W hether you're looking for tackle busting, trophy-class fish, or you just want to experience the tranquility of a secluded trout stream, Dutchess County has it all. The Hudson River's emerging striped bass fishery is quickly becoming the destination point for anglers from around the globe. For the trout fisherman, our many stocked streams and lakes have miles of public access available, much of which is ideal for fly-fishing. Hunters and waterfowlers can challenge themselves at one of the many multiple use areas. For sporting clays, trap and skeet shooters, Dutchess County is a top Northeast destination, with five shooting clubs and preserves open to the public.

Throughout Dutchess County, there are numerous spots for catching trout, bass, pickerel and perch, as well as places for dip-netting smelt, alewives and blueback herring. The beautiful Hudson itself is an ideal setting for numerous species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, brown bullhead, carp, white catfish and American shad.

Dutchess County is one of the top two counties in the Southern Region of New York State for deer hunting. Special archery season for deer spans a total of about six weeks, five weeks before the regular gun-hunting season and one week after. In designated hunting areas you can also find pheasant, grouse, woodcock, squirrel, cotton-tail rabbit, raccoon and waterfowl.

It is important to contact the regional headquarters of the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation in New Paltz for specific fishing and hunting regulations, license fees, seasons, limits, sites and other relevant information before your planned visit to Dutchess County.

NY State Department of
Environmental Conservation
21 S. Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561
Fishing Info: 845/256-3161 • Wildlife Info: 845/256-3098 DEC.State.NY.us

There are several organizations you can contact if you would like additional information about sporting opportunities in Dutchess County:

Federation of Dutchess County
Fish and Game Clubs
Poughkeepsie. 848/297-9308

Trout Unlimited-Mid-Hudson Chapter
PO Box 982
Poughkeepsie. 845/868-7715. MidHudsonTU.com

Sporting Map &
Launch Site Info