Long Island, Metro NY - Freshwater Fishing Reports

Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported the heavy rains this past week have made a big difference on Long Island, bringing some much-needed water to our freshwater fisheries. Local streams are running higher and will take some time to settle, but once the water clears, the increased flows should get the fish moving and provide some better opportunities. The Connetquot and Carmans will be worth watching as conditions improve, while the local ponds continue to fish well for bass, bluegills, and other warmwater species. With the summer heat still with us, early mornings and evenings remain the best times to be on the water. Upstate, the Catskills and surrounding rivers also received significant rainfall, so anglers should check flows before heading out. Overall, the rain was certainly welcome, and hopefully it gives our rivers and streams a much-needed boost going into the rest of August.

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said local lakes are still providing action in this summer heat. Great Patchogue Lake has put up some nice largemouth bass and pickerel. Most fish are all being caught with live shiners or soft plastic worms. Panfish are hitting nightcrawlers or small plastic grubs on a jig heads.

At the Montauk Anglers Club, I heard from resident sharpie Chris Albronda who said, “Anglers that have been focusing on Fort Pond were rewarded with some smallies to 5 pounds on Ned rigs.” Chris also fished one of my favorite areas – right in front of the launch ramp. For some reason, schools of white perch set up there and largemouths go nuts after them. Chris found that they wanted a suspending jerk bait. Chris also scored well on the panfish, using bread balls. He had over 40 yellow and white perch!

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.