In 2004, Rondout received nearly 7,000 lake trout as part of its allocation. Those lakers were only 6.5 inches at the time, so they should be reaching a nice size for this summer's fishing. Studies by the DEC have found juvenile lake trout here, meaning that some natural reproduction is going on.

If you're looking for steep contours, work the lower third of the lake from Trout Creek to the southeast. The lake has two substantial arms in its upper reaches. But for brown trout fishing, concentrate along the southern shore. Through the upper half of the lake, the gradient is much steeper on the southern side and not as steep on the northern side.

For Rondout Reservoir's lake trout, another area to work during the summer lies toward the dam on the south shore. The bulging shoreline in this zone has a substantial gradient, which quickly drops to 60 feet.

New York City reservoir regulations apply for the lake trout species. For these fish, the minimum size is 18 inches, with a creel limit of three a day. For other trout, the minimum size is 12 inches, also with a creel limit of three fish.

Rondout Reservoir lies six miles northwest of the village of Ellenville in Warwarsing and Neversink townships. The top of the reservoir is close to Grahamsville. Route 55 runs along the northern shore, while Route 55A parallels the northern shore.

For information on boating regulations, or to schedule an appointment to process a new boat, contact the Watershed Protection Office in Grahamsville at (845) 985-0386. This same office will also process permits for Neversink Reservoir.

At 65 miles, it's a little haul from New York City, but Rondout Reservoir is worth it.

CANADA LAKE
Albany-area anglers should consider a drive northeast along the Thruway to fish beautiful Canada Lake in the south-central Adirondacks. In addition to the sights, DEC rates Fulton County's Canada Lake as one of the top four brown trout lakes in Region 5.

Canada Lake isn't large, covering only 525 acres -- and for that reason, a favored way to fishing it is by canoe. To access the better parts of this jewel, come in from West Lake and the launch located there.

Canada Lake is shaped like a horizontal check mark and is deep, with a maximum depth of over 140 feet and a mean depth of 70 feet. At the northern and southern curves of the mark, the water drops from 20 to 80 feet within a short distance. The shallower parts of Canada Lake lie at either end.

The DEC stocks Canada Lake in the spring with brown trout. Typically the lake receives 1,750 browns between 8 and 9 inches long. Don't expect all those fish to be caught before the summer and you can also expect some larger holdovers.

In addition to brown trout, Canada Lake has a population of lake trout. In summer, expect these fish to utilize Canada Lake's substantial depths. Many of the lakers will be chasing their main forage -- yellow perch.

There are special regulations for lake trout on Canada Lake. The minimum size for this species is 21 inches, and the creel limit is three a day.