Hards Lake, Shirley

Fishing Information

Hards Lake is the largest of three impoundments on the Carmans River. It lies entirely within Southaven County Park in Yaphank.

Hards Lake is stocked with trout in the spring to provide a seasonal fishing opportunity. The resident warmwater fish species provide some year round fishing but the fish tend to be small. Moreover, fishing is difficult in the summer due to the abundant aquatic vegetation (* 174 KB pdf file) that grows in this shallow reservoir.

Physical Features:

Area: 30 acres
Maximum depth: 7 feet

Species Present (naturally reproducing):

Largemouth Bass
Bluegill
Pumpkinseed
Yellow Perch
Brown Bullhead

Species Present (stocked):

Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Suffolk County stocking information

Regulations:

For a complete listing see Suffolk County Special Regulations

Public Access:

Suffolk County Park. A Green Key is required and seasonal parking and fishing fees may apply. Rowboats may be rented in season. For more information call Southaven County Park at (631) 854-1414 or go to Suffolk County Parks' web site: www.co.suffolk.ny.us/exec/parks/

Directions: From the William Floyd Parkway make the first left north of Sunrise Highway. Look for the lake and park entrance on your right.

Restrictions: Private boats are prohibited. Park is closed from dusk to dawn.

Health Advisories: No specific advisory.

Additional Information:

* Link is to the Summer 1997 edition of the Sweet Water Angler. People requiring physical copies of this document should contact the Region One Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries at (631) 444-0280.