Long Island, New York Fishing Report - March 10, 2016

It’s finally starting to feel like spring around Long Island, and the fish and fishermen are coming out of their winter hibernation.

The reports this week had good saltwater fishing at the east and west ends of the island, with solid freshwater action in the middle.

Herring are making a strong showing in Sheepshead Bay reported the crew at Stella Maris. Wednesday’s warmth made the bay come alive with herring, bunker, and bluefish. Yes, bluefish. The Stella Maris crew had it on good authority that bluefish had followed bunker into the area. Whether or not the blues stick around is another question.

Anglers are catching herring both day and night at Pier 10 and the blue footbridge reported Stella Maris.

With all that bait in the area, it shouldn’t be too long before reports of stripers come in from the West End of Long Island.

At the opposite end, the Viking Fleet hit the cod grounds on Wednesday and found good action. Rich from WhiteWater Outfitters heard a good report from Montauk as well. One boat caught about 25 keeper cod, with many between 10 and 12 pounds, along with a few ling.

The warm weather has inspired more anglers to hit the rivers and streams around Long Island reported Paul from River Bay Outfitters. The Connetquot is fishing well, he reported, but is crowded, so anglers will want to reserve their beats early. Off-island, fishermen are having good luck catching trout on the Mianus and the East Branch of the Croton.

Paul said the stocking trucks will be rolling next week, planting trout in Long Island’s ponds, providing more freshwater opportunities for anglers. While most of New York has a set opening day for trout season (April 1), the Long Island trout season is open year ‘round.

Paul also mentioned the upcoming Fly Fishing Expo on March 19, taking place at the Holiday Inn in Plainview. The expo will have demos, presentations, seminars, and even a film festival.

Anglers are finding pickerel in some lakes according to Carmine at the Campsite Sport Shop. He also reported on the good fishing happening at the Connetquot.

Phil at Cow Harbor said fishermen heading to Twin Ponds for trout aren’t catching many of their target species, but that they are finding some hungry largemouth bass. Ponds in the Smithtown area are also producing bass.

Best Bets for the Weekend

If it’s saltwater action you’re after, you’ll need to head to either the extreme east or the extreme west end of Long Island. Hit Pier 10 or the footbridge for herring in Sheepshead Bay, and try your luck for blues or some early-arriving stripers around the bunker schools in Great Kills Harbor. Just remember that striper fishing is catch-and-release only for another month.

The cod fishing out of Montauk is better than it has been for a few weeks, so it’s worth the trip. The Viking Fleet is also making its first offshore trip on Friday, heading out for tilefish and hake.

In freshwater, the Connetquot is the best bet for trout, just be sure to get your reservation early. The ponds are producing bass and pickerel, and a live shiner will be tough to beat. For lures, shallow-running crankbaits or jigs are most likely to draw a response.