2 weeks ago · Updated 2 weeks ago
The north shore of Long Island, New York, has seen a dynamic week of late-summer fishing, with cooling water temperatures and shifting bait schools driving a variety of inshore and nearshore action for anglers targeting both bottom and pelagic species.
Weekly Catches
The catches below cover the last 7 days.
Porgy (Scup)
Porgy action remains strong on the north shore, especially around Port Washington, where anglers are finding consistent numbers and an improving ratio of keepers to shorts as water temperatures drop. The abundance of baitfish has also attracted other predators to the area.
- Good porgy catches reported on the traditional grounds off Port Washington.
- Keeper-to-short ratio improving with cooler water.
Bluefish
Bluefish—from cocktails up to 5 pounds—are active on the north shore, with surface blitzes observed as schools of peanut bunker move through. These fish are feeding aggressively, especially around bait concentrations in the bays and just outside harbor mouths.
- Blues ranging from small cocktails to 5 pounds reported in Northport and surrounding areas.
- Surface action best where peanut bunker schools are thick.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are beginning to feed more actively as nighttime temperatures cool. The night bite is turning on, with larger fish being caught after dark, particularly in Jamaica Bay and the back harbors and rivers east of Smithtown. Productive baits and lures this week include all-white Deceiver flies and metal lip swimmers.
- Nighttime action improving for bigger stripers in Jamaica Bay and Smithtown backwaters.
- Effective presentations: all-white Deceiver flies, Jim Jaget metal lip swimmers, and live eels.
Weakfish
Weakfish continue to provide solid action in Jamaica Bay, feeding alongside striped bass and bluefish on schools of peanut bunker. These fish are being caught both during the day and at night, with the best results coming on natural bait imitations.
- Consistent weakfish catches in Jamaica Bay on peanut bunker schools.
False Albacore (Albies)
False albacore are expected to arrive in greater numbers as bay anchovies move outside the bays. Recent northeast winds are anticipated to push big schools of these fast-moving pelagics toward the north shore, with blitzes likely in the coming days.
- Bay anchovies outside the bay should bring in more albies soon.
- Best action expected after east and northeast winds.
Blackfish (Tautog)
While the blackfish season is not yet in full swing, scouting efforts are underway on the north shore grounds. Anglers are preparing for the fall bite, which is expected to improve as water temperatures continue to drop.
- Scouting for blackfish has begun; main action expected as fall progresses.
Other Species
There are still reports of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in the back harbors and rivers, particularly east of Northport and Smithtown, with live eels producing some of the bigger fish. The presence of abundant bait is keeping a variety of predators active in these areas.
- Big bass reported on live eels in Smithtown back harbor and rivers.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Recent east and northeast winds have cooled water temperatures and pushed baitfish schools toward the north shore. These wind patterns are expected to trigger increased activity among predatory species, especially as fall approaches. Water temperatures are dropping, which is improving the bite for many inshore species.
Tides & Solunar Activity
Strong tidal flows around the new and full moons have concentrated bait and predator activity at harbor mouths and along rocky points. Anglers are finding the best action during moving water, especially at dawn and dusk when predatory fish are most active.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
With peanut bunker and bay anchovies abundant, matching the hatch with small metal lures, soft plastics, and natural bait imitations has been key. For striped bass and bluefish, targeting blitzes at first light or after dark has produced the best results. As water temperatures continue to drop, expect the blackfish bite to improve and for more false albacore to move inshore.
Regulations & Notices
Anglers are reminded to check current New York State saltwater fishing regulations for updated size and bag limits on all species, including porgy, striped bass, bluefish, and blackfish. The fall season brings changes to open and closed periods for several species, so review the latest guidance before heading out. Conservation officers are actively patrolling popular access points and marinas.
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