Date: 2026-08-29
Quick Take: Bluefish and striped bass are active in the East River and Long Island Sound, with solid bottom fishing for sea bass and porgy on the east end. Inland trout stocking is scheduled for May and June in multiple rivers and lakes across the state. [Facts: NY148, NY275, NY001, NY260].
Best Bet This Week: Target striped bass at buoy 15 in Northport during the start of an ebb tide using live porgy. This location offers reliable striper action with some porgy mixed in. [Facts: NY150].
What Fish Are Active: Bluefish, striped bass, black sea bass, porgy, and fluke are active in coastal waters. Inland, brown trout and rainbow trout stocking is scheduled for May and June in rivers such as the Salmon River and Black River. [Facts: NY148, NY275, NY260, NY216, NY231].
Where to Fish: In western Long Island Sound, try Rye and Glenwood Landing for striped bass and bluefish. Central Sound offers Northport buoy 15 for striped bass and porgy. On the east end, Montauk and Southold provide good sea bass, fluke, and bluefish action. Inland, the Salmon River and Black River are prime trout destinations. [Facts: NY148, NY149, NY150, NY001, NY013, NY260, NY231]. Specific marks in the reports include buoy 15.
Freshwater Focus: Salmon River North Branch, Redfield, Oswego County: 2700 brown trout averaging 9 – 10 inches, scheduled for May – first week 2026. Salmon River, Malone, Franklin County: 3760 rainbow trout averaging 9 – 10 inches, scheduled for May – second week 2026.
How to Fish: Use live bait and trolling for striped bass and bluefish in the East River and Long Island Sound. Jigging remains effective for bluefin tuna and sea bass on the south shore and east end. Casting spoons has produced salmon and trout catches from piers like Olcott. [Facts: NY148, NY275, NY279, NY061].
Best Baits and Lures: Live porgy and spot are effective for striped bass at Northport buoy 15. Jigs produce good results for bluefin and sea bass on the south shore. Bunker chunks and jigs work well for bluefish and striped bass in Southold. [Facts: NY150, NY275, NY013].
Trend Watch: The jig bite for bluefin tuna remains red-hot, while fluke fishing is excellent off the south shore. Striped bass bite has been fairly quiet recently in Montauk but remains steady in Northport and Rye. Inland trout stocking is on schedule for spring 2026. [Facts: NY275, NY001, NY150, NY215].
Regulation and Access Changes: The fall blackfish and sea bass season is approaching in Northport, with bottom fishing trips expected to book quickly once the season opens. No other regulation changes were reported. [Facts: NY158].