FORGE POND, NY
Forge Pond in Calverton (Riverhead Township) is part of the Peconic River system, and is home to some of the best largemouth bass action the island has to offer. In fact, angler diary cooperators reported about one bass for every two hours of fishing. I fish that lake regularly and believe the numbers are a lot higher some days, but overall, taking into account other factors such as weather, a bass every two hours is not too shabby.
The lake is 120 acres in size and averages about 3 to 4 feet in depth, with a maximum of about 6 feet, which is typical for most Long Island ponds. The main targeted species on the lake remains bass, but Forge also provides good opportunities for pickerel, bluegills, black crappies, yellow perch and even some catfish.
From the access site, located on South River Road, anglers can head downstream to fish the main pond, or travel up to the stream area. I have found the main pond much better for bass, while upstream, pickerel and panfish seem to dominate the action. There are numerous small covers, lily pads and overhanging trees that are prime cover for largemouths and pickerel. In the spring, the pond is a great place to put the kids into some great sunfish action, with worms the bait of choice.
When targeting bass here, I prefer to use a 3/8 ounce Strike King Rattling Pro blue jig tipped with a Yum 3-1/2 inch Yum Chunk in blue flake. Fish the lily pads, and any blow-down, or overhanging trees. Allow the lure to enter the water softly, then after hitting bottom let it sit for a few seconds. Give the rod one or two light twitches, and if there are no takers, reel in and make another pitch. You can also swim the jig slowly through weeds or lily pads. If you like fishing open water areas, white or chartreuse spinnerbaits fished in and along submerged weedlines will produce fish. Bass can also be caught using shallow running crankbaits like the Bomber Model A in chartreuse, or the Z-Man Chatterbait in blue/white.
Forge Pond is best accessed with a cartop boat, and there is ample parking in the state launch area. Shoreline access is limited by parking restrictions, but can be accomplished with a little creativity. The area adjacent to the railroad is probably one of the better areas in the pond, with weedlines and overhanging trees along that stretch of shoreline. When fishing from shore, be aware of passing trains. The area near the dam is also prime bass water, but access is somewhat limited for the shorebound angler.
PUBLIC ACCESS
Access is via a DEC parking area off of South River Road in Calverton. Take the Long Island Expressway (LIE) to exit 71 (Edwards Avenue). Go south and take your first left onto South River Road. The DEC access site is on your left about one-half mile. Boats are allowed, but the access site will only accommodate hand carried boats or canoes. Shoreline access is limited.
