Long Island, Metro NY - Freshwater Fishing Reports

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said the lakes have been consistently producing an array of fishing opportunities.  Perch, bluegills, pickerel, and trout make up a mixed bag. Over at West Lake dunking live nightcrawlers would give you the best shot at catching trout along with panfish. Give Great Patchogue Lake a go with some live shiners for pickerel. The weeds are starting to develop so working the weed lines is the best shot at finding them.

Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported freshwater fly fishing on Long Island continues to provide a variety of opportunities as anglers spread out across rivers, ponds, and warmwater fisheries. Paul was kayak fly fishing on the Peconic River this past week and had enjoyed steady action from aggressive bluegills, with poppers, small streamers, and nymphs all producing fish. Paul has also been spending time guiding on the Connetquot River, where trout has been particularly challenging due to clear water and wary fish. Success has required long leaders, delicate presentations, and downsizing flies dramatically. Some of the most productive patterns have been very small Blue-Winged Olive Soft Hackles, which enticed selective trout when larger offerings were ignored. Local ponds continue to offer good warmwater action for bass and panfish, making for excellent opportunities close to home. The carp fishing is starting to pick up with the warmer weather plus they are finishing the spawn. If you are interested in fly fishing guided trips or lessons, please contact the shop at 516-415-7748 or paul@riverbayoutfitters.com.

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.

At Montauk Anglers Club, I heard Fort Pond anglers have been scoring with largemouths with smaller popping and slop frogs turning the trick. Anglers looking for smallies should try the deeper portions of the lake with jerkbaits, and fish the edges of the drop-offs. Panfish action should still be okay with a nightcrawler under a float the best option.