Lake mid day

Pepacton Reservoir Vacation Rentals

Feel the crisp mountain air and boat with your kids along the quiet waters near Andes, New York.

Boat, Breathe Crisp Air, and Relax Near Andes

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Pepacton Reservoir

Why Rent On Pepacton Reservoir

Pepacton Reservoir is the largest reservoir in New York City’s water supply system, stretching 15 miles along the East Branch of the Delaware River in Delaware County with 140 billion gallons of water in a Catskill Mountain setting of considerable beauty. The reservoir is managed strictly as a water supply, which means no swimming and limited motorized access, but the brown trout and smallmouth bass fishing it supports is among the finest in the state, and the surrounding landscape of Catskill Park, covered bridge hamlets, and the Delaware River valley provides a vacation rental base of genuine appeal for families who prioritize natural beauty and quiet over water-park programming.

Trophy Brown Trout and Non-Motorized Fishing

Pepacton is the most productive brown trout fishery in New York State, and the reservoir’s clear, cold, deep water holds fish of a size that attracts dedicated fly fishers from across the Northeast each spring when the fish are most accessible from shore or rowboat. Non-motorized boating is permitted, and the seasonal fluctuation in water levels that is a natural feature of the supply reservoir system adds a dynamic element to the fishing experience throughout the year.

The Villages of Delhi and Andes

Delhi, the Delaware County seat, is a small city with a character shaped by agriculture, legal history, and the particular quiet of a community that exists at genuine remove from the metropolitan corridor. The Delaware County Historical Association in Delhi holds the regional archive of a county whose farming and vernacular architecture history is preserved with unusual care. The village of Andes, on the western arm of the reservoir, is an arts community of notable density relative to its size.

Catskill Park Trails and the Delaware River

The Catskill Park surrounds the reservoir with trail access to ridges, waterfalls, and forest terrain that rewards slow walking. The West Branch of the Delaware River, accessible from a vacation rental base near Pepacton, provides additional world-class trout fishing in a river corridor of remarkable scenic beauty. The Catskill Mountain Artisans Guild and gallery community throughout Delaware County add a cultural dimension that complements the natural programming.

A Catskill Trout Lake For Families Who Prefer Quiet Grandeur

A vacation home near Pepacton Reservoir gives your family a private, deeply restful base in the most remote and naturally preserved corner of the Catskills. Properties with mountain and valley views, full kitchens, outdoor fire pits, and the kind of ambient quiet that requires genuine distance from traffic to achieve suit families who come specifically for the trout, the trails, and the extraordinary light that the Delaware County landscape delivers on clear mornings.

Best time to go
Visit Pepacton Reservoir in the crisp embrace of autumn, particularly late September through October. As foliage blazes in fiery hues, tranquil waters beckon anglers and kayakers while the air is fresh and invigorating, free from summer crowds.
Water Quality
The Pepacton Reservoir's water exhibits a deep blue hue, reflecting its substantial depth and the surrounding mountainous terrain. The water clarity is ultra-clear, ensuring pristine conditions for aquatic life and recreational activities.
Surface area (mi)
14.4
Max depth (ft)
180.45
Elevation (ft)
1689.63
Shoreline length (mi)
50.7

Popular activities

  • Kayaking
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Pepacton Reservoir has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, swimming is not allowed in Pepacton Reservoir. The reservoir is part of the New York City water supply system and has specific regulations to maintain water quality, which does not include swimming. Boating and fishing are permitted with the necessary permits and conditions.

  • Pepacton Reservoir is a popular destination because of its excellent brown trout and smallmouth bass fishery. The reservoir, being part of the New York City water supply system, attracts thousands of tourists each year for fishing, and its scenic location in the Catskill Mountains adds to its appeal. No motor boats are allowed, making it a peaceful spot.

  • Yes, you need a special permit to fish in Pepacton Reservoir in New York. You must have a DEP Access Permit, which is free and can be obtained online or by mail. Additionally, you need a valid New York State fishing license to comply with state regulations.

  • There is no public beach at Pepacton Reservoir. The reservoir is primarily used for boating and fishing, with specific rules requiring a NYC DEP permit and restricting boat types to non-motorized vessels. Access is limited to designated boat launches and recreational areas.

  • The closest town to Pepacton Reservoir is Downsville. It is located 12 miles north of the reservoir in Delaware County, New York. The reservoir is also near the village of Delhi, which is 12 miles to the north.