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.

Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing is available at the following Suffolk County Parks:

• Blydenburgh
• Lake Ronkonkoma
• Sears Bellows
• Southaven
• Millers Pond
• Big Reed Pond at Montauk County Park

Permits Required:

New York State Fishing License required. Fishermen must follow NYS Freshwater Fishing Regulations. Visit NYS DEC website on Freshwater Fishing for more information.

A Suffolk County Fishing Permit is required for Southaven County Park only. Southaven County Park Fishing Daily/Annual Permits can be purchased online here. All other Suffolk County Parks locations require that fisherman have only a NYS Fishing license.

Additional Information:

Pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, perch and bluegills can be found in freshwater lakes and ponds in Suffolk County. Bait permitted. Fishing is permitted between sunrise and sunset. Night Fishing Permits are available for purchase (see below). Hand-launched boats with electric motors are allowed in Big Reed Pond in Montauk County Park.

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater fishing is available at the following Suffolk County Parks: 

• Cedar Point
• Charles F. Altenkirch
• Cordwood Landing
• Cupsogue
• Indian Island
• Montauk County Park
• Northwest Harbor
• Orient Point
• Shinnecock Canal
• Shinnecock East
• Smith Point

Permits Required:

NYS Recreational Marine Fishing Registration required. Fishermen must follow NYS Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations. Visit NYS DEC website on Saltwater Fishing for more information.

Additional Information:

Bluefish and striped bass can be found in Suffolk County’s saltwaters. Snappers and blowfish can be caught while shorefishing. Saltwater fishing is permitted between sunrise and sunset. Night Fishing Permits are available for purchase (see below).

Night Fishing

The Suffolk County Parks Department offers a Night Fishing Permit for fishermen interested in accessing Suffolk County Parks after dark (between 10pm to 6am).

Night Fishing Permits are valid for the following Suffolk County Parks:

• Smith Point
• Shinnecock East
• Charles F. Altenkirch
• Orient Point County Park
• Cupsogue
• Shinnecock Canal
• Cordwood Landing
• Lake Ronkonkoma
• Montauk County Park

Permits Required:

The Suffolk County Night Fishing Permit is required for fishing at Suffolk County Parks after dark (between 10pm to 6am) and can be purchased online here. Permits can also be purchased in-person at Smith Point, Shinnecock East, Sears Bellows, Montauk County Park and the West Sayville Administration Office.

NOTE: The Suffolk County Parks Outer Beach 4x4 Access Permit acts as both an Outer Beach 4x4 Access Permit and a Night Fishing Permit. Patrons do not need to buy an additional Night Fishing Permit if they already have an Outer Beach 4x4 Access Permit. For more information on the Outer Beach 4x4 Access Permit, click here.

Last updated 6/3/21