Long Island, Metro NY - Freshwater Fishing Reports

Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported fall fishing is in full swing, and there are plenty of opportunities to bend a rod across Long Island and the surrounding region. Local ponds are producing panfish and bass, with small streamers, woolly buggers, and poppers worth keeping in the box. Carp on the fly are a great option on Long Island’s shallow flats and ponds, especially on sunny days when you can spot cruising fish and make a careful presentation with small crayfish patterns, woolly buggers, or nymphs. The Connetquot River remains a great place to get out and fish for trout, so bring your patience and a selection of small nymphs, soft hackles, and BWO patterns for selective fish. Up in Connecticut and the Catskills, cooler temperatures have made conditions more favorable for fall trout fishing, with streamers, nymphs, and fall mayfly activity all worth watching. Keep an eye on water levels and focus on productive runs, seams, and deeper pools. Fall is a great time to get outside and fish—stop by River Bay Outfitters to stock up on flies, get the latest local intel, and plan your next trip!

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said word has spread that a stocking of brown trout for West Lake will occur by the end of October to mid-November. This should keep the local freshwater enthusiasts happy. Trout between 12 and 15 inches are expected and should be targeted by using flies, bait and lures. Try nymphs, streamers or scuds for flies, nightcrawlers or even live shiners for bait, and small Kastmasters or Thomas lures. Light tackle is best suggested, and you can use a simple hook with live worms, or try casting a small Kastmaster. Gold seems to work the best, but chrome or silver will also do the trick. Spinners by Mepps or Rooster Tail will also work well on the stocked fish.

At the Montauk Anglers Club, I heard from Chris Albronda who said fishing was really good with suspending jerk baits in yellow perch color. The smallmouth bass were on the prowl, they wanted sharp jerks with long pauses. Largemouths and walleye moved into deeper water and could be targeted using drop shots, Senko, and a variety of finesse baits (the Ned rig worked best). The panfish like crappie and white perch were loaded up at the launching ramp in fort pond. A worm on a float was the key to success.

Chasing Tails Bait & Tackle in Oakdale, Billy reported in the lakes, anglers will see the stocked trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, pickerel and all sorts of panfish. Paddletail swimbaits, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits for the bass, walleye, and picks. Trout are crushing Kastmasters and inline spinners, and dough baits and worms are always a good choice, too. Panfish are going to be all over that same setup