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Fishing is a popular leisure time activity enjoyed by many Suffolk County residents. Thanks to careful acquisition of lands and astute conservation efforts by the Parks Department, some of the best fresh and saltwater fishing opportunities on Long Island are available in your Suffolk County parks. Ranging from the fighting bluefish to the delicate rainbow trout, an assortment of fish reside in ponds, rivers, and ocean waters in several county parks. Freshwater fishing is available at Blydenburgh, Sears Bellows, Southaven, and Theodore Roosevelt County Parks. While visiting these parks look for bass, perch, bluegills, pickerel and trout. Surfcasters and other saltwater fisherman can try their luck at Smith Point, Theodore Roosevelt, Cedar Point, Indian Island, Cupsogue, and Shinnecock East County Parks. At these parks try "luring" in a bluefish, weakfish, striped bass, flounder or blowfish. Freshwater fisherman are reminded that in addition to New York State required fishing licenses, a daily fishing permit for Southaven must also be obtained.
The Suffolk County Parks which have fishing facilities are:
Fresh Water
Blydenburgh County Park
Smithtown (631) 854-3713
The park offers freshwater lake fishing for pumpkinseed, large mouth bass, perch and bluegills. Bait permitted. New York State rules prevail. Fishing permitted between sunrise and sunset. Rowboats for rent sunrise to sunset, or as posted by park personnel.
Southaven County Park
Brookhaven (631) 854-1414
In addition to the N.Y. State fishing license, a fishing permit for Southaven must also be obtained. This park offers freshwater stream and lake fishing for brook and rainbow trout, large mouth bass, bluegills and perch. Bait permitted in lake and pond only, above upper dam fly fishing only. New York State rules prevail for all species except trout which are limited to 3 per rod per day. The minimum size allowed to be taken is 9" for brown and rainbow trout caught in stream, lower lake and pond. Minimum size for bass is 12". Note: Brook trout may not be taken - catch and release only.
$2.00 Parkland use fee is charged to Suffolk County residents 16 years or older. N.Y. State fishing rules prevail. In the lake and pond, children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing in Southaven Park is permitted upon application and registration at the park office. All persons must register. Fishing is permitted between sunrise and sunset only. Rowboat season - April 1 thru Sept. 30 or as posted by park personnel.
Sears Bellows County Park
Hampton Bays (631) 852-8290
This park offers fresh water pond fishing for bass, bluegills, perch and pickerel. No fee for seining, but N.Y. State Fishing License required. Fishing permitted between sunrise and sunset. Rowboats for rent mid-May thru Labor Day or as posted by park personnel. Limited access available to Penny's Pond at Hubbard County Park. Check in at Sears Bellows.
Theodore Roosevelt County Park
Montauk (631) 852-7878
Theodore Roosevelt County Park has within its boundaries a freshwater pond known as "Big Reed" Pond. This pond is noted for its bass and perch fishing. All persons boating or fishing at Big Reed must check in and out at the check station located at the southern end of the park to establish a creel survey and also as a safety precaution. N.Y. State rules prevail. Fishing is permitted between the hours of sunrise and sunset.
Lake Ronkonkoma County Park
Lake Ronkonkoma (631) 854-9699
This park offers fishing from a floating handicap accessible fishing pier, from the shore or from your private craft which may be launched from the state ramp on Victory Lane. Parking fee charged in season.
Salt Water Fishing
Smith Point County Park
Shirley (631) 852-1313
This park offers bay fishing for flounder, snapper and blowfish. Ocean fishing (surfcasting) for bluefish, weakfish and striped bass. Open year round. Off road vehicles need outer beach permit.
Cedar Point County Park
East Hampton (631) 852-7620
This park offers saltwater fishing, surfcasting for bluefish and striped bass; also, shore fishing for snappers and blowfish. Fishing permitted between sunrise and sunset. Rowboats available for rent from mid May thru Labor Day or as posted by park personnel, on Alewive Pond only. Limited hand and trailer launching areas available, check with park personnel.
Theodore Roosevelt County Park
Montauk (631) 852-7878 (631) 852-7879 (seasonal)
Ocean fishing (surfcasting) is also permitted for bluefish, weakfish and striped bass. Theodore Roosevelt Park has excellent saltwater fishing for bluefish and striped bass on the northern portion of the park. Non-residents may obtain a recreational vehicle use permit for year round fishing opportunities at this park. Check with park or parks administration at (631) 854-4949 for details.
Shinnecock East County Park
Southampton (631) 852-8899 (seasonal)
This park offers ocean fishing for off road recreational vehicle permit holders. Park is located on the east side of the Shinnecock Inlet.
Cupsogue Beach County Park
Westhampton (631) 852-8111 (seasonal)
This park offers ocean fishing (surfcasting) for bluefish, weakfish and striped bass. Off road vehicles need outer beach permit.
Indian Island County Park
Riverhead (631) 852-3232
This park offers saltwater fishing on Flanders Bay and nearby estuaries. Look for weakfish, striped bass, bluefish, and snappers.
Suffolk County residents can now enjoy fishing on the Long Island Sound at Cordwood Landing County Park in Miller Place from April 1 to December 15. A Cordwood Landing Fishing permit is required. Limited permits available. Call (631) 854-4949 for more information.
Night Fishing Permit
To insure that surfcasters may enjoy increased fishing opportunities, the Parks Department sells night fishing permits for access to parks during the hours they are normally closed (10PM - 6AM). Permits are good only at the following locations: Smith Point, Shinnecock East, Charles F. Altenkirch, Orient Point, Cupsogue, Shinnecock Canal and Theodore Roosevelt County Park. Permits (resident and nonresident) can be purchased at Smith Point, Shinnecock East, Sears Bellows, Theodore Roosevelt County Park and West Sayville Administration Office. There is no charge for the permit if you purchase a Suffolk County Park Recreation Vehicle Use permit. Call the administration office (631) 854-4949 for further information and fees.
Fishing Links
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