As we crossed the bridge entering the parking lot of Croton Gorge Park, the sun was shining brightly, reflecting brilliantly off the waters flowing over the New Croton Reservoir Outlet dam, creating the beginning of the Croton River underneath us.

We put on our waders with images of hooking up with a recently stocked yearlings, or the possibility of catching a large hold over rainbow or brown, very vivid in our memory, based on past outings enhanced by the anxiety of waiting for opening day after a long winter.

It was not opening day (Season runs from April 1 through the end of October) but the water was still very cold. From here to where the mouth of the river where it flows into the Hudson River, is approximately 3 miles down stream. Annually, the river is normally stocked with several 100 rainbow and brown trout yearlings. The river is also home to sunfish and bass, and I would guess carp and catfish.

Several sections of the river is wide allowing for the presentation of flies. The river also has sections where the water can run fast and deep. Trees line the riverbank which will occasionally allow you to hook-up with the inevitable “tree fish”. The flowing river also creates pockets of down trees that any fisherman knows creates both opportunities and threats.

For a few hours of this beautiful morning, Ron and I fished different sections of the river in silence, occasionally making eye contact to silently communicate if the fish were biting or not. As it is with going fishing, catching fish is a bonus.

“get out to get in”

Croton River, Westchester NY