June 08, 2026 - 11:16:44
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported fly fishing on Long Island continues to provide plenty of opportunities as anglers enjoy excellent action in both ponds and streams. The Connetquot remains loaded with trout, but recent reports indicate that fish have become increasingly selective, requiring light tippets, precise presentations, and small, natural patterns to fool them. Pond fishing across the Island is still going strong, with largemouth bass, pickerel, bluegills, and crappie providing consistent action for fly anglers. Upstate, the Green Drake hatch remains a major draw on the Delaware system, with trout feeding aggressively during the hatch windows. Throughout much of the Catskills, low water conditions persist, but anglers willing to fish early and late in the day are still finding good success on dry flies and nymphs. As summer approaches, many rivers and streams could greatly benefit from a steady soaking rain to improve flows and maintain favorable fishing conditions.
June 08, 2026 - 11:16:42
I heard from Paul McCain at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin and he reported that saltwater fly fishing around Long Island continues to produce some impressive catches, with large striped bass being landed from the surf, back bays, and along the North and South Shores. While the presence of quality fish is encouraging, the noticeable lack of smaller schoolie bass remains a concern for many anglers. Small bluefish have finally begun showing up in the back bays, providing some welcome action, but larger bluefish are still notably absent. Much of this unusual pattern can likely be attributed to water temperatures that remain cooler than average for this time of year, delaying the arrival and distribution of bait and predator species throughout the region. On a positive note, fly anglers targeting fluke are reporting increasing success, and fly-rodding for fluke is starting to take off as more fish move into the bays and nearshore waters. With warming temperatures ahead, anglers are hopeful that both the striper and bluefish fisheries will continue to improve in the coming weeks.
June 01, 2026 - 10:34:42
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported freshwater fly fishing on Long Island continues to provide a variety of opportunities as anglers spread out across rivers, ponds, and warmwater fisheries. Paul was kayak fly fishing on the Peconic River this past week and had enjoyed steady action from aggressive bluegills, with poppers, small streamers, and nymphs all producing fish. Paul has also been spending time guiding on the Connetquot River, where trout has been particularly challenging due to clear water and wary fish. Success has required long leaders, delicate presentations, and downsizing flies dramatically. Some of the most productive patterns have been very small Blue-Winged Olive Soft Hackles, which enticed selective trout when larger offerings were ignored. Local ponds continue to offer good warmwater action for bass and panfish, making for excellent opportunities close to home. The carp fishing is starting to pick up with the warmer weather plus they are finishing the spawn. If you are interested in fly fishing guided trips or lessons, please contact the shop at 516-415-7748 or paul@riverbayoutfitters.com.
June 01, 2026 - 10:34:39
I heard from Paul McCain at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin and saltwater fly fishing around Long Island continues to improve as bait becomes more abundant along the beaches and bays. Open beach anglers are finding bass during the early morning hours and evening tides with fish cruising troughs and feeding on scattered bait schools. While action has been somewhat inconsistent from day-to-day, persistent anglers are being rewarded with quality fish throughout the surf. The annual cinder worm hatch remains a highlight in several back bay locations as bass are keying in on the abundance of worms during the evening tides. The keys to success are matching the hatch with worm patterns and making delicate presentations. As we move into June, both surf and bay fishing opportunities should continue to improve across Long Island. River Bay Outfitters will be continuing their Saltwater Meetups and they recommend that sign up for the newsletter at riverbayoutfitters.com to get all the information. (516) 415-7748.
