What bites when on Long Island Sound — a month-by-month look at the season, so you can pick the perfect trip.
Fishing on the Sound runs on a calendar all its own. Striped bass arrive in spring, fluke and porgies own the summer, and blackfish close out the year. Use this guide to match your trip to the bite — then check the latest reports to see how the season is actually shaping up.
| When | What’s happening on the water |
|---|---|
| January – March | Quiet season. The boats get their winter refits and the crew gets ready for spring. A great time to book ahead for the season and grab gift cards. |
| April | The Sound wakes up. Striped bass season opens mid-April and blackfish has a spring window. First trips of the year sail. |
| May | Fluke, porgy and (mid-month) sea bass seasons open. Spring fishing hits its stride. |
| June | Everything is in play — fluke, porgies, sea bass, bass and blues. School trips and early-summer groups fill the calendar. |
| July – August | Peak season. Family trips daily, porgy fishing at its fastest, evening trips at their best. Book early — weekends sell out. |
| September | The sleeper month: summer crowds gone, water still warm, porgy limits at their most generous for party boats. |
| October | Fall runs. Striped bass and blues chase bait, and blackfish season opens mid-month on the Sound. |
| November – December | Blackfish and late-season bass for the hardy. Sea bass stays open through December. Season wraps by the holidays. |
Seasons and limits are set by New York State each year — the current rules are always on the DEC saltwater regulations page, and our crew fishes to them on every trip.
Guides for every part of the year
The Best Spring Fishing on Long Island
April to June — bass, early fluke and the season’s first porgies.
Read the guide →Summer Fishing in Port Jefferson: Your Guide to the Season
Peak months, family trips and fast porgy action.
Read the guide →Why Fall Is the Best Time for Party Boat Fishing
Cooler air, hungry fish, empty rails. Fall makes its case.
Read the guide →Celtic Quest’s Guide to Seasonal Fishing in Port Jefferson
The whole year in one read, from the crew that lives it.
Read the guide →
Pick your month, we’ll handle the rest
Whatever the season, rods, bait, tackle and know-how are included.
See the Schedule & BookMore helpful guides: Fish Species · Long Island Sound Fishing · Fishing Reports