (medium).
• Thermal Gradients: Influenced by inflows and depth.
• Clarity Variations: Affected by weather and inflows.
• Structures: Key for ambush predators.
• Weather: Impacts clarity and fish activity.

This report integrates all data to provide actionable fishing strategies for New Croton Reservoir today.