October 19, 2026 - 10:03:06
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported fall fishing is in full swing, and there are plenty of opportunities to bend a rod across Long Island and the surrounding region. Local ponds are producing panfish and bass, with small streamers, woolly buggers, and poppers worth keeping in the box. Carp on the fly are a great option on Long Island’s shallow flats and ponds, especially on sunny days when you can spot cruising fish and make a careful presentation with small crayfish patterns, woolly buggers, or nymphs. The Connetquot River remains a great place to get out and fish for trout, so bring your patience and a selection of small nymphs, soft hackles, and BWO patterns for selective fish. Up in Connecticut and the Catskills, cooler temperatures have made conditions more favorable for fall trout fishing, with streamers, nymphs, and fall mayfly activity all worth watching. Keep an eye on water levels and focus on productive runs, seams, and deeper pools. Fall is a great time to get outside and fish—stop by River Bay Outfitters to stock up on flies, get the latest local intel, and plan your next trip!
October 19, 2026 - 10:03:02
Paul from River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin noted that saltwater fly fishing is hitting its stride across Long Island as the fall migration gets underway. Stripers are showing in the surf, so focus on low-light hours, moving water, and rocky points and beaches where bait is getting pushed along the shoreline. Keep a selection of sand eel patterns, small baitfish imitations, and larger profile flies ready, and don’t overlook a two-handed rod for covering water and punching casts into the wind. Ken has been putting his two-hander to work in the inlet, connecting with shad and enjoying some great action. Out East, albies are keeping fly anglers on their toes, chasing small bait and making quick appearances that demand fast casts and accurate presentations. Keep a few small, sparse baitfish patterns tied on, watch for birds and surface activity, and be ready to move when the fish pop up. Fall fishing is happening now – get out there, keep moving, and take advantage of the action. Stay tuned to River Bay Outfitters for updates and upcoming saltwater meetups!
October 12, 2026 - 10:37:48
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported fall fishing is heating up across Long Island! Locally, Paul has been chasing carp, and sunny days are key for sight fishing. Grab your polarized glasses, look for cruising fish in the shallows, and make careful presentations with carp flies and small crayfish patterns. Fall stocking is now underway, making this a great time to hit local ponds and lakes. Don’t forget the Fall Fishing Festival this Saturday at Hempstead Lake State Park! The Hempstead Lake State Park Fall Family Fishing Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with fishing instruction, loaner equipment, and freshly stocked trout in designated ponds. The Catskills and Connecticut rivers are running low but cool, and fall hatches are happening. Look for Blue-winged Olives and small caddis, and fish carefully with long leaders, light tippet, and small nymphs. The Connetquot River is also fishing well with the cooler nights, although selective trout still demand a careful approach. It’s great to see school fishing clubs getting out on the water with support from Long Island’s fly fishing clubs. Ready to get in on the fall action? Stop by River Bay Outfitters for the right flies, expert local advice, and the gear you need to fish Long Island and beyond. Sign up for our newsletter at riverbayoutfitters.com for the latest fishing reports, shop updates, and upcoming trips and meetups. Get geared up, get out there, and make this fall count!
October 12, 2026 - 10:37:43
Paul from River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin reported that the fall fishing is heating up around Long Island, and it’s time to get serious about stripers! As bait begins moving along the beaches, inlets, and back bays, keep an eye out for birds, breaking fish, and nervous water. Early mornings, evenings, and after dark are prime times to hunt bigger bass. Work the North and South Shore surf with flatwings, deceivers, and sand eel patterns, and don’t be afraid to fish a sinking line when bass are holding deeper. Back bays and marsh edges are worth exploring as migrating bait draws predators into shallow water. Small bluefish are still a blast on the fly, while snappers offer great action on light tackle. Keep moving, watch the tides, and match your fly to the bait. Stop by River Bay Outfitters for the latest local intel, proven fall striper patterns, and the right lines and leaders for your next trip. Sign up for our newsletter at riverbayoutfitters.com to stay up to date on fishing reports, upcoming meetups, and shop events. Fall doesn’t last forever—get out there and fish!
