Hatchery trucks making their rounds is a sure sign of spring and the trucks will be hitting the road this week. New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation has scheduled most trout waters in Nassau and Suffolk counties to be stocked by this Saturday, March 19th, with some bodies of water due for additional stocking by May 15th. Included in this year’s allotment are a good number of two-year old brown trout that should average between 12 and 14 inches. In Nassau County, Upper Twin Pond (400) and Massapequa Reservoir (300) will get the bulk of the two year olds, in addition to their quota of yearling rainbows.
In Suffolk County, Southards Pond, Argyle Lake, Twin Pond, Nissequogue River and West Lake are targeted for the two year olds by this Saturday. Several prime waters are due to be stocked by the end of the month, including Upper Lake in Yaphank, Hards Lake in Southaven Park, Carmens River in Shirley and Kahler Pond in Center Moriches. The tidal stretch of the Carmens (150), Upper Lake (250) and Hards Lake (350) will get the two year old browns as part of their allotment.
While these stocked trout are often targeted as “put and take,” releasing most of those you catch should help extend the period of good fishing and also allow some of the fish to grow to more impressive sizes as holdovers that can be targeted next winter. Most trout waters on the Island are open all year with the exception of East (Swan) Lake in Patchogue and the waters within Southaven County Park, Connetquot State Park and Nissequogue River State Park which are governed by park regulations. All are open by April 1st, and Connetquot also has a limited winter season during February and March.
So break out the ultra-light spinning gear, small spoons and spinners, and if the weather is unseasonably mild, a three or four weight fly rod. With flounder fishing just a shade of what it what it used to be, a day of trout fishing is a great way to shake the winter blahs and hone your skills for the season ahead. Don’t forget that if you are 16 years or older you will need a freshwater fishing license. The annual resident license fee is $25 and can be purchased at town and county clerk offices, some tackle shops, or through the DECAL System by calling 1-866-933-2257. You can also go to www.dec.ny.gov
