These eight small undeveloped ponds located on the Otis Pike Preserve in Calverton offer the closest thing to a wilderness fishing experience that can be found on Long Island.
Physical Features:
Area: Ponds range from 3 to 14 acres
Maximum depth: 8 feet (at normal groundwater levels)
Access:
DEC maintains several parking areas near the ponds on the Otis Pike Preserve. The walk to the water ranges from 50 yards to over half a mile.
Directions: Long Island Expressway to Exit 69. Wading River Road north to the Otis Pike Preserve.
Restrictions: Hand launched boats are permitted and shoreline access is available. A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is also required for entry into the pond. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Brown Bullhead.
Fishing:
Most of the ponds are weedy, and they can provide excellent fishing for largemouth bass, chain pickerel and sunfish. Most of these ponds have dried up due to the drought conditions of 2016 to 2018. Region 1 fisheries staff are continuing to monitor the water level in all of the ponds, and will plan to conduct fisheries surveys as soon as water levels become high enough to allow sampling.
Regulations:
Statewide Fishing Regulations Apply
Health Advice on Eating Fish You Catch:
Visit NYS Department of Health website for health advice on eating fish you catch.
Additional Information:
People requiring printed versions of the permit should contact the Region One Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries at (631) 444-0280.
