Battenkill River is a River located in Washington County, NY. Starting in East Dorset, VT the Battenkill River flows 27 miles through Salem, NY before ending in Victory Mills, NY. The Battenkill River rises to an elevation of 85 feet. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

About Battenkill, NY 

Located in the County of Washington in New York is Battenkill. This 59.4 mile River traces its origins, not in New York, but Vermont. The river’s source is in East Dorset, Vermont, while its mouth is in Easton, New York. It first flows south from East Dorset, then southwest to the town of Arlington in Vermont. It then flows west to New York until it reaches Easton, where it joins the Hudson River. While the Battenkill is a tributary of the Hudson River, it is also the source of several smaller bodies of water. These include the Mad Tom Brook, Lye Brook, Warm Brook, and the Camden Creek. 

The Native Americans call the Battenkill under a different name. They call the river Dionoondehowee or Ondawa. The Battenkill’s name is also odd, as the term “kill” in its name means creek. The Battenkill Valley is also the site of the biggest road cycling race in North America. The Tour of the Battenkill is 62.2 miles long and includes a variety of terrain to test the participants’ skills. 

The Battenkill is also a popular destination for anglers due to its reputation as a prime fishing spot. It is known for the large number of trout that anglers can find swimming in its waters. Anglers planning on looking for trout for their next trip should consider fishing the Battenkill’s waters when visiting New York. And because this article will focus on Anglers visiting via the river’s side in New York, most of the fishing spots mentioned here will also be in New York. 

All About Fishing in Battenkill, New York

One species define the fishing experience in the Battenkill: trout. Whether it’s brown, brook, or even rainbow trout, anglers will have a wonderful time catching these fish in the area. The river’s waters remain cold throughout the year, even in summer, making it perfect for catching fish when visiting during these months. Most of the gamefish caught in the river are wild trout, particularly the brook trout. Still, due to the continuous fishing in the area, the local government had to restock the river’s brown trout population artificially to maintain their numbers there. Despite this, it’s still pretty common to catch large trout in the river. 

Another aspect of the river that makes it popular is the challenge it offers to anglers fishing it. The lack of cover for trout to hid on and its clear, fast current makes trouts wary, making it difficult to catch them. This added difficulty adds a level of accomplishment to anglers who can catch trout fishing here. 

Popular fishing spots in the Battenkill include the Van Antwerp Creek, Fish Creek, Hartshorn Brook, and the Fryer Brook. Anglers can also access the river via the towns of Shushan, Cambridge, and Salem as well. There are plenty of Public Fishing Rights located within the River, making it easier for anglers to access the river without getting in trouble with private landowners. The popular fishing techniques used by anglers fishing the Battenkill are fly fishing, spinning, and baitcasting. Anglers looking for a challenge will find fly fishing in the Battenkill to be a rewarding experience.

Fishing Seasonality

With this many gamefish in its waters, fishing occurs throughout the year in Battenkill. That said, there are still better times to visit the area if you wish to make the most of your trip there. Visiting from mid-May to mid-July will yield the best fishing experience, as these are when fish appear in large numbers and are most active in the river. The river’s year-long cold waters allow anglers to catch large brown trout and a lot of brook trout here. The best times to fish are either in the early morning and evening. Visiting during these times allow you to comfortably find a spot, relax, and cast your line in peace in the river. 

Fishing Seasonality

With this many gamefish in its waters, fishing occurs throughout the year in Battenkill. That said, there are still better times to visit the area if you wish to make the most of your trip there. Visiting from mid-May to mid-July will yield the best fishing experience, as these are when fish appear in large numbers and are most active in the river. The river’s year-long cold waters allow anglers to catch large brown trout and a lot of brook trout here. The best times to fish are either in the early morning and evening. Visiting during these times allow you to comfortably find a spot, relax, and cast your line in peace in the river. 

All About Fishing in Battenkill, New York

One species define the fishing experience in the Battenkill: trout. Whether it’s brown, brook, or even rainbow trout, anglers will have a wonderful time catching these fish in the area. The river’s waters remain cold throughout the year, even in summer, making it perfect for catching fish when visiting during these months. Most of the gamefish caught in the river are wild trout, particularly the brook trout. Still, due to the continuous fishing in the area, the local government had to restock the river’s brown trout population artificially to maintain their numbers there. Despite this, it’s still pretty common to catch large trout in the river. 

Another aspect of the river that makes it popular is the challenge it offers to anglers fishing it. The lack of cover for trout to hid on and its clear, fast current makes trouts wary, making it difficult to catch them. This added difficulty adds a level of accomplishment to anglers who can catch trout fishing here. 

Popular fishing spots in the Battenkill include the Van Antwerp Creek, Fish Creek, Hartshorn Brook, and the Fryer Brook. Anglers can also access the river via the towns of Shushan, Cambridge, and Salem as well. There are plenty of Public Fishing Rights located within the River, making it easier for anglers to access the river without getting in trouble with private landowners. The popular fishing techniques used by anglers fishing the Battenkill are fly fishing, spinning, and baitcasting. Anglers looking for a challenge will find fly fishing in the Battenkill to be a rewarding experience.