Long Island/NYC Fishing
Often recognized for its excellent saltwater fishing, Long Island also provides the angler with outstanding freshwater fishing opportunities in more than 500 lakes and ponds and over 30 miles of streams. Even in New York City, an angler can find good fishing close to home in numerous small ponds and lakes, including those within world-renowned Central and Prospect Parks.
Watch a clip about urban fishing in New York City and check out other fishing clips on DEC TV.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed to watch for spawning alewives in April and May each year. For additional information please contact Enrico Nardone at the Seatuck Environmental Association (631) 626-1269 or email him at egnardone@seatuck.org in March.
Access for Anglers with Disabilities
Read about accessible fishing piers, platforms and launches that provide access to waters in the Long Island / New York City area.
New York City
While NYC has abundant saltwater fishing opportunities, there are also scattered ponds across all five boroughs that offer quality fishing as well. All ponds within NYC Parks have catch and release fishing regulations on all species, resulting in great fishing with the opportunity to catch a lunker bass. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the memory!
For infomation about saltwater fishing locations see Saltwater Fishing Guide for New York City Area
- NYC Angler Diary Cooperator Program
- Baisley Pond
- Central Park Lake
- Clove Lake
- Harlem Meer
- Indian Lake
- Kissena Lake
- Oakland Lake
- Prospect Park Lake
- Van Cortlandt Lake
- Willowbrook Lake
Nassau County
Most ponds in Nassau County are small park ponds where fishing is only allowed from the shore. However, good action can be found for bass, trout and panfish in many of these ponds. Bass fishing in Nassau County is catch and release only. As a result, large bass are not uncommon.
- Camaans Pond, Merrick
- Forest City Park Pond, Wantagh
- Freeport Reservoir, Freeport/Merrick
- Grant Park Pond, Hewlett
- Hempstead Lake, Hempstead Lake State Park
- Lower Twin Pond, Wantagh
- Massapequa Lake
- Massapequa Reservoir
- McDonald Pond, Hempstead Lake State Park
- Mullener Pond, North Merrick
- Oyster Bay Mill Pond
- Ridders Pond, New Hyde Park
- Smith Pond, Rockville Centre
- Smith Pond, Roosevelt
- South Pond
- Upper Twin Pond, Wantagh
- Large Map of Upper Twin Pond
- Wantagh Mill Pond
Western Suffolk County
This area offers a diverse fishing opportunity with lake, pond, and stream fishing, from both shore and boat. Bass and other warmwater species are common in most lakes and ponds, and many are stocked with trout as well. Stream fishing is primarily for trout. The Carmans River showcases native brook trout, the only trout species native to Long Island.
- Argyle Lake, Babylon
- Artist Lake, Middle Island
- Avon Manor Pond, Amityville
- Belmont Lake, North Babylon
- Blydenburgh Lake, Smithtown
- Canaan Lake, North Patchogue
- Deep Pond, Wading River
- Forge Pond, Calverton
- Hards Lake, Shirley
- Kahlers Pond, East Moriches
- Knapps Lake, Islip
- Lake Ronkonkoma
- Lower Yaphank Lake
- Millers Pond, Smithtown
- Mill Pond, Sayville
- Mill Pond, Setauket
- Otis Pike Ponds, Calverton
- Patchogue Lake
- Randall Pond, Ridge
- Southards Pond, Babylon
- Swan Lake, Patchogue
- Swan Pond, Calverton
- Twin Ponds, Centerport
- Upper Mills Pond, Calverton
- Upper Yaphank Lake
- West Lake, Patchogue
Eastern Suffolk County
Offering a more secluded fishing experience, Eastern Suffolk County waters provide fishing for bass, yellow perch, white perch, catfish, and others. Of special note is Fort Pond in Montauk which offers fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye. Be sure to review parking and/or angling restrictions for each water body.
- Agawam Lake
- Big Fresh Pond
- Big Reed Pond
- Fort Pond
- Fresh Pond, Montauk
- Fresh Pond, Shelter Island
- Great Pond
- Hook Pond
- Kellis Pond
- Laurel Lake
- Little Fresh Pond
- Long Pond
- Marratooka Pond
- Penny Pond
- Poxabogue Pond
- Trout Pond
- Watermill Pond
- Wildwood Lake
