Located in the Catskill Mountains “Lake Region” and Delaware Wild Forest, Big Pond has a lot to offer the paddler, fisherman, hiker, and camper. This 51-acre sheet of water is primarily deep water providing the coldness needed for trout and other cold-water fish. However, several shallow areas provide a home to some of the lake’s warm water species with rooted aquatic vegetation limited to the shoreline. In addition, there is a lovely marsh at the northern end of the pond.
With many primitive campsites in the area, some right on the pond, both the hiker hiking the Touch-Me-Not Trail and the paddler can find space to put in for the night and enjoy the water. Big Pond is home to many fish, including American Eel, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Chain Pickerel, Golden Shiner, White Sucker, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. You can find specific fishing regulations for Big Pond at the NYSDEC website in its Freshwater Fishing Regulation Guide.
Even though the pond is remote, it receives a good amount of fishing pressure, so don’t be disappointed with a tough day fishing. But enjoying the surroundings will make up for any shortfalls of fish in your cooler. In fact, northeast of the lake boasts excellent views of the Barkaboom Range and to the west Touch-Me-Not Mountain. However, beware that any direction you take Big Pond takes you through some of Catskill’s most remote areas. Given this, cell service is poor.
Note: the path to the hand launch is rocky and rooted with a small but steep drop, be prepared to carry your boat to the shore. Electric motors are permitted.
Lake parking
DEC cartop launch at the southwest end of the lake off Big Pond Road (Barkaboom Road). It is about 200-300 feet to the launch from the parking area.
Parking: 42.043430°N, 74.727657°W (Google Maps)
Images
Related post: Alder Lake Loop in the Catskills. Fishing Brook Trout.
DEC contact and other information
| Delaware Wild Forest | |
|---|---|
| Contact Information: | DEC Region 4 Stamford Office hours: M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM Phone: (607) 652-7365; Email: r4.ump@dec.ny.gov Backcountry Emergency: (Search, Rescue & Forest Fire): 518-408-5850 or dial 911 |
| Location: | Towns of Colchester and Andes, Delaware County |
| Map: | View Delaware Wild Forest Map - PDF (2.82 MB) |
| Amenities: | Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as gas, food, and other supplies, may be found in the communities of Andes, Walton, Downsville, and Margaretville. |
Weather for Big Pond
Get the local weather for Big Pond
Map of Big Pond
Get the depth chart for Big Pond here (PDF) or an interactive topo map here.
Backwoods wanderer with a passion for backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and exploring the wilds of the Catskills and Adirondacks in New York. A Catskill 3500 Club Member and Adirondack Forty-Sixer. Climbed Mount Rainier. Professionally an Exercise Physiologist.
