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The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

West Branch Reservoir

Putnam County, New York · about 880 acres (1.4 sq mi)

Caution

Calm tomorrow morning.

Water—no reading yet
Level—no gauge
Wind today9 mphNW
Best bite3:00 pmto 5:15 pm

About West Branch Reservoir

In Putnam County, New York, West Branch Reservoir covers about 880 acres.

It stretches about 3.5 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 11.5 miles. At about 500 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Carmel sits right on the water. The closest city is Danbury, about 12 miles away.

Size
About 880 acres (1.4 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 11.5 miles
End to end
About 3.5 miles
Elevation
About 500 ft
County
Putnam County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Saturday Good

  • 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
  • 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph

Sunday Good

  • 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
  • 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph

Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.

Fish to expect

Expect the usual New York mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake.

  • Largemouth bass
  • Crappie
  • Bluegill and sunfish
  • Catfish

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Point drop-off

    The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.

Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.

Water temperature

No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Ice

No clear view of the ice yet

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Saturday 45° / 31° 9 mph NW Partly Sunny · 1% rain
Sunday 47° / 32° 10 mph NW Mostly Sunny

Sunrise 6:41 am · sunset 4:36 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near West Branch Reservoir

  • Carmelon the shore
  • Carmel Hamleton the shore
  • Lake Carmelabout 1.4 mi northeast
  • Mahopacabout 2.2 mi southwest
  • Danburynearest city, about 12 mi east

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Questions about West Branch Reservoir

What fish are in West Branch Reservoir?

Lakes like West Branch Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is West Branch Reservoir?

We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.

How big is West Branch Reservoir?

About 880 acres, with about 11.5 miles of shoreline.

What town is near West Branch Reservoir?

Carmel is on the shore.

Is the water warm enough to swim in West Branch Reservoir?

Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.

West Branch Reservoir on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

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