It has been tough to put a fishing report together with the cold weather, rough seas, and holidays this past week keeping many anglers home. The shops that I talked to pretty much reported the same thing, that anglers are still catching herring on both the north and south shore of Long Island.
In the Metro NYC area, Stella Maris still reports the only action they have been hearing about is the herring. That herring are still being caught on their local docks and piers in the area.
Along the south shore at Causeway Bait and Tackle, herring is still the go to for their anglers still fishing this time of year. They are catching herring in the bay around the Jones Beach fishing piers and other spots such as the construction dock. The problem is with this very cold weather that does not seem to be going anywhere. The bays will soon have a layer of ice in spots which will make fishing difficult.
River Bay Outfitters, Paul told me he has heard much of the same of people catching herring around the local piers. He said on the freshwater side of things, many anglers that are traveling up to the Salmon River are doing very well on the fly. He said if you wanted to stay closer to home that the Connetquot, is still producing fish. If you are looking to get into fly tying or want to add some flies to your box. Paul runs classes weekly for all levels of fly tying and it is a great way to get through these harsh winter months.
On the north shore at Miller Place Bait and Tackle, they are still hearing reports of herring the Mt.Sinai harbor area. Once again with this cold weather arriving, soon will the ice will make fishing difficult.
Out East at White Water Outfitters, Brian said he has heard some reports of herring in their area as well. He said it has been quiet on the offshore scene the last few days with many boats not being able to sail. Next week much of the staff will be getting away from the cold weather and heading down to Costa Rica to fish. The shop will still remain open normal hours while they are away.
If you are looking to brave the cold this weekend, sea bass and porgie season closes the 31st. If the boats are able to sail this weekend, it will be your last chance to get out for these fishing until spring. As in the report, herring fishing looks like the only other option for the weekend. If herring is one of your favorites, try to get out for them now before the ice causes a disruption to that fishing as well.