What You'll Find on Rondout Creek

Rondout Creek is a 65-mile tributary of the Hudson River that flows through Ulster County, offering smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and carp in its lower and middle sections. The creek runs from the Catskill Mountains down to the Hudson at Kingston, passing through a mix of public access points, private land, and state-managed areas. The lower creek near Kingston holds the most consistent fishing pressure and the most diverse species mix, while the middle sections around Accord and Napanoch offer quieter water and better chances at larger smallmouth bass.

The creek's character changes significantly along its length. Near the mouth, it widens and slows, creating deeper pools where catfish and carp hold year-round. Upstream, the current picks up, the water clears, and rocky structure becomes more prominent — this is where smallmouth bass thrive. Water levels and clarity vary with rainfall and dam releases from upstream impoundments, so conditions can shift rapidly between visits.

Key Takeaways

  • The lower creek near Kingston offers the most public access and the widest range of species, including smallmouth bass, catfish, and carp.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for smallmouth bass; summer can be slow due to warm water and low flows.
  • Most public access is limited to a few parking areas and boat launches; much of the creek runs through private property.
  • New York State fishing regulations apply, including a 12-inch minimum for smallmouth bass and a daily limit of five fish.
  • Water levels and clarity depend on dam releases and rainfall, so checking conditions before you go can save a wasted trip.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) brings rising water levels and cooler temperatures that activate smallmouth bass. The creek can be high and turbid after snowmelt or heavy rain, but once it clears — usually by mid-May — fishing improves rapidly. Spawn-related feeding makes bass aggressive during this window. Catfish also begin moving into shallower water as temperatures climb.

Summer (June through August) can be slow on Rondout Creek. Water temperatures often exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and low flows during dry spells concentrate fish in deeper pools and near current breaks. Early morning and evening sessions are more productive than midday. Catfish remain active throughout the night, making them a better target than bass during peak heat.

Fall (September through October) is excellent for smallmouth bass. Water cools, oxygen levels improve, and bass feed heavily before winter. Clarity is usually good, and flows are moderate. This is the most reliable season for consistent action on the middle creek sections.

Winter (November through March) slows fishing significantly. Bass move to deeper pools and hold tight to structure. Catfish remain catchable but require patience and longer sessions. Ice can form in shallow areas, limiting access in some years.

Species and Techniques

Smallmouth bass are the primary target on Rondout Creek. They inhabit rocky areas, current breaks, and deeper pools throughout the creek. In spring and fall, use 3- to 4-inch crankbaits, soft plastics, and small jigs around structure. Summer requires deeper presentations — drop-shot rigs and tube jigs in pools 8 to 15 feet deep. The state minimum is 12 inches, and the daily limit is five fish.

Largemouth bass are less common than smallmouth but present in slower, weedier sections near the mouth and in backwater areas. They respond to topwater lures early and late in the day, and to soft plastics around vegetation during midday.

Channel catfish are abundant in the lower creek and provide reliable action year-round. Fish with chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial catfish bait on the bottom in deeper holes, especially at dusk and after dark. No minimum size applies; the daily limit is 25 fish.

Carp are present but underutilized. The lower creek holds common carp and occasional grass carp. Corn, dough balls, and specialized carp baits work in slower pools. Sight-fishing is possible in clear, shallow water during spring and fall.

Public Access and Launch Points

Public access to Rondout Creek is limited and scattered. The most reliable entry point is the Rondout Creek Boat Launch at Kingston, located off Broadway near the creek's mouth. This is a concrete ramp maintained by the City of Kingston, with parking for several vehicles. It provides access to the lower creek and the Hudson confluence, where larger boats can navigate.

The Accord Parking Area, near the hamlet of Accord in the middle creek section, offers informal access and parking for a few cars. This area provides foot access to quieter water and is popular with wading anglers targeting smallmouth bass. No facilities are present.

The Napanoch area has limited public parking but offers access to productive middle-creek sections. Check locally for current conditions and permission, as some traditional access points have become restricted.

Much of Rondout Creek runs through private property. Always ask permission before crossing land to reach the water. Trespassing is common and creates conflict with landowners; respecting property lines keeps access open for everyone.

Regulations and Licensing

New York State fishing regulations apply to Rondout Creek. You need a valid New York State fishing license to fish anywhere on the creek. Licenses are available online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, by phone, or at authorized retailers. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you fish infrequently.

Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily limit. Largemouth bass follow the same rules. Channel catfish have no minimum size and a 25-fish daily limit. Carp have no size or bag limit. Possession limits apply — you cannot keep more than the daily limit, and you cannot possess fish from multiple days.

The creek is open to fishing year-round, but some sections may have seasonal closures or special regulations. Check the current DEC fishing guide before you go, as rules can change. The DEC website lists any special orders or temporary restrictions by region.

Water Conditions and Planning Your Trip

Rondout Creek's water level and clarity depend on rainfall and releases from upstream dams, particularly the Ashokan Reservoir. After heavy rain, the creek rises and turns brown, making fishing difficult for several days. During dry spells, flows drop and water warms, concentrating fish but also making them more selective.

Check the USGS stream gauge for Rondout Creek near Rosendale before you fish. This real-time data shows current flow and recent trends. Flows between 500 and 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) are generally fishable; above 2,000 cfs, the creek is high and turbid; below 300 cfs, water is low and warm.

Local tackle shops in Kingston and Accord can provide current conditions and recent catch reports. These shops also sell licenses, bait, and lures specific to the creek. Building a relationship with a local shop is one of the fastest ways to learn productive techniques and access points.

Gear and Tackle Recommendations

For smallmouth bass, a 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line works well for most presentations. Pair it with a 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility in clear water. Crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs, and drop-shot rigs are all effective depending on season and water depth.

For catfish, a heavier setup is better — a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound monofilament line and a basic three-way rig or slip sinker rig. Catfish do not require finesse, but they do require patience and the ability to hold bottom in current.

Wading is possible in many sections, especially during lower water. Felt-soled wading boots provide better grip on slippery rocks than rubber soles. A wading belt and personal flotation device are smart precautions, particularly in deeper pools or faster current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Rondout Creek with a kayak or canoe?

Yes, but only in the lower creek near Kingston where the water is wide and slow enough to paddle safely. The middle and upper sections have current, rocks, and fallen trees that make paddling difficult and dangerous. Launch at the Kingston boat ramp and stay below the first set of rapids. Always wear a personal flotation device.

What is the best time of day to fish Rondout Creek?

Early morning and late evening are most productive for smallmouth bass, especially in summer when water warms. Catfish bite throughout the night and are often more active after dark. Overcast days are better than bright, sunny days for bass fishing.

Do I need a boat to fish Rondout Creek?

No. Much of the creek is accessible by wading or walking the banks, particularly in the middle sections around Accord and Napanoch. The lower creek near Kingston is best fished from a boat, but the upper sections reward foot access and wading.

Are there any fish species I should avoid?

No species are off-limits, but invasive species like round gobies and Asian carp have been documented in the Hudson River system. If you catch an unusual fish or one you cannot identify, report it to the DEC. Do not release it back into the water.

What should I do if the creek is too high or too muddy to fish?

Wait two to three days after heavy rain for the water to clear. Check the USGS gauge to track the decline in flow. If you must fish during high water, focus on slower backwater areas and use darker-colored lures that are easier for fish to see in turbid water.