Trip Locations
Copake Lake
A 410-acre warmwater fishery tucked into the Hudson Valley — and the home water for every Waypoint & Anchor trip.
The Water
Copake Lake sits in the Town of Copake in Columbia County, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. At 410 acres with 5.2 miles of shoreline, it's one of the larger natural lakes in the region. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 34 feet, with an average depth of 16 feet, and sits at an elevation of 715 feet.
The Fishing
Copake Lake is a strong warmwater fishery. Largemouth and smallmouth bass over 15 inches are plentiful, with both species caught in the 2–5 lb range. The lake holds an abundant panfish population — bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and white perch — plus black crappie, rock bass, and chain pickerel.
Grab a Bite
After a day on the water, The Greens at Copake Country Club is a farm-to-table American restaurant set on the golf course, with great views overlooking the lake. Find them at 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville, NY 12521, or call (518) 325-0019. Hours vary seasonally, so check ahead.
Where to Meet
David will meet you at Mickey's Marina on Copake Lake, where we launch for every trip. The marina is located in Craryville, NY, in southern Columbia County — an easy drive from the Taconic State Parkway and well within reach of the greater Hudson Valley. After you book, David will confirm your exact meeting time and any details you need before your day on the water.
Make a Day of It
Copake Lake Boat & Ski has drinks and ice cream every day and Food Truck Fridays — a great way to round out your day on the lake.
Candlewood Lake
Connecticut's largest lake, just over the New York border — 5,400 acres of legendary smallmouth water. Bigger lake, bigger fish, longer day.
The Water
Candlewood is the largest lake in Connecticut — 5,420 acres stretching 11 miles long, with 60 miles of shoreline and 12 islands to fish around. The lake reaches depths of 90 feet, with an average depth of 40 feet. It's a man-made reservoir built in 1928 and sits just over the New York line in far-western Connecticut.
The Fishing
Candlewood is widely considered one of the best smallmouth bass lakes in the country. Largemouth, smallmouth, and northern pike all thrive here, along with walleye, crappie, perch, and panfish. With ledges, humps, flats, and submerged structure throughout, there's always somewhere new to fish.
Why 8 Hours Only
Candlewood is a bigger lake with bigger water to cover, so a full day is the only way to really fish it — running between spots, trying different techniques, and giving the day room to breathe. The longer travel from the Hudson Valley side also makes the half-day trips impractical.
Logistics & Fuel
The trip price reflects the larger lake and more fuel for the boat. After you book, David will confirm the launch location. If you're coming from Connecticut and want to meet at the lake, just let him know — happy to make it work either way.
Which lake should I pick?
If it's your first trip, you're bringing kids, or you want a relaxed day close to the Hudson Valley — go with Copake. If you're chasing trophy smallmouth, want a bigger lake to explore, or just want to make a full adventure out of the day — Candlewood is the move.