Fishing at Lake Taghkanic

Lake Taghkanic is a 156-acre, 42-foot-deep lake known for largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel and panfish. The state Department of Environmental Conservation reports largemouth bass over 20 inches and chain pickerel over 25 inches. You can fish from shore or from a boat during park hours, 8 a.m. to sunset, and everyone 16 or older needs a New York State freshwater fishing licence. Ice fishing is allowed only when the park says the ice is safe.

What You Can Catch

NYSDEC lists these species in Lake Taghkanic: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, redbreast sunfish, yellow perch, white perch, brown bullhead and American eel, plus alewife, golden shiner and other small forage fish. DEC says the lake holds a decent panfish population as well as its big bass and pickerel.

The Water

State Parks gives the lake as 156 acres with a maximum depth of 42 feet. NYSDEC adds an average depth of 19 feet, a length of 1.5 miles and 3.7 miles of shoreline, with moderate rooted weed growth. DEC publishes a contour map of the lake, linked from its Lake Taghkanic page, which shows where the deep water is.

Licences and Regulations

• Licence: everyone 16 or older needs a valid New York State freshwater fishing licence, sold by NYSDEC online and at licence agents.
• Special rules: DEC says Region 4 special fishing regulations apply to Lake Taghkanic. Read them on the DEC website before you keep fish, since size and season limits can differ from statewide rules.
• Hours: fishing is allowed during park hours.

From Shore

Fishing is allowed during park hours from the shore as well as from boats. Keep clear of the swimming area at the West Beach when lifeguards are on duty, and of the beach itself, where pets are not allowed.

From a Boat

A boat reaches the deeper water. Rent a rowboat, kayak or canoe at the boat house, or launch your own with a park permit ($10 a week, $30 a season). The lake is electric motors only. See boating for launches.

Ice Fishing

State Parks lists ice fishing as an amenity, and NYSDEC says it is permitted when the park deems conditions safe. The park asks visitors to call the office at (518) 851-3631 to check ice thickness before going out. Do not walk onto the ice unless the park says it is open. See winter at Lake Taghkanic.

Bait and Supplies

The camp store off Parking Lot 1 sells worms for fishing, ice and snacks during the camping season. For tackle, bring your own.

Fly Fishing

State Parks lists fly fishing among the park's amenities.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: bass and pickerel anglers who like a quiet, motor-free lake; families fishing for sunfish from shore; campers. Maybe skip if: you are after trout. DEC does not list trout for Lake Taghkanic; State Parks says the Ore Pit at Taconic State Park in Copake Falls holds rainbow trout.