Long Island, Metro NY - Freshwater Fishing Reports

Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported recent rains have brought much-needed higher flows to Long Island's rivers and streams, providing improved conditions for fly anglers, although some waters are running a bit off-color. Carp fishing on the fly continues to be one of the highlights of the summer, with fish actively cruising the shallows and eagerly taking well-presented nymphs and small baitfish patterns. The Housatonic River remains a solid option, with good smallmouth bass action on streamers, crayfish imitations, and topwater flies during the early morning and evening hours. Water temperatures throughout the Catskills continue to run too warm for responsible trout fishing, so anglers are encouraged to give those freestone streams a break until cooler weather returns. Instead, focus on cold-water tailwaters, where consistent releases are maintaining suitable temperatures and providing the best opportunity for trout fishing during the summer months.

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said largemouth bass fishing on Long Island is at its peak. The best way to target them would be live night crawlers and freshwater shiners. Some great artificial bait options for these fish would be artificial worms, spinners and topwater frogs. For the best results while using topwater baits, the early morning and late evening is the ideal time. West lake is also known for its excellent bass fishing with largemouths up to 5 pounds being caught. Bass fishing is great at night with topwater lures like jitterbugs and frogs working best. During the day, bait like swim shads and worms are great options. Panfishing at West Lake is another easy and fun way to get plenty of fish. When panfishing all you need is a small hook a bobber and a worm. You will also have a shot at catching catfish when fishing with worms

At the Montauk Anglers Club, I heard from Ben who reported the action has not gotten going yet. He fished last week and had one, small, smallmouth. Another angler reported catching a walleye. As the waters warm and the spawn ends, bass action should really get hopping.

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

Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported freshwater fly fishing across the region is in great shape this week as cooler November weather has settled in. On Long Island, trout fishing remains productive in the stocked ponds and streams, with nymphs and small streamers working well during midday and olive or black Woolly Buggers drawing strikes in the early morning. In the Catskills, rivers like the Beaverkill and Willowemoc are running clear and cool, with fish responding to small Blue-Winged Olives, midges, and attractor nymphs. The Connecticut Rivers continue to fish nicely, with the Farmington producing steady action on nymph rigs and soft hackles, while larger browns are becoming more aggressive as they prepare for the spawn. Out west, the Lake Erie tributaries are seeing good numbers of steelhead entering the systems following recent rain, with egg patterns, stoneflies, and streamers all taking fish in slightly stained flows. The Salmon River in Pulaski remains busy, with solid numbers of steelhead mixing in with a few late kings and browns, egg sacs, beads, and bright intruders are the top producers. Overall, conditions across the Northeast are prime for anglers willing to layer up and cover some water.