Long Island, Metro NY - Freshwater Fishing Reports

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said trout action at the lakes have been plenty full since the spring stocking a week or two ago. Trout have been fairly active on warmer days. Using small lures or worms with a float has been effective. Don’t overlook using a fly this time of year. As the days go on, the weather will trigger a hatch that could make for a great bite.

Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported that with spring conditions settling in across the region, freshwater fly fishing on Long Island continues to improve as many ponds and lakes receive their final round of trout stocking for the season. Anglers are finding success early and late in the day with Woolly Buggers, small streamers, nymphs, and midge patterns, while bass and panfish activity is steadily increasing as water temperatures rise. The island’s warmwater bite is beginning to turn on, with largemouth bass cruising shallow structure and pickerel remaining active along weed edges. The Croton Watershed has been fishing well with steady flows and good hatches of Hendricksons, caddis, and early sulfurs bringing trout to the surface during warmer afternoons. In Connecticut, rivers such as the Farmington continue to produce solid trout action on both dries and subsurface patterns, especially during evening hatches. Up in the Catskills, rivers are in classic spring form with improving conditions between rain events, and anglers are seeing strong dry fly opportunities during Hendrickson and caddis activity. Overall, it’s an excellent time to cover water, watch for rising fish, and enjoy some of the best spring freshwater fly fishing of the season throughout the Northeast.

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.