Long Island, New York Fishing Report - February 18, 2016

Last weekend’s icy blast put ice on the bays on some parts of Long Island, and rough conditions this week kept many boats at the dock.  That made for a slow week for saltwater anglers, with the exception of herring.

The report from Stella Maris in Brooklyn said the herring fishing around the piers has been pretty good lately. Other action has been tough to come by in the western end of the island.

On the North Shore, even the herring have been tough to come by reported Mark from Cow Harbor in Northport.

Freshwater, on the other hand, has been pretty good. Trout are biting well in the islands rivers reported Mark.

Paul at River Bay Outfitters said trout anglers are finding good action off-island on the Croton and Mianus, but closer to home, the Connetquot has been producing good fishing. The regulations on the Connetquot are catch and release, so despite the fishing pressure, there are still plenty of trout in the strea, Paul reported. “Other than that,” Paul said, “right now it’s fly-tying season.

Frozen water in Shinnecock kept boats iced in early this week reported Rich at White Water Outfitters.

Big seas have kept the party boats in the East End from sailing for cod this week, and those conditions are forecasted to persist through the weekend.

Best Bets for the Weekend

The good news is that the temperatures will be in the high 40s and low-50s, stirring up Long Island’s freshwater species including trout, pickerel, and panfish. The bad news is that tough sea conditions are making cod fishing an unlikely prospect this weekend.

Grab your freshwater gear and hit one of the islands ponds or rivers. Fly-fishermen will find willing trout at Connetquot, and is probably the best bet for action. A four hour session on the river will cost $20, a small price to pay for a cabin fever cure.