The air is frigid, the water is cold, and the striper and blackfish seasons have officially closed as of December 15th. It was a great run while it lasted, but now our attention turns to the winter holdovers and freshwater opportunities that keep us busy through the cold months. For those willing to brave the elements, there is still some decent action to be had in the tidal rivers and freshwater ponds across the island.
The white perch bite has been the main event for many anglers. These feisty cousins of the striped bass are active in the tidal creeks and rivers, providing some fun light tackle action. The key has been to fish slow and low. Small soft plastics and marabou jigs in bright colors for stained water and natural tones for clearer conditions have been producing well. Live worms are also a can't-miss bait. The shop is stocked up on all the necessary gear to get you on the perch bite.
Freshwater trout fishing has also been fantastic. The recent stockings have the ponds and rivers full of fish. Nymphing and streamers have been the ticket for pulling some of the bigger, more aggressive trout out of cover. The Connetquot River, in particular, has been giving up some beautiful brook and rainbow trout. Bead head woolly buggers and pellet imitation flies have been very effective.
Looking ahead, it seems we are in for a long winter. The first snow has already fallen, and many of the ponds are starting to get skim ice. This will likely push more anglers towards the tidal rivers where the water is still moving. The white perch, trout, and crappie don't seem to mind the cold, so as long as you can find open water, there should be fish to catch. It might be a good time to start prepping your ice fishing gear, just in case we get a good freeze.
Stay warm and tight lines!
The white perch bite has been the main event for many anglers. These feisty cousins of the striped bass are active in the tidal creeks and rivers, providing some fun light tackle action. The key has been to fish slow and low. Small soft plastics and marabou jigs in bright colors for stained water and natural tones for clearer conditions have been producing well. Live worms are also a can't-miss bait. The shop is stocked up on all the necessary gear to get you on the perch bite.
Freshwater trout fishing has also been fantastic. The recent stockings have the ponds and rivers full of fish. Nymphing and streamers have been the ticket for pulling some of the bigger, more aggressive trout out of cover. The Connetquot River, in particular, has been giving up some beautiful brook and rainbow trout. Bead head woolly buggers and pellet imitation flies have been very effective.
Looking ahead, it seems we are in for a long winter. The first snow has already fallen, and many of the ponds are starting to get skim ice. This will likely push more anglers towards the tidal rivers where the water is still moving. The white perch, trout, and crappie don't seem to mind the cold, so as long as you can find open water, there should be fish to catch. It might be a good time to start prepping your ice fishing gear, just in case we get a good freeze.
Stay warm and tight lines!
