Late Winter Options on the Sweeter Side

Feeling caught between fishing seasons? You’re not alone. Even though the start of the spring bite around Long Island is less than two months away, that can feel like a long time when you haven’t been on the water since October or November. Fortunately, there are a few sweetwater and brackish options for local anglers to quell that craving for some piscatorial action. Here’s the skinny on three of your best prospects.

Connetquot Rules!

Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale offers your quickest route to fun freshwater action and bragging-sized trout during the winter months. A jewel of a river that cuts a four-mile swarth through the 3,743-acre preserve, the “Conny” features rainbow trout that are naturally abundant in the river, plus brown trout, brookies and tiger trout that are raised in the park’s own hatchery. All four species can grow to large proportions in these pristine waters, although most measure less than 15 inches.

The catch here is that it’s pay-to-play and fly-fishing only. Based on a first come-first served basis among those with reservations, anglers pay $25 each to choose an assigned beat on the river for a four-hour fishing session. The park is closed to fishing on Mondays. For details on reservations, session times, fees and rules, visit https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/connetquot-river-state-park-preserve or call the park office at 631-581-1005. Be aware that you will need a freshwater fishing license here.

Connetquot holds some huge rainbow's in the winter months for those willing to brave the cold. Photo by Jeff Lomonaco.

There’s no need to worry if you aren’t an expert fly-caster when thinking about trying this location for the first time. Most beats require only short casts and it’s possible to get by with a basic fly-fishing outfit suitable for trout and panfish.  A five- or six-weight flyrod and reel combo, spooled with weight-forward floating or intermediate fly line, makes a good choice for getting started. We recommend the Redington Wrangler Trout Kit – 590-4 as it does a great job and travels really well. Compliment this with a simple selection of beaded nymphs in sizes  16 – 22 that include Pheasant Tail, Midges and egg patterns, plus a couple size 6 to 10 olive or black Wooly Buggers. It’s also a good idea to carry along a few size 10 Stone Fly nymphs, Matukas and Zonkers in case you spy a real lunker on your beat.

Bring along a small landing net, too, as it makes the end game easier should you connect with a  trophy fish. Also, note that wearing waders will allow you to cover a lot more water than fishing from the limited shoreline and dock access at this location, but neoprene waders are prohibited. 

Hit The Ponds For Panfish and Stockies

If you’re just itching for some bites and don’t really care what kind of fish you catch, mixed-bag action with trout and panfish can be a ton of fun on local lakes and ponds. Choose a lightweight, four- to six-pound-test spinning outfit to cast a weighted float positioned two feet above a 1/64-ounce Leland’s Trout Magnet and it shouldn’t take long to hook into a few yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed and, perhaps, a trout from last fall’s stocking.

Whether fishing from shore or boat, simply toss your offering out and allow the wind to move your float gently across the surface so the lure dances gently through the water. Strikes are often light this time of year, registering as a slight twitch of the float or change in its drift direction. Choose a nice warm afternoon to set out - and bring the kids if you don’t mind planning a short outing.

Connetquot Park brookies grow thick and bight right through the winter months.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Capt. Gaige Simon, Sand City Fishing Charters.

Tidal Trout:

It's no secret that Long Island's tidal creeks and rivers offer some excellent trout fishing during the colder months, but some anglers overestimate the difficulty of this kind of fishing. True, there is quite a bit of pressure at the best-known hot spots - Bubbles Falls, Rattlesnake Creek

and the upper reaches of the tidal Carmans River are your best bets. Still, there are a surprising number of rainbow, brown and brook trout swimming in these waters on a regular basis. Put in some time and you'll likely figure them out.

Keeping the idea of not over-thinking this game in focus, a fat, juicy night crawler – or half of one - is rarely turned down by these feisty fish. Berkley Power Nuggets or Power Paste, a single red or yellow salmon egg, corn kernels, and grass shrimp also work. Any of these can be impaled on a size 8 beak or claw style hook and drifted out into the current without the aid of a float. On days when the water is clear, you might see your bait simply disappear as a fish swallows it up. Murky water requires watching for a slight twitch in the line to indicate a pick-up.

If bait-fishing isn't your thing, small silver spinners catch well in the deeper pockets. A 1/8-oz. Road Runner Original Marabou Jig is also worth a shot. Tip this with a waxworm for extra sweetness and work it as slowly as possible without hitting bottom. Keep in mind that trout tend to be sluggish on the bite this time of year, so don’t rush to set the hook.

Be aware that recreational fishing in New York State tidal (marine and coastal) waters requires those 16 and older to enroll in the free annual Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. A standard freshwater fishing license is not necessary for fishing in the marine district.

Bundle Up

Keep in mind that winter fishing is a true cold-weather sport. Even in mild 40-degree temperatures it can feel frigid after only an hour around the water. Be sure to dress in layers, bring along waterproof gloves, a warm hat and boots or waders. If you are in need of winter apparel, we are well-stocked at the shop. Good luck!

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