Long Island, Metro NY - Freshwater Fishing Reports

Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported freshwater fishing is all about taking advantage of the cooler fall weather, and there are plenty of options for getting out with the fly rod across Long Island and the surrounding areas. The ponds are worth exploring for bass and panfish, with Woolly Buggers, small Clouser Minnows, and baitfish patterns producing when you find active fish. Carp are still a great target on the fly, but sunny days are key for sight-fishing. Look for cruising fish in shallow water and make careful presentations with small nymphs, carp bugs, and crayfish patterns. The Connetquot continues to offer opportunities for trout anglers willing to work for them, so keep the flies small and the presentations clean, with Blue-Winged Olives, small Pheasant Tail nymphs, and soft hackles worth having in the box. Up in the Croton Watershed, the Catskills, and Connecticut, cooler temperatures bring some of the best fall fishing of the season. Keep an eye out for Blue-Winged Olives and late-season caddis, and don't overlook a well-presented nymph or dry-dropper rig when the fish aren't looking up. Water levels and conditions can change quickly, so check local flows before heading out and adjust your approach to the water in front of you. Fall is here, so get out there and take advantage of it! Stop by River Bay Outfitters to stock up on the right flies, get the latest fishing intel, and talk tactics before your next trip. Whether you're chasing carp on a Long Island pond or heading north for fall trout, the shop has got you covered.

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said all the local lakes are active with all kinds of great catches. This time of year it is good to target some of the larger bass and pickerel that the lakes have to offer. If wanting to employ artificial tactics then large swimbaits, crankbaits, jigs and spinnerbaits will all get hits. If bait and wait is your thing then large live shiners fished under floats will produce as well. The best thing is to fish the baits around structure like weed beds, lay down trees and any rock structure. Panfish are also a good bet this time of year and will hit a variety of bait and lures. Nightcrawlers are good for bluegills and pumpkinseeds, lures such as spinners and small grub jigs will catch larger perch and crappie. Another interesting species to target are the walleye that inhabit only two of Long Islands lakes, which are Fort Pond in Montauk and Lake Ronkonkoma. They are best targeted at night or low light conditions. A 3-inch curly tail grub, floating Rapalas and small swim shads will work great.

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