What the Forge River offers and when to fish it

The Forge River is a narrow, tidal estuary that cuts through Brookhaven's south shore between Moriches Bay and the Atlantic, running roughly three miles from its mouth near Forge River Inlet to its headwaters near Forge River Road. It's a working waterway—shallow, brackish, and shaped by the tide—that holds striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish in the warmer months and offers quieter winter fishing for schoolie stripers and the occasional large bass. The river itself rarely exceeds eight feet deep and narrows to barely fifty yards in places, which means you're fishing close quarters where casting accuracy matters more than distance.

Seasonal patterns here follow the Atlantic coast calendar. Spring (April through May) brings the first wave of stripers moving through on their way north; summer (June through August) is peak season for both stripers and blues, though the river can get crowded on weekends. Fall (September through November) is often the best window—water temperatures drop, baitfish concentrate, and the crowds thin out. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience; stripers are there, but they're sluggish and scattered.

Key Takeaways

  • The Forge River is a shallow, tidal estuary best fished on moving water, with striped bass and bluefish as the primary targets from spring through fall.
  • Access is limited to a handful of public launch points and shore spots; the river is narrow and bordered by private property, so know where you can legally fish before you go.
  • Tide timing is critical—slack water and the first hour of incoming tide are usually most productive, while dead low tide can leave you stranded in mud.
  • Live baitfish (bunker, mullet, killifish) and small artificials (topwater plugs, soft plastics under 4 inches) work better than large lures in this confined space.
  • The river mouth near the inlet holds the largest fish and sees the most pressure; the upper river is quieter but shallower and more tide-dependent.

Public access points and where to launch

Parking and water access on the Forge River are tight. Your best bet is the Forge River County Park on Forge River Road (near the headwaters), which has a small parking area and a boat launch ramp. It's free and open to the public, though the lot fills quickly on weekends. From here you can launch a kayak or small skiff and drift or pole downstream toward the inlet. The ramp is usable at most tide levels, but at dead low the channel can be shallow—check the tide table before you go.

Shore fishing is possible but limited. A few anglers fish from the public right-of-way along Forge River Road itself, casting into the channel, though this is more productive in fall and winter when the water is cooler. The inlet area near Moriches Bay has some public beach access, but parking is restricted and the best fishing happens from a boat. If you don't have your own, there are no rental services directly on the Forge River; the nearest options are in Moriches Bay or Center Moriches, a short drive west.

Tidal patterns and how they shape the bite

The Forge River is entirely tidal, and the tide controls everything—where fish hold, how deep the water is, and whether you can even move your boat. Incoming tide pushes baitfish and stripers into the river from the bay; outgoing tide concentrates fish near the inlet as they prepare to leave. The first two hours of incoming tide are usually most productive, especially if it coincides with dawn or dusk. Slack water (the brief period between tides) can be good too, but only if baitfish are actively feeding.

Dead low tide is a trap. The river shallows dramatically—many sections drop to two or three feet—and you can easily run aground. Plan your fishing around the tide table, not against it. A tide app or the NOAA tide predictions for Moriches Bay (the nearest reference station) will tell you when water is moving. Fish the incoming tide when you can; it's more reliable than outgoing, and you'll have better water depth throughout your drift.

Bait and lure choices for a narrow estuary

Live bait is the most consistent producer on the Forge River. Bunker (menhaden) in the 3- to 5-inch range work year-round; mullet and killifish are good alternatives when bunker are hard to find. Fish them on a simple rig—a single hook, a small split shot, and a barrel swivel—and let the tide carry them. You can also anchor and chum with bunker pieces to draw stripers and blues into casting range, though the river's narrowness means fish can spook quickly if you're not careful.

Artificial lures work, but size matters. Topwater plugs (Pencil Poppers, Zara Spooks) in the 4- to 6-inch range are effective at dawn and dusk, especially for bluefish. Soft plastics—4-inch shads or paddletail swimmers on a 1/4-ounce jig head—are more versatile and less likely to spook fish in the tight quarters. Avoid large swimbaits or deep-diving plugs; they're overkill for a river this shallow and will catch more bottom than fish. Topwater is fun and productive, but live bait will consistently outfish lures if you're serious about numbers.

Fish species and seasonal timing

Striped bass are the primary target. Spring and fall migrations bring larger fish (15 to 30 pounds) through the inlet and into the river; summer holds smaller schoolies (8 to 15 pounds) that stay in the estuary. Winter stripers are present but scattered and sluggish. Bluefish arrive in late May and stay through October, with peak numbers in June and September. They're aggressive, fast, and fun on light tackle, but they'll cut through your line if you're not using a wire or heavy mono leader.

Weakfish (sea trout) have made a comeback in recent years and are increasingly common in the Forge River during summer and early fall. They prefer live bait and soft plastics and are most active at dawn and dusk. Fluke (summer flounder) are occasional catches near the inlet, especially in July and August, though they're not the primary draw. Smaller species like silversides, porgies, and spot are common but not worth targeting unless you're fishing with kids.

Practical tips for fishing tight water

The Forge River demands respect for its narrowness and shallow draft. If you're in a boat, use a push pole or electric trolling motor rather than a gas engine; you'll spook fewer fish and avoid running aground. Kayakers have an advantage here—they're quiet, they draw almost no water, and they can reach spots a boat can't. Wear polarized sunglasses and watch for structure: deeper holes, channel bends, and areas where current breaks around a point are where stripers and blues hold.

Casting accuracy beats distance. You're often fishing within 20 to 30 feet of your boat or shore, so practice your short casts. Early morning and late evening are most productive; midday fishing is slower unless the water is cloudy or the tide is running hard. Fall is the most reliable season—water is cooler, baitfish are concentrated, and the crowds are smaller. If you're new to the river, go with someone who knows it; the channel can be confusing, and a local can show you the productive holes and safe water.

Regulations and what you need to know

New York State requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older who is not actively employed in commercial fishing. You can purchase one online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or at most tackle shops. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and covers all saltwater fishing in New York.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of two fish per person (as of the most recent regulations, though these can change). Bluefish have no size minimum but a daily limit of 10 fish. Weakfish are 12 inches minimum with a daily limit of 8 fish. Check the current DEC regulations before you fish; size and bag limits are reviewed annually and can shift. The Forge River is open year-round, but some adjacent areas (like certain sections of Moriches Bay) have seasonal closures—know the boundaries of where you're fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Forge River from shore?

Yes, but access is limited. You can fish from Forge River Road in the upper river, and there's some shore access near the inlet, but most of the river is bordered by private property. A boat or kayak gives you far more options and better fishing. If you're shore fishing, focus on the incoming tide and fish early or late in the day.

What's the best time of year to fish the Forge River?

Fall (September through November) is most reliable—water is cooler, baitfish concentrate, and stripers and bluefish are active. Spring (April and May) is good for larger migrating stripers. Summer is peak season but crowded. Winter is possible but slow and requires patience.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

A boat or kayak is strongly recommended. The river is narrow and shallow, and a kayak is actually ideal—it's quiet, draws minimal water, and can reach spots a motorboat can't. Shore fishing is possible but limited to a few spots and less productive overall.

What should I use for bait on the Forge River?

Live bunker (3 to 5 inches) is the most consistent choice. Mullet and killifish work too. Soft plastic lures (4-inch shads) and topwater plugs are effective artificials, but live bait will outfish lures most of the time in this estuary.

How do I know if the tide is right for fishing?

Use the NOAA tide predictions for Moriches Bay (the nearest reference station) or a tide app. Fish the incoming tide when possible—it's more productive and gives you better water depth. Avoid dead low tide; the river shallows dramatically and you can run aground easily.