Areas to focus on as the season transitions from late winter to spring.
Once the “fall run” ends and pushes into late November/December depending on your local area, species, and particular season, I tend to notice most people really packing it up. However, while winter might not seem like the most glamorous season for fishing locally around Long Island, there are surprisingly plenty of opportunities for those that want to make it happen. Now don’t get me wrong, the vast majority of saltwater species and the best fishing typically happens between our summer and fall months. However, if you seek out the right opportunities and get out of the house on those nicer days, you can be surprised at how much LI has to offer during the “offseason.”
Fly Fishing Only
One of my favorite freshwater fishing spots I’ve been to around the island is the Connetquot River. The “Conny” as many locals and avid fly fisherman typically refer to it as is a freshwater river that runs nearly 6 miles in length near the town of Islip. It is easily accessible by car and there is a state park that offers convenient parking. While there are plenty of articles and websites dedicated to just fishing on the Conny – I’ll provide what I’d consider the high level synopsis so you can put some fish in the net.
For starters, there is excellent fishing here even in the colder months, and the river offers a mix of stocked fish and naturally reproducing trout. There are rainbow trout of all shapes and sizes, and even some wild brook trout are all likely encounters. I do know of brown trout being caught here as well, although not as common on your typical outing. There are two fishing “slots,” so if you pick your days, the afternoon session can be a pleasant winter activity assuming it’s freezing out still. It’s important that you get to the parking lot a bit earlier than your start time, and head to the check in area to reserve a spot on the river. The “upper” section is often considered to be some of the better wade fishing spots, with the lower stretches still producing fish. It’s even possible to catch a “salter” which is a trout that has spent a season or two in the brine, or brackish waters. All of this is to say that the earlier you arrive for your session, the better chance you’ll have to pick whatever spot you desire.
Regarding tackle selection, just because the fishing is limited to fly fishing only, does not mean you have to be an expert fly angler to catch trout. Of course many of my friends who are far more experienced fly anglers than myself will put on a show, but even a beginner can have a wonderful experience on a river like this.
Big fish are common so a 4-5 weight rod with floating line typically works best for the shallow river. Keep in mind shorter rods are helpful here, as there is often loads of streamside trees, bushes, and other vegetation that will find a way to snag your line (I know from personal experience). A fine tippet around 5x will serve well if the fish face pressure and you need to hone in on your presentation. For fly patterns and selections, the river hosts nearly all commonly found aquatic insects in the Northeast. Therefore, pack everything from darter like imitations such as Woolly Buggers to caddis nymphs to potential dry flies such as Blue Wing Olives. Midge nymphs can be effective as well and fished using a dry / dropper rig can be very effective. There are tons of details to go on and on about fly fishing on the Conny, but in my opinion if you aren’t an expert in this fishery, the next best thing is to fish with a buddy who is. If that’s not an option, the team at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin has been fishing the river for decades and is very dialed into what you need to have a successful day on the water. Give them a shout, or try calling your local tackle store for any intel as the Conny is renowned and you’d be surprised to learn how many people fish it quite regularly!
Small Stream Magic
Another great option are the various smaller streams that serve as offshoots for the main rivers on the island like the Connetquot or Carmans River. Many of these more local streams can be found simply by driving around the island or looking online at Google Earth. I have personally fished Rattlesnake Creek and Bubbles Falls to name a few which are spots just off the highway near Oakdale. I first found it by driving by and realizing this looked like a good spot to try, then proceeded to find hefty trout in shallow water all to myself. A lot can be said for giving new spots a shot, especially during the off season when you’ll likely face less competition from fellow anglers.
East End Freshwater Ponds
If fly fishing isn’t quite in your repertoire, no worries, as Long Island still has plenty of other fishing options to offer during the late winter/early spring months. There are numerous freshwater ponds throughout the island, and the vast majority hold different species of fish year-round. The DEC by NYS publishes a list of nearly all freshwater ponds and lakes and various fishing info about each location. Some bodies of water are stocked with trout throughout the year and others will have commonly found freshwater species ranging from bass and carp to panfish like perch and bluegill. Locally on the east end Fort Pond out in Montauk even has walleye which is a very special species to be caught on LI. Plenty of areas to choose from, but some of my favorite locally by us in Sag Harbor and Southampton include Trout Pond, Long Pond, Big Fresh Pond, and Kahler’s pond. I have caught everything from yellow perch, sunfish, pickerel, largemouth bass, and rainbow and brown trout year round here in many of these local bodies of water. Checking in on the NYS DEC website will help you select which lakes and ponds are nearest you, so chances are you won’t have to travel far to get a nice day out on the water.
When it comes to tackle and presentations, you don’t need to break the bank here to have a good time. Lighter spinning gear and lighter line (anything from 2 to 10 pound) should do the trick and provide fun action (no need to bring a Penn Senator on a broomstick when going for yellow perch). Small lures such as metal spinners, smaller crankbaits, and jig heads with small soft plastics all work well. If it’s permitted based on the regulations in the area, a good ole bait and bobber technique with a nightcrawler, minnow, wax worm etc. tend to work well when artificials can’t seem to get a bite. Your local tackle store will likely carry these types of live bait (or you can dig for some worms yourself if feeling adventurous); if your local tackle store doesn’t stock these baits in the winter months, ask if they know where the nearest store that does carry them is located. For example, Ken over at Tight Lines Tackle in Southampton typically has nightcrawlers available for all your freshwater needs.
Tidal Perch
Another great species to target year round during this time of the year is white perch. These fish can be found all throughout the island and are a blast on light tackle. Locally on the east end I have caught them in brackish waters (mix of freshwater and saltwater). These fish also taste great. While it’s important to check your local regulations, white perch can be a tasty panfish that make great table fare in the cooler months. I have seen them average anywhere from 1-2 pounds with fish to 2-3 pounds possible. However, as I try to be brutally honest in all my fishing and education, white perch are not the easiest to catch. They are not a migrating fish. While they move around, they tend to not cover miles and miles in the bays or sound. Therefore, when you find a spot that holds fish, it’s important to make sure you do your part to help maintain that specific spot and fishery. Keeping one or two fish every now and then won’t decimate the spot, but having hundreds of anglers constantly fill buckets of fish will wipe out a “favorite” spot very quickly. When you do find a productive spot that holds fish, it’s definitely in your own interest to practice catch and release. Typically, when you find one, there will be more.
| SMALL STREAM MAGIC |
| Another great option are the various smaller streams that serve as offshoots for the main rivers on the island like the Connetquot or Carmans RIver. Many of these more local streams can be found simply by driving around the island or looking online at Google Earth. I have personally fished Rattlesnake Creek and Bubbles falls to name a few which are spots just off the highway near Oakdale. I first found it by driving by and realizing this looked like a good spot to try, then proceeded to find hefty trout in shallow water all to myself. A lot can be said for giving new spots a shot, especially during the off season when you’ll likely face less competition from fellow anglers. |
For many perch sharpies, bait such as grass shrimp, worms, or small minnows will all produce well. Small artificial lures like marabou jigs and smaller Rapala swimmers are a few favorites of mine that work well if you don’t want to use bait. Who knows, if targeting white perch in tidal creeks you might even come across some holdover striped bass. Again, I feel strongly that if you want to put more fish in the net, you need to talk to people that have expertise; your local tackle shop will likely have bait and knowledge of this fishery that is far better than any article can convey.
Overall, there are plenty of freshwater oriented fishing options for those that want to brave the elements and explore the saltwater game during the early portion of the year. Cod, pollock, mackerel, and holdover striped bass are just a few saltwater species that can be targeted during these months. The most important part about freshwater fishing locally in Long Island during the “offseason” is that it gets you outside and out of the house when cabin fever really has set in. Enjoy the scenery and the hunt of finding your next favorite winter fishing spot. As always, while I recommend a local tackle shop for best kept “secrets” and local expertise, you can reach out to me directly with any questions on how to catch some freshwater species this winter on the island by messaging me on Instagram @eastendangler or by email at eastendanglers@gmail.com. Tight lines!
