Winter's Grip: When the Bays Go Quiet
The bays and inlets have entered their deep winter sleep. With the striped bass and blackfish seasons officially closed as of December 15th, and water temperatures hovering in the low to mid 40s, the South Shore has transformed from the bustling fishing grounds of fall into a landscape of stillness and patience. The winter storm rolling through this weekend brings snow, northeast winds, and building seas, reminding us that nature dictates the rhythm here, not our desire to fish.
I've spent three decades reading these waters, and December always brings this same transition. The baitfish have scattered or moved to deeper, warmer pockets. The gamefish have either migrated offshore or tucked into the warmest sanctuaries they can find. What remains is a skeleton crew of holdover stripers in the tidal creeks, white perch willing to bite for those who understand their winter patterns, and the occasional surprise for anglers who know where to look.
Current Conditions & Marine Forecast
As of Thursday morning, December 26th, we're dealing with active weather across the entire South Shore. A small craft advisory is in effect through this morning for the Moriches Inlet to Montauk Point zone, with north winds 15-20 knots gusting to 25, becoming northeast 5-10 this afternoon. Seas are running 3-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet. Tonight brings snow with visibility dropping below a mile at times, and east winds increasing to 15-20 knots with gusts to 25 after midnight. Seas will build to 2-4 feet occasionally to 5 feet.
Saturday continues the challenging pattern with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25 and seas 4-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet, with a chance of snow and rain in the morning. Water temperatures throughout the bay systems are holding at 42-45°F, which is cold enough to significantly slow fish metabolism and activity. Sunday offers a brief respite with northwest winds 5-10 knots and seas dropping to 2-3 feet, though rain is possible in the afternoon.
Looking ahead, Monday and Tuesday bring severe conditions with southwest winds building to 25-30 knots Monday, then west winds 30-40 knots Monday night and Tuesday with seas 5-8 feet building to 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. This is not fishing weather. This is stay-home-and-tie-rigs weather.
Western Zone: Fire Island Inlet to Democrat Point
Fire Island Inlet and the surrounding waters are essentially dormant. The Robert Moses Bridge area, which can be productive for anchored anglers clamming and chumming during the season, is now closed for striped bass. Any holdover stripers in the area are catch and release only, and frankly, the cold water and lack of bait make targeting them a low-percentage game.
Great South Bay on the western end is showing typical winter patterns. The deeper channels and holes are holding some white perch, and there are reports of anglers finding decent action in the tidal creeks feeding into the bay. The key is using light and ultralight tackle with small soft plastics and marabou jigs. Brighter colors work better in the stained waters near the inlets, while natural colors produce in the clearer back bay areas. Live worms are also effective if you prefer bait fishing.
The surf along Robert Moses and Jones Beach is essentially unfishable right now, not just because of the weather but because there's simply nothing there. The bait has moved out, the stripers are gone, and the winter species haven't moved in yet. Save your energy for spring.
Central Zone: Democrat Point to Moriches Inlet
The central bay systems including the middle sections of Great South Bay and the approaches to Moriches Inlet are in similar shape. The party boats out of Captree are down to one vessel still sailing, running 13-hour deep-water trips for giant sea bass and porgies. Their last trip for the season is scheduled for December 31st. This past week, they reported a full boat limit of sea bass on their Saturday trip, which is encouraging for those willing to make the long run.
Moriches Bay is quiet. The tidal flows through Moriches Inlet create some current-driven opportunities, but with the bass season closed and the blackfish season over, you're looking at white perch and the occasional holdover striper on catch and release. The deeper channels near the inlet can hold fish during the tide changes, particularly on the outgoing when bait gets swept through the cut.
For those looking at alternative options, the freshwater ponds and tidal rivers are producing better action than the saltwater right now. The Connetquot River has been excellent for stocked trout on fly gear, with brook trout, rainbows, and browns all active on weighted streamers and nymphs.
Eastern Zone: Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet
Shinnecock Bay and the eastern bay systems are showing the same winter patterns. Water temperatures in the mid 40s have pushed most gamefish into deeper water or out of the system entirely. Shinnecock Inlet, which can produce excellent striper fishing during the fall run, is now closed for bass and offers limited opportunities.
The inlet itself still sees strong current flows, with incoming tides running at 3 knots at peak and outgoing approaching 4 knots. This current can position baitfish and attract predators, but with the bass season closed, any fish you hook must be released immediately. The reality is that the effort-to-reward ratio is low right now.
The ocean beaches from Moriches to Southampton are effectively shut down for surf fishing. The water is cold, the bait is scarce, and the fish have moved offshore or south. There were some late-season opportunities earlier in December before the closure, but those windows have passed.
Bay Systems: Tactics for Winter Fishing
If you're determined to fish the bays this time of year, your focus should be on white perch in the tidal creeks and brackish areas. These fish are active throughout the winter and provide consistent action if you understand their patterns. They school up in the deeper holes and channels, particularly areas with some current flow during tide changes.
The presentation is critical in cold water. You need to slow everything down. Dragging curly-tail grubs on the bottom with a slow and steady retrieve has been producing chunky fish. Small soft plastics in the 2-3 inch range on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigheads work well. Colors should match the water clarity: bright chartreuse, pink, or white in stained water, natural shad or smoke colors in clearer conditions.
For lure anglers targeting holdover stripers (catch and release only), small suspending jerkbaits like the Rapala PXR Mavrik 110, Megabass Vision Oneten, or Shimano World Minnow 115 can produce bites from bass, pickerel, and walleye in the tidal rivers. Work them with long pauses and minimal action. The cold water means fish won't chase fast-moving baits.
Ocean Beach: Surf Conditions & Outlook
The surf is essentially closed for business. With the striped bass season over and water temperatures in the low 40s, there's no reason to be standing in the wash right now. The winter nor'easters bring big seas and dangerous conditions, and there's nothing out there worth risking your safety for.
If you're a hardcore surf angler missing the beach, use this time to organize your tackle, repair any damaged equipment, and prepare for the spring. The next real surf opportunities won't come until April when the water temperatures start climbing and the spring striper migration begins.
Three-Day Forecast & Fishability
Friday, December 27: Poor conditions across all zones. Northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25, seas 4-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet, chance of snow and rain with reduced visibility. Protected tidal creeks only for white perch. Fishability: 2/10.
Saturday, December 28: Marginal improvement. North winds 10-15 gusting to 20 diminishing to 5-10 after midnight, seas 3-4 feet occasionally to 5 ft. Better for protected bay fishing but still challenging. Fishability: 4/10.
Sunday, December 29: Best window of the weekend. Northwest winds 5-10 becoming west, seas 2-3 feet, chance of rain afternoon. Fishable conditions in the bays and tidal creeks for white perch and holdover stripers. Fishability: 6/10.
The Zen of Winter Fishing
There's a lesson in these quiet winter days that I learned from my grandfather when he ran party boats out of Captree in the 1960s. He used to say that the ocean teaches patience, and winter is when that lesson hits hardest. The fish are still there, just not in the numbers or locations we're used to. The water is cold, the weather is harsh, and the easy fishing is over.
But for those willing to adapt, there are still opportunities. White perch in the tidal creeks. Stocked trout in the rivers. The occasional holdover striper willing to eat a well-placed lure. These aren't the blitzes of October or the wide-open blackfish bite of November, but they're something. They're a connection to the water during a season when most anglers have put their rods away.
My advice for the next few weeks is simple: fish when the conditions allow, focus on the species that are actually active, and don't force it. If the weather is brutal, stay home. If the water is too cold and the fish aren't cooperating, don't waste your time. Use this period to prepare for spring, when the water warms, the bait returns, and the South Shore comes alive again.
Until then, respect the water, stay safe, and remember that patience is the most important tool in your tackle box.
Tight lines,
South Shore Sam
The bays and inlets have entered their deep winter sleep. With the striped bass and blackfish seasons officially closed as of December 15th, and water temperatures hovering in the low to mid 40s, the South Shore has transformed from the bustling fishing grounds of fall into a landscape of stillness and patience. The winter storm rolling through this weekend brings snow, northeast winds, and building seas, reminding us that nature dictates the rhythm here, not our desire to fish.
I've spent three decades reading these waters, and December always brings this same transition. The baitfish have scattered or moved to deeper, warmer pockets. The gamefish have either migrated offshore or tucked into the warmest sanctuaries they can find. What remains is a skeleton crew of holdover stripers in the tidal creeks, white perch willing to bite for those who understand their winter patterns, and the occasional surprise for anglers who know where to look.
Current Conditions & Marine Forecast
As of Thursday morning, December 26th, we're dealing with active weather across the entire South Shore. A small craft advisory is in effect through this morning for the Moriches Inlet to Montauk Point zone, with north winds 15-20 knots gusting to 25, becoming northeast 5-10 this afternoon. Seas are running 3-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet. Tonight brings snow with visibility dropping below a mile at times, and east winds increasing to 15-20 knots with gusts to 25 after midnight. Seas will build to 2-4 feet occasionally to 5 feet.
Saturday continues the challenging pattern with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25 and seas 4-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet, with a chance of snow and rain in the morning. Water temperatures throughout the bay systems are holding at 42-45°F, which is cold enough to significantly slow fish metabolism and activity. Sunday offers a brief respite with northwest winds 5-10 knots and seas dropping to 2-3 feet, though rain is possible in the afternoon.
Looking ahead, Monday and Tuesday bring severe conditions with southwest winds building to 25-30 knots Monday, then west winds 30-40 knots Monday night and Tuesday with seas 5-8 feet building to 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. This is not fishing weather. This is stay-home-and-tie-rigs weather.
Western Zone: Fire Island Inlet to Democrat Point
Fire Island Inlet and the surrounding waters are essentially dormant. The Robert Moses Bridge area, which can be productive for anchored anglers clamming and chumming during the season, is now closed for striped bass. Any holdover stripers in the area are catch and release only, and frankly, the cold water and lack of bait make targeting them a low-percentage game.
Great South Bay on the western end is showing typical winter patterns. The deeper channels and holes are holding some white perch, and there are reports of anglers finding decent action in the tidal creeks feeding into the bay. The key is using light and ultralight tackle with small soft plastics and marabou jigs. Brighter colors work better in the stained waters near the inlets, while natural colors produce in the clearer back bay areas. Live worms are also effective if you prefer bait fishing.
The surf along Robert Moses and Jones Beach is essentially unfishable right now, not just because of the weather but because there's simply nothing there. The bait has moved out, the stripers are gone, and the winter species haven't moved in yet. Save your energy for spring.
Central Zone: Democrat Point to Moriches Inlet
The central bay systems including the middle sections of Great South Bay and the approaches to Moriches Inlet are in similar shape. The party boats out of Captree are down to one vessel still sailing, running 13-hour deep-water trips for giant sea bass and porgies. Their last trip for the season is scheduled for December 31st. This past week, they reported a full boat limit of sea bass on their Saturday trip, which is encouraging for those willing to make the long run.
Moriches Bay is quiet. The tidal flows through Moriches Inlet create some current-driven opportunities, but with the bass season closed and the blackfish season over, you're looking at white perch and the occasional holdover striper on catch and release. The deeper channels near the inlet can hold fish during the tide changes, particularly on the outgoing when bait gets swept through the cut.
For those looking at alternative options, the freshwater ponds and tidal rivers are producing better action than the saltwater right now. The Connetquot River has been excellent for stocked trout on fly gear, with brook trout, rainbows, and browns all active on weighted streamers and nymphs.
Eastern Zone: Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet
Shinnecock Bay and the eastern bay systems are showing the same winter patterns. Water temperatures in the mid 40s have pushed most gamefish into deeper water or out of the system entirely. Shinnecock Inlet, which can produce excellent striper fishing during the fall run, is now closed for bass and offers limited opportunities.
The inlet itself still sees strong current flows, with incoming tides running at 3 knots at peak and outgoing approaching 4 knots. This current can position baitfish and attract predators, but with the bass season closed, any fish you hook must be released immediately. The reality is that the effort-to-reward ratio is low right now.
The ocean beaches from Moriches to Southampton are effectively shut down for surf fishing. The water is cold, the bait is scarce, and the fish have moved offshore or south. There were some late-season opportunities earlier in December before the closure, but those windows have passed.
Bay Systems: Tactics for Winter Fishing
If you're determined to fish the bays this time of year, your focus should be on white perch in the tidal creeks and brackish areas. These fish are active throughout the winter and provide consistent action if you understand their patterns. They school up in the deeper holes and channels, particularly areas with some current flow during tide changes.
The presentation is critical in cold water. You need to slow everything down. Dragging curly-tail grubs on the bottom with a slow and steady retrieve has been producing chunky fish. Small soft plastics in the 2-3 inch range on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigheads work well. Colors should match the water clarity: bright chartreuse, pink, or white in stained water, natural shad or smoke colors in clearer conditions.
For lure anglers targeting holdover stripers (catch and release only), small suspending jerkbaits like the Rapala PXR Mavrik 110, Megabass Vision Oneten, or Shimano World Minnow 115 can produce bites from bass, pickerel, and walleye in the tidal rivers. Work them with long pauses and minimal action. The cold water means fish won't chase fast-moving baits.
Ocean Beach: Surf Conditions & Outlook
The surf is essentially closed for business. With the striped bass season over and water temperatures in the low 40s, there's no reason to be standing in the wash right now. The winter nor'easters bring big seas and dangerous conditions, and there's nothing out there worth risking your safety for.
If you're a hardcore surf angler missing the beach, use this time to organize your tackle, repair any damaged equipment, and prepare for the spring. The next real surf opportunities won't come until April when the water temperatures start climbing and the spring striper migration begins.
Three-Day Forecast & Fishability
Friday, December 27: Poor conditions across all zones. Northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25, seas 4-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet, chance of snow and rain with reduced visibility. Protected tidal creeks only for white perch. Fishability: 2/10.
Saturday, December 28: Marginal improvement. North winds 10-15 gusting to 20 diminishing to 5-10 after midnight, seas 3-4 feet occasionally to 5 ft. Better for protected bay fishing but still challenging. Fishability: 4/10.
Sunday, December 29: Best window of the weekend. Northwest winds 5-10 becoming west, seas 2-3 feet, chance of rain afternoon. Fishable conditions in the bays and tidal creeks for white perch and holdover stripers. Fishability: 6/10.
The Zen of Winter Fishing
There's a lesson in these quiet winter days that I learned from my grandfather when he ran party boats out of Captree in the 1960s. He used to say that the ocean teaches patience, and winter is when that lesson hits hardest. The fish are still there, just not in the numbers or locations we're used to. The water is cold, the weather is harsh, and the easy fishing is over.
But for those willing to adapt, there are still opportunities. White perch in the tidal creeks. Stocked trout in the rivers. The occasional holdover striper willing to eat a well-placed lure. These aren't the blitzes of October or the wide-open blackfish bite of November, but they're something. They're a connection to the water during a season when most anglers have put their rods away.
My advice for the next few weeks is simple: fish when the conditions allow, focus on the species that are actually active, and don't force it. If the weather is brutal, stay home. If the water is too cold and the fish aren't cooperating, don't waste your time. Use this period to prepare for spring, when the water warms, the bait returns, and the South Shore comes alive again.
Until then, respect the water, stay safe, and remember that patience is the most important tool in your tackle box.
Tight lines,
South Shore Sam
