Fishing Reports

Striped Bass season opens April 15. Fish are already being caught (and released) out west and are slowly making there way east. Most of the fish caught have been schoolies, but there have been a few keepers in the mix. Guys have been successful using swimming plugs like a Mag Dartars, Sp Minnows and redfins but using clams will also work.  Early season fish require some patience, but putting in your time can be very rewarding. Try fishing the mouths of creeks and rivers as well as some warmer water in shallower areas. A couple of days of warmer weather should really "turn the fish on," so get out there and give them a shot.
On the surf fishing scene: The "surf rats" have taken trips to Manhasset bay to score with Stripers to 33." Anglers have been using the usual small plugs,Sp Minnows and redfins.  Try your favorite lures or possibly a small shad lure.

Flounder and Blackfish opened on April first. Sadly the weather has not been up to par for boats to sail through the bays to target these fish. Local fisherman are starting to gear up for a nice weekend to start targeting these species. When fishing for flounder clam chum is a must, along with mussels. chumming the waters over a muddy bay floor and sending a sandworm to the bottom is the best option to tangle with these flatbacks. Blackfish are a stronger fish found around structure and rock pails. Sandworms, Green crabs, or clam is what you'd want to have on board to have the best shot at these fish.

BREAKING NEWS: The lakes are stocked! Just up the block 300 brown trout were placed in on March 22nd. Many anglers have already reported catching  several large healthy brown trout from West Lake . The days following the stocking is when these fish will be most aggressive. Several lures will work excellent in catching these fish. A few of them are Kastmasters in gold and silver, Blue Fox Lures and Thomas lures. Gold lures have been producing most. Most other colors so far. If you do not feel like throwing lures, then you can try using a nightcrawlers or small shiner under a float.

Brackish water has seen action with white perch and "holdover" striped bass. it’s been Pretty impressive that there have been reports of bass to 28".  Most fish have been caught on small bucktails and nightcrawlers, while targeting white perch.  No matter what the regulations are for stripers, in NY state they can be targeted in the closed season, but must be released.

On the Freshwater side of things you have a few more options. You can try your luck at Connetquot River State Park  for fly fishing. Patchogue locals are reporting consistent catches of Rainbow and Brook trout using bead headed Nymphs and Wolly Buggers. Also on the warmer days they are still doing some dry fly fishing.