VanCortlandtLakeDerby2015

Meeting at Lake between 6:00 & 6:30 P.M. Bring light action rod (5 to 6 1/2 foot) & light action reel; 4 to 8 lb. test line is advised. If you do not have fishing gear, please let AnglerBob Rico know. Last season, fish were taking both worms and lures. This is our first visit to the lake this season, so we'll do our best to figure out what they're feeding on.

UPDATE: On Saturday, May 22, 2004 Anglers Zack & Greg visited Van Cortlandt lake to scout the fishing situation. They fished from 12:Noon to 2:00 P.M. Angler Zack caught 4 Nice Sunfish along with two feisty Yellow Perch. Angler Greg caught 4 Sunfish and a 1 & 1/2 pound Large Mouth Bass. A total of 11 fish were caught on fresh worms that the two fishermen dug up just 15 feet from their fishing spot.

Over the past several years, we have made several visits to Van Cortlandt (Park) Lake. Ten years ago, I saw a man walk right across the lake, with the water never going above his knees. As far as I could tell, the lake was all but dead. I saw neither fish life, nor signs of it. On my visit there in the early spring of 2002, I saw huge tire tread marks along the shores of the lake. In effort to save it, the lake had been dredged to a depth in the middle of 12 feet. This has resurrected life in the lake, and successfully brought fish populations back.

Last fishing season Anglers Bob, Zack & Greg had several great fishing outings at Van Cortlandt Lake. The work done by the city has brought aqua-life back to the lake. Some of the fish species taken (and released) last season are as follows:

1) Catfish (1 fish at 3 Lbs.) What a fight!

2) Yellow Perch (Several average sized (app. 1/4 lb.)

3) Sunfish (Several average sizes)

4) Crappie (Several average sizes)

5) Bass - Large Mouth (Several 1 to 2 Lbs.; and one 3 Lb.) What a delightful surprise.

6) Bass - Small Mouth (Several average sizes)

We also saw several large Carp, and witnessed large fish jumping above the surface pursuing flies; I am not sure which species of fish these were. I hope they were Trout, but I am not certain.

Adults (Over 16) who wish to fish must have a valid NYS Fishing license. The annual fee for NYS resident is $29.00. I purchased my NYS Fishing Licenses at : FRANKS SPORT SHOP; 430 E TREMONT AVE.; BRONX, NY 10457; (718) 299-9628. Please call Frank's before going, to verify that the license issuer is available on that day.

According to Department of Conservation regulations for New York City, fisherman in Van Cortlandt Lake must practice “Catch & Release.” Hopefully, this will keep fish populations at levels that can be enjoyed by all.

View NYS DEC General State-Wide Fishing Regulations

Directions: Take Mosholu Parkway West. Pass Under Jerome Avenue, DeWitt Clinton High School is on Left.

Make Left Turn at Traffic Light Immediately Past DeWitt Clinton High School.

You are Temporarily on Sedgewick Avenue.

Stay in Right Lane & Bear Right (Van Cortlandt Avenue) All the Way Down to Bottom of Hill.

Make Right at Entrance to Major Deegan Expressway (87 North), Then Immediately Bear Left Under Highway Toward Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course. DO NOT Bear Right Onto Highway.