What You'll Find at Calverton Ponds

Calverton Ponds is a cluster of shallow freshwater ponds in the heart of Riverhead's pine barrens, about ten minutes north of downtown. The water runs clear over sandy bottom, and the ponds hold largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish—mostly bluegill and pumpkinseed. The setting is quiet and undeveloped; you're fishing in a landscape that looks much like it did fifty years ago, surrounded by scrub oak and pitch pine rather than houses.

The ponds are small enough that you can fish them thoroughly in a morning, but they're deep enough in places to hold fish through summer. The real draw here is access: there's a public boat launch and parking, and the water is rarely crowded. If you're based in Riverhead and want to avoid the traffic and noise of the bigger lakes, this is the place to start.

Key Takeaways

  • Calverton Ponds holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish in clear, shallow water surrounded by pine forest.
  • A public boat launch and parking area sit on the north side of the ponds, accessible from Westhampton Avenue.
  • Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons; summer fishing is possible but slower during midday heat.
  • Small soft plastics, spinners, and live shiners work well for bass; panfish respond to small jigs and worms.
  • The ponds are shallow and weedy in places, so a shallow-draft boat or kayak works better than a deep-V hull.

How to Get There and Where to Launch

From downtown Riverhead, head north on Route 25 toward Calverton. Turn east on Westhampton Avenue and follow it about two miles; you'll see the access area on your right. There's a small parking lot and a concrete boat launch that can handle kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. The launch is maintained by the Town of Riverhead and is open year-round during daylight hours.

If you don't have a boat, you can fish from shore in a few spots around the perimeter, though the best water is out on the ponds themselves. A kayak is ideal here—the water is shallow, the ponds are small, and you can move quietly and cover ground without spooking fish. If you're bringing a motorboat, keep it small; the ponds are not deep, and a heavy hull will run aground in the shallower arms.

Bass and Pickerel Through the Seasons

Spring is the strongest season for largemouth bass at Calverton. As water temperatures climb from April through May, bass move shallow to spawn, and they're aggressive on small soft plastics, spinners, and topwater lures. Fish the edges of the weed beds early and late in the day; the bass will be in two to four feet of water, and a 3-inch paddletail or a small crankbait will draw strikes.

Summer fishing slows during the heat of midday, but early morning and evening can still produce. The ponds have enough depth in the center to hold bass that retreat from the shallows, so don't ignore the deeper pockets. Pickerel are active all summer and will chase faster-moving lures; a small spinner or a 2-inch soft plastic worked with quick retrieves will draw their attention.

Fall is excellent. As water cools in September and October, bass return to the shallows and feed heavily before winter. This is when you'll see the most consistent action. Winter fishing is possible but slow; the ponds don't freeze solid most years, but the fish are lethargic and scattered in the deepest holes.

Panfish and What Works for Them

Bluegill and pumpkinseed are abundant at Calverton and will bite year-round. They're not large—most run 6 to 8 inches—but they're willing and fun on light tackle. A small jig tipped with a piece of worm or a live cricket will catch them consistently. Fish the shallow weedy areas and around any structure you can find; panfish love cover and will hold tight to vegetation.

Live shiners also work for panfish, though they'll attract bass and pickerel too. If you want to focus on panfish, stick with small jigs in 1/16- or 1/32-ounce weights and work them slowly along the bottom. Early morning is best; panfish bite throughout the day, but the bite is strongest in the first two hours after sunrise.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring a shallow-water rod setup—a 6-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound test is ideal. Pack a small tackle box with soft plastics in natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon, black), a few small spinners, and some jigs. If you're targeting panfish, bring worms or crickets. Sunscreen and a hat are essential; there's little shade on the water, and the sun reflects hard off the sand bottom.

The ponds can be weedy, especially in the shallower arms. Bring a small net or a weed rake if you have one; you may need to clear vegetation from your line or lure. Water levels can fluctuate seasonally, so if you're launching a boat, check conditions before you go. The launch is maintained, but it's a public facility and can be muddy after rain.

Rules and Regulations

New York State freshwater fishing regulations apply. You'll need a New York State fishing license, which you can obtain online through the Department of Environmental Conservation website or at most sporting goods stores. Bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a five-fish daily limit. Pickerel have no size limit and no daily limit. Panfish are not regulated by size or number.

The ponds are open to the public, but respect private property around the perimeter. Stay on the water or in the designated parking and launch area. No gas motors are allowed on some of the smaller ponds; check the signage at the launch before you put in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Calverton Ponds without a boat?

Yes, you can fish from shore in a few spots around the perimeter, though the best water is out on the ponds. A kayak or canoe is the best option if you don't have a motorboat; it's quiet, shallow-draft, and lets you reach the deeper pockets where bass hold.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable. Summer is slower during midday but can produce early and late. Winter is possible but the bite is slow and fish are scattered.

Are there size restrictions on bass?

Yes. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily limit under New York State regulations. Pickerel have no size or daily limit. Check the DEC website for current regulations before you fish.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, a New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the DEC website or at most sporting goods stores in the area.

Is the boat launch free?

Yes, the public launch at Calverton Ponds is free and maintained by the Town of Riverhead. Parking is also free. The facility is open during daylight hours year-round.