April 27, 2026 - 09:46:00
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported freshwater fly fishing across Long Island is steadily improving as spring conditions settle in, with the Connetquot River State Park Preserve producing consistent trout action on small nymphs and early dry fly opportunities during warmer afternoons. Over on the Carmans River, anglers are finding success swinging soft hackles and drifting bead head nymphs through deeper runs, especially as insect activity begins to pick up. The stocked waters of Caleb Smith State Park Preserve are also fishing well, with trout responding to Woolly Buggers and emerging caddis patterns. Across Long Island ponds, largemouth bass and panfish are becoming more active, taking small streamers and poppers as water temperatures rise. Upstate in the Catskills, the famed Hendrickson hatch is underway, bringing solid dry fly fishing to area rivers, while caddis activity is increasing and providing additional surface action. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, the Farmington River is fishing well with a mix of Hendricksons and early caddis, making it a reliable option for anglers seeking both nymphing and dry fly opportunities during this prime spring window. For more Fly-Fishing adventurers, check out the trip page on riverbayoutfitters.com.
April 27, 2026 - 09:45:58
I heard from Paul McCain at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin and saltwater fly fishing around Long Island is starting to show strong signs of the spring transition with both the North and South Shores seeing increased activity as water temperatures climb slowly. Along the North Shore, early-season striped bass are being found in deeper harbors and estuaries and responding well to small Clouser Minnows and baitfish patterns fished slowly. On the South Shore, particularly throughout the back bays, schools of bunker are beginning to stage, drawing in bass, and creating exciting opportunities for sight fishing when conditions line up. There have also been a few encouraging reports of bluefish entering the mix which adds some aggressive action for anglers throwing larger flies. Adding to the momentum, a developing worm hatch, similar to the well-known clam worm events, has been reported in select bays with striped bass keying in on these protein-rich meals during the evening tides. As the tides, temperatures, and bait continue to build, the coming weeks should bring even more consistent with explosive saltwater fly fishing across Long Island. If you would like to join Paul on their Saltwater Meetups, please sign up for the newsletter at riverbayoutfitters.com. (516) 415-7748.
April 20, 2026 - 10:32:25
Over at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin, Paul reported freshwater fly fishing across Long Island is settling into a productive spring pattern, with local ponds and lakes offering solid action for both stocked trout and warmwater species. Recently stocked trout are still being found cruising the shallows in the mornings, especially in smaller ponds where nymphs, woolly buggers, and small streamers are producing consistent hookups. As water temperatures slowly rise, largemouth bass and panfish are becoming more active, particularly during the warmer afternoons, and are responding well to baitfish patterns and topwater flies on calm days. Local streams remain a bit low but fishable, with trout holding in deeper pools and shaded runs. In the Croton Watershed, flows are stable and trout fishing has been steady with good hatches of early-season insects; anglers are finding success drifting small nymphs and emergers through pocket water. Up in the Catskill Mountains, conditions are improving daily as water levels normalize, and trout are beginning to key in on blue-wing olives and early caddis, making for some quality dry fly opportunities during overcast afternoons. Over in Connecticut, rivers like the Farmington are fishing well with dependable flows, and a mix of stocked and holdover trout are actively feeding on nymphs and midges, with occasional surface activity when conditions line up. Overall, anglers throughout the region are finding a nice mix of trout and warmwater action, making it a great time to get out with both nymph and streamer setups ready. River Bay outfitters is hosting a trip to Montana this summer and if you want to come or if you need more information, please contact the shop at 516 415 7748 or paul@riverbayoutfitters.com.
April 20, 2026 - 10:32:22
I heard from Paul McCain at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin and saltwater fly fishing around Long Island is starting to come alive as early-season patterns take shape along both the western North Shore and South Shore back bays. Holdover striped bass are being joined by fresh migratory fish pushing into the bays with the most consistent action coming during warmer parts of the day and into dusk. On the North Shore, calmer waters have allowed anglers to sight fish in select areas with Clousers and small baitfish patterns producing well. Along the western South Shore back bays, including areas tied into Jamaica Bay, schoolie bass are actively feeding in tidal creeks and marsh edges, responding to both sinking lines and slow presentations. A key development this week is the return of bunker pods with schools of adult menhaden beginning to show in greater numbers and drawing increased attention from larger striped bass and improving the chances for bigger fish on the fly. As these bunker schools get more established, anglers should keep larger profile flies handy and be ready for sudden surface feeds, especially around moving water and structure. Overall, the mix of arriving migrators, active holdovers, and growing bait presence is setting the stage for some excellent early spring saltwater action. If you would like to join Paul on their Saltwater Meetups, please sign up for the newsletter at riverbayoutfitters.com. (516) 415-7748.
