September 28, 2026 - 10:42:43
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported the recent storm has left Long Island’s freshwater fishing waters running high and off-color, with ponds, lakes, and streams all feeling the effects of the heavy rain. Fishing conditions are challenging right now, but as the water begins to drop and clarity improves, things should start to pick up. The Long Island Flyrodders recently made a trip to the Beaverkill, where Sean had a productive day fishing a dry-dropper rig, a great approach for covering both the surface and subsurface. A Stimulator or Elk Hair Caddis paired with a Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, or small Perdigon makes an effective combination when trout are feeding at different levels. With higher water throughout the region, focus on softer seams, slower edges, and the inside bends where trout can find relief from the current. Here on Long Island, pond anglers should try Woolly Buggers, small Clouser Minnows, and olive or black leech patterns, fishing them slowly along drop-offs and weed edges. For panfish, small Pheasant Tails, soft hackles, and foam terrestrials can produce when conditions improve. As the water settles and clears, look for more consistent action across our local ponds and streams. Keep those rods rigged and stay tuned to River Bay Outfitters for the latest updates!
September 28, 2026 - 10:42:38
Paul from River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin said the fishing really turned on during the early hours of the storm before the water turned dirty and conditions deteriorated. Snappers are everywhere in the bays, providing plenty of action on a light fly rod, while Cocktail Blues are mixed in and keeping things interesting. Fluke fishing on the fly has been good, with shallow flats and sandy areas producing fish, but they may begin moving out after this storm as we head into the fall transition. As the water settles and bait starts moving along the beaches, we should see striped bass beginning to push in closer to the surf. Keep an eye out for schools of peanut bunker and other baitfish along the South Shore and back bays as the fall run begins to develop. It's an exciting time to be on the water, so make sure to sign up for the River Bay Outfitters newsletter at riverbayoutfitters.com to stay informed about upcoming fly-fishing meetups and get out on the water with Paul.
September 21, 2026 - 10:30:30
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported the cooler nights are finally starting to put a little fall back into the freshwater fishing on Long Island, and the local ponds are still fishing well. Jim was out at Hempstead Lake this week putting some time in on the panfish, and the bluegills and other sunfish were active around the weed edges and shallow structure. Small Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, soft hackles and small terrestrial patterns have been producing, with a slow retrieve or a lightly twitched fly getting plenty of attention. The bass are still holding around weed lines and drop-offs, and small Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows and poppers are worth having in the box. Carp are also a legitimate fly-rod target right now, especially during the warmer part of the day when they push onto the flats to feed. Hempstead Lake, the North Shore ponds and the larger freshwater systems across the Island are all worth exploring, with the cooling water making the fish more active and giving anglers a wider window to get out and fish. This is a great time of year to grab the 4-6 weight, a box of small nymphs and streamers, and go put some time in on the local water.
September 21, 2026 - 10:30:23
Paul from River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin updated me. Saltwater fly fishing is really starting to come alive across Long Island as we move into the fall transition. The albies are here, with fish showing along the South Shore, Montauk and the inlets, and they are keyed in on small bait, so be ready with 1½- to 3-inch sparse baitfish patterns, epoxy-style flies and plenty of backing on the reel. Long casts, a fast retrieve and getting ahead of moving schools are the name of the game. Bonito are also showing around the South Shore and Windmills, with small baitfish patterns and quick retrieves producing when you can get a shot. Stripers are becoming more consistent, particularly around inlets, current seams and the back bays, with low-light periods offering the better opportunities. Bunker, peanut bunker and sand eels are keeping plenty of predators around, so have larger Flatwings, Deceivers and surface patterns ready when the bigger bass start pushing bait. Bluefish are mixed in and will absolutely destroy a fly, so bring extra leaders and flies. Fluke are still worth targeting on the flats and in the shallows, especially as they begin moving toward deeper water; lightly weighted Clousers, crab patterns and small baitfish flies bounced along the bottom can produce. And don't overlook the snappers—there are still plenty around the docks, marinas and back-bay structure, making them one of the most entertaining light-tackle targets of the season on a 3- to 5-weight. With albies, bonito, stripers, bluefish, fluke and snappers all available, this is the time to have multiple fly rods rigged and be ready to change gears quickly—the fall saltwater fly season is officially underway.
