Nestled in East Moriches on Long Island lies a picturesque pond that offers anglers a peaceful, year-round opportunity to tangle with a variety of freshwater species. Located just off Montauk Highway and immediately north of the Terrell River County Park Preserve, Kaler’s Pond falls under the jurisdiction of the Brookhaven Parks Department and shares its shoreline with Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck.
The pond encompasses approximately 13 acres and reaches a maximum depth of about 6 feet. It is fed by a small creek at its northern end, while its southern shoreline drains over a spillway into the Terrell River before eventually making its way to Moriches Bay. Kaler’s Pond also carries a rich local history. During the 18th century, a dam was constructed here to power a grist mill, serving the area’s early settlers. The infamous Hurricane of 1938 destroyed the structure, and years later the Kaler family, who farmed the surrounding land, donated the property to the town for public use.
The good news for anglers is that the pond supports a healthy and diverse fish population. Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, sunfish, brown bullhead and some impressive carp call these waters home. In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation stocks both rainbow and brown trout during the spring and fall, providing excellent trout fishing opportunities that can extend well into the winter months.
There is ample parking available on the western side of the park, where small boats, canoes and kayaks can also be launched. The eastern shoreline is primarily residential, so public access is concentrated along the western and southern portions of the pond. Well-worn trails run along the western shoreline, allowing anglers to fish much of the pond all the way down toward the camp property.
The shoreline itself features plenty of fish-holding structure, including submerged timber, fallen trees, weed edges and overhanging branches that provide excellent ambush points for predatory fish. Fly anglers can enjoy outstanding action with panfish and bass during the warmer months by casting small poppers, streamers and other surface offerings. Trout anglers can find success throughout the spring, fall and winter, particularly following stocking events.
Some of the trout survive the warmer months and become holdovers, occasionally reaching respectable sizes. Don’t be surprised if a large brown trout makes an appearance. The abundance of small yellow perch and other forage species provides a substantial food source for both largemouth bass and holdover trout, helping them achieve impressive growth rates.
Carp enthusiasts should also take note. Over the years, I’ve observed some truly large carp cruising the shallows and feeding along the shoreline. For those who enjoy targeting these powerful fish, Kaler’s Pond offers plenty of potential.
Looking ahead, there are plans being discussed by the DEC and the Suffolk County Department of Public Works to install a fish ladder at the spillway on the southern end of the pond. Such a project would allow fish to move freely between the pond and the brackish waters downstream while also providing river herring access to historic spawning habitat upstream. It is a win-win conservation effort that would benefit both resident and migratory species, and hopefully it becomes a reality in the near future.
Ponds like Kaler’s are a true blessing for local communities. Whether you are an angler, birdwatcher, photographer or simply someone looking for a quiet place to unwind, this small body of water offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its peaceful surroundings provide a refuge not only for wildlife, but for people as well, making Kaler’s Pond one of East Moriches’ hidden gems.
