**Bottom Line Up Front:** With the striped bass season now closed, the focus in Long Island Sound has shifted to winter species. The water temperatures are dropping into the mid-50s, and the herring have started to make their appearance in the North Shore harbors. While the striper fishing is over, there are still opportunities for those willing to brave the cold.
**Herring and Mackerel:** The herring have started to show up in the western Sound, with reports of smaller fish being caught on sabiki rigs. The fish seem to be holding higher in the water column, so be sure to work your rig from top to bottom. There have also been a few mackerel mixed in with the herring, which is a good sign for the winter fishing to come.
**Winter Holdovers:** While the main body of striped bass has moved on, there are still some holdover fish to be found in the back bays and rivers. These fish are not as active as they were in the fall, but they can still be caught on small jigs and soft plastics. The key is to fish low and slow, and to be patient. The upcoming cold front will likely push these fish into deeper water, so the next few days could be your last chance to get on them.
**Freshwater Alternative:** For those looking to get out of the salt, the freshwater fishing has been excellent. The local ponds and lakes have been stocked with trout, and they are providing good action for those using small spinners and spoons. The walleye fishing has also been good, with fish being caught on jerkbaits and paddletails at night.
**Looking Ahead:** The weather is going to be a major factor over the next few days, with a strong cold front expected to move through the area on Wednesday. This will likely shut down the fishing for a few days, so be sure to get out there while you can. The good news is that the herring and mackerel have started to show up, which is a good sign for the winter fishing to come.
**Herring and Mackerel:** The herring have started to show up in the western Sound, with reports of smaller fish being caught on sabiki rigs. The fish seem to be holding higher in the water column, so be sure to work your rig from top to bottom. There have also been a few mackerel mixed in with the herring, which is a good sign for the winter fishing to come.
**Winter Holdovers:** While the main body of striped bass has moved on, there are still some holdover fish to be found in the back bays and rivers. These fish are not as active as they were in the fall, but they can still be caught on small jigs and soft plastics. The key is to fish low and slow, and to be patient. The upcoming cold front will likely push these fish into deeper water, so the next few days could be your last chance to get on them.
**Freshwater Alternative:** For those looking to get out of the salt, the freshwater fishing has been excellent. The local ponds and lakes have been stocked with trout, and they are providing good action for those using small spinners and spoons. The walleye fishing has also been good, with fish being caught on jerkbaits and paddletails at night.
**Looking Ahead:** The weather is going to be a major factor over the next few days, with a strong cold front expected to move through the area on Wednesday. This will likely shut down the fishing for a few days, so be sure to get out there while you can. The good news is that the herring and mackerel have started to show up, which is a good sign for the winter fishing to come.
