Come spend the day trophy bass fishing in a remote wilderness setting.
The Ponds at Bates Forest is a 240 acre private nature and fishing preserve with four stocked bass ponds located in Conesville, NY.
Mature bass ranging from 4-9 lbs inhabit our private preserve.
In your reservation, you’ll enjoy a full day of fishing for quality bass, while exploring the forests, fields, picnic areas and hiking trails surrounding the ponds. We can direct you, or let you freely roam the 240 acres of the preserve at your own pace.
Children can experience the thrill and satisfaction of fishing in a natural setting as they enjoy an adventure that will follow them through life.
If you want to avoid the crowds and be in a surreal environment with your friends or family — this is your getaway.
Spring 2024 Fishing Begins May 1st!
We may take April reservations depending on weather — stay tuned!
$150
Adult Fishing Day Pass
Unlimited catch & release fishing for one full day.
Free
Children Under 14
Maximum two children per adult.
When you book your fishing trip with us, you are purchasing a private adventure on the preserve. We limit our reservations or groups to only one per day to maintain the peace and solitude we promise.
The Ponds are nestled in a forest that spills off of the northern Catskill Mountains.
Surrounded by thousands of acres of state land, The Ponds Preserve is a unique piece of property that provides a private retreat into nature, while also offering bodies of water fed by natural streams that are teeming with healthy fish populations.
Fish With Us in Conesville, NY
Opening for Summer 2023 Fishing on May 1st
Open 7 Days a Week
Sunrise to Sunset
Exact location is given with reservations.
Catch & Release
We respect our fish and ask that you do too. We have a catch & release only policy, and ask that all fish be handled with care.
Learn more about properly handling fish:
Younger kids can improve their skills on various panfish that inhabit our ponds and bring nets to catch frogs & salamanders.
Reserve Your Visit
We pride ourselves on creating memorable outdoor experiences for fisherman and their friends and families. Book a reservation or contact us and let us know what we can do to make your day at The Ponds special.
