August 31, 2026 - 10:59:34
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported the cooler night temperatures are starting to make a noticeable difference on the freshwater scene around Long Island. The Connetquot has been restocked with trout, giving anglers another good reason to get out and spend some time on the river, while the ponds and lakes across the Island continue to produce a mix of trout and warmwater species. The cooler mornings should also help extend the better fishing windows, especially early and late in the day. Up in Connecticut and the Catskills, the recent rains have provided some very good flows and much-needed water, giving anglers more options and improving conditions on several rivers. The Farmington and Housatonic are worth a look in Connecticut, while the Beaverkill, Willowemoc and Delaware system are running at favorable levels in the Catskills. Overall, it’s a great time to get the freshwater gear out, take advantage of the cooler nights and mornings, and enjoy some late-summer fly fishing.
August 31, 2026 - 10:59:27
Paul from River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin noted that the saltwater fly fishing around Long Island is starting to feel more like late summer, with plenty of action to keep the fly rod bent. Small Bluefish are running through the bays and inlets and are providing plenty of fast-paced action on lighter tackle. There are also reports of good numbers of Green Bonito showing up outside, so keep a few small baitfish and epoxy-style patterns ready when they move within casting range. Fluke are still being caught in the surf, giving fly anglers another great target in the shallow water. Around the local docks, Snappers are showing up in good numbers and are always a fun target on a light fly rod. With bait becoming more plentiful and the first signs of the fall transition starting to show, this is a great time to get out early or late and take advantage of the cooler conditions and late-summer saltwater action.
August 24, 2026 - 10:21:20
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported the recent storms have brought some much-needed water to the region, and many of the streams and rivers are running high, so use caution and look for the flows to settle before heading out. Upstate, the cooler weather has been a welcome change, with the Catskills and other northern waters starting to look much more favorable for trout as temperatures drop. Here on Long Island, carp fly fishing continues to be a great option, especially as the fish cruise the shallows looking for food. Pond fishing is also starting to pick up with the cooler temperatures, and bass, panfish and other warmwater species are becoming more active. Overall, the combination of higher water, cooler temperatures and improving pond activity is giving us plenty of options for the week ahead.
August 24, 2026 - 10:21:14
Paul from River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin reported that the cooler night temperatures have been a welcome change and are starting to bring some life to the saltwater action around Long Island. Bonito and Spanish mackerel are showing up in the inlets, providing some fast-paced fly fishing when you can get on them. Small Bluefish are running throughout the bays and are a great target on lighter fly tackle, while Snappers are stacked up around docks and marina areas and offering plenty of action. Fluke fishing on the flats continues to be a great option on the fly, with smaller baitfish and shrimp patterns producing fish in shallow water. A light fly rod makes all of this late-summer action a lot of fun, and with cooler nights and a variety of species available, there are plenty of opportunities to bend a rod around Long Island this week.
