Long Island, Metro NY - Freshwater Fishing Reports

Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported the freshwater scene is really starting to feel like fall on Long Island, with cooler temperatures putting more activity into the local streams, ponds, and lakes. The smaller streams are worth exploring with light rods, especially during the cooler morning hours, while the ponds are seeing good action on panfish, largemouth, pickerel, and carp. Hempstead Lake State Park is particularly worth keeping on the radar as fall trout stocking gets underway, with Hempstead Lake, McDonald Pond, and South Pond all offering opportunities. Up in the Croton Watershed, dropping water temperatures and fall flows are putting the trout water back into shape, and the Catskills are moving into one of the best times of the year for chasing wild trout on smaller patterns, streamers, and nymphs. The Connecticut rivers are also transitioning into fall conditions, with cooler water and improving flows making the trout more active and giving anglers plenty of options as we move deeper into October. For the Long Island angler, this is the time to get the 3-5 weight out, carry plenty of small nymphs, soft hackles, streamers, and terrestrials, and take advantage of the shorter days and cooler water. And, don't forget the Fall Family Fishing Festival at Hempstead Lake State Park on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature free loaner rods and bait, fishing and casting instruction, children's activities, and freshly stocked trout in South and McDonald ponds. It’s a great fall event for getting the family out and introducing someone new to freshwater fishing.

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said freshwater fishing has been good within the past week or so according to their customers. Live shiners have been doing the damage. Some who have been using the live shiners have been coming in saying they are getting hit almost every cast. The shop will be carrying live shiners the rest of the fall into the winter if you need them. October is a great month to get in on some of the best largemouth bass fishing of the season. The fish will all be on the feed getting ready for the winter months, so the time to fish is now! The fish will generally be active throughout the day but early morning and evenings are best. Artificial lures are a great way to get in on the fall action, so if "cast and crank" is your thing then swimbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits will all get attention. Topwater is also an option but this works better on the warmer days of fall. If you are willing to "bait and wait" then you can’t beat a large live shiner fished on a float rig. Don't be surprised if you hook into a gator pickerel, jumbo perch or slob crappie while trying your luck for largemouth. Bluegills, pumpkinseeds and perch are also still active and they can't pass up a nightcrawler suspended under a float. Small plastic grubs, hair jigs and trout magnets will also produce very well too. As for trout, the Connetquot River State Park has been great, with anglers averaging half a dozen or more trout per outing. They have been taking dry flies, nymphs and streamers like wooly buggers and epoxy bait fish (yup. that's a fly too). These fish are seeing less pressure this time of year being most of the crowed is targeting saltwater species of fish.

At the Montauk Anglers Club, I heard from Chris Albronda who reported the storm had the fish on the feed. The fish have been active in the shallow waters of Fort Pond this week. Anglers using small finesse baits was the sure ticket to get onto largemouth/smallmouth bass, walleye, and panfish. After each successful trip, a lot of anglers have been setting up for carp on the anchor, and catching fish to 22 pounds! On an ultralight setup, it makes for a fight to remember. The fishing has definitely improved since all of the rain we had. And it’s only going to get better.

I heard from buddy Ken Bliss who got out right before the storm blew through this past week. Ken fished Hempstead Lake and drilled, and released a fat largemouth of 6-1/2 pounds.

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