Eastern Long Island Fishing Report
- Holdovers are slowly coming out to play in the back bays and creek mouths.
- Warmer weather is building a night bite for stripers.
- The freshwater fishing remains solid, stocked trout are a lock and load option.
- Bunker are slowly showing.
Mark from Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport reports:
“People are getting bass—it’s still early—but they’ve been on them since early March. While there hasn’t been a ton of bait, the fish have been feeding mostly on spearing. Warmer nights have resulted in fish to 15 pounds and SP Minnows, Hydro Minnows, and soft plastics have been the ticket. Trout fishing at local ponds has been good too.”
Bill from Chasing Tails Bait & Tackle in Oakdale reports:
“Trout season is open and all fo the local lakes have been stocked up with fish. Plenty of yearling rainbows and browns, with a bunch of 2 year browns as well. If you’re chasing them with spin gear, an inline spinner will put in work. A classic Kastmaster puts up numbers too. Fly guys are doing well hanging nymphs under an indicator or tossing small streamers around. Wooly buggers, and closures are getting whomped on. White perch are lurking in our local waters. Hard to find and nail down, this elusive cousin of the striped bass is a ton of fun to target and catch, they love small jigs, curly tails, and of course, worms. Fish low and slow, and when you find one you find a bunch! Stripers are eating well out west, making their way over to us. A few resident schoolies have been caught, but we need a solid water temp bump to see a mass of fish coming in. There is plenty of bait around the inlets just waiting to get demolished.”
From the Smithtown area, Sean Conway reports:
“Largemouth action has been great, I’ve been getting fish on ned rigs and jerkbaits, working them both slowly. Trout action has been good as well. Small jerkbaits and spinners have been working well for me. For carp guys, they’re starting to become more active as they move into the shallows. You can usually get ’em to bite on some corn or standard carp baits, but you run the risk of snapping turtles, as I’ve hooked 2 giant ones already while carp fishing.”
Bryce from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reports:
“Bunker showed up at the end of last week- the stripers haven’t shown up quite yet, the holdover bite is picking up and pickerel/ largemouth are beginning to feed nicely in local ponds.”
Campsite Sports in Huntington Station reports:
“Stripers are slowly arriving in the western Sound, however it’s still a bit early out east. Freshwater options like largemouth bass and trout remain a viable source for a bent rod this week.”
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As for my personal endeavors, I’ve launched my boat in the western Sound for the beginning of the season. Warmer days and nights are producing quality fish to 20 pounds. Metal lips and SP minnows have been the plugs of choice. In just a few short weeks, these fish should be out east and ready to chew. Here’s a few shots of my buddies on the boat bite with me.
As April really turns heel and gets warmer, I’m most excited to hit the open beach! Just a few more weeks and it’s game on.
» Check out the Western Long Island & NYC Fishing Report
Eastern Long Island Fishing Forecast
Rain storms over the next couple of days might create tough conditions, however, daytime air temps remain in the upper 50s to low 60s. Next week looks like we’ll have plenty of nights in the 50s, which should make for some great holdover fishing. If you’re not sure what to throw, SP Minnows, NLBN shads, and Mag Darters are proven spring killers! If you happen to find bunker, don’t be afraid to throw a metal lip or Cotton Cordell Red Fin. Within the next few weeks, we should have our first push of bass as water temps hit a magical 50 degrees.
As for freshwater, it’s prime time for trout, pickerel, largemouth, and panfish. Spinners, trout magnets, and tiny spoons are all great options. Midday will be your best bet, as temperatures will be the warmest.
The Eastern Long Island Fishing Report is compiled and written by writer/blogger and fly-fishing industry professional, Jack Larizadeh (@jack.lariz).
Was@ Shinnicock inlet& canal , soaked sandworms clam bits & crabs, not one bite but plenty of bunkers in canal.