What You'll Find at the Forge River

The Forge River is a tidal estuary on Long Island's North Shore, roughly 15 miles northeast of Port Jefferson. It holds striped bass, bluefish, and seasonal shad runs, with smaller populations of flounder and weakfish. The river is narrow — rarely more than a quarter-mile wide — and flows through a mix of salt marsh, residential shoreline, and wooded banks. Most of the productive water lies in the lower 3 miles where the river meets Smithtown Bay.

The Forge is a tide-dependent fishery. Fish move in and out with the water level, so timing matters more than location. Slack tide — the period between incoming and outgoing flows — is often dead. The bite typically picks up 1 to 2 hours after the tide begins moving, peaks in the middle of the tide cycle, and slows again as the tide flattens out. Spring tides (the biggest tidal swings) produce stronger current and more aggressive feeding than neap tides.

Access is limited. There is no public boat launch on the Forge itself. Most anglers either fish from private docks, rent a boat from a nearby marina, or wade the shallows at low tide. A few pull-offs along Route 25A offer parking, but direct river access from shore is scarce.

Key Takeaways

  • Striped bass and bluefish are the primary targets; shad arrive in spring and early summer, typically April through June.
  • Tidal flow drives the bite — fish feed most actively 1 to 2 hours into an incoming or outgoing tide, not during slack water.
  • Public boat access requires a rental from Port Jefferson or Smithtown marinas; shore access is limited to a few parking areas along Route 25A.
  • New York State saltwater fishing requires a free permit for residents and a paid license for non-residents; check current regulations before fishing.
  • The river is narrow and shallow in places, so local knowledge of channels and hazards is valuable, especially at low tide.

Striped Bass Season and Tactics

Striped bass are present year-round in the Forge, but the most consistent fishing runs from April through October. Spring (April–May) brings larger fish moving upriver to spawn; fall (September–October) concentrates fish as they feed heavily before moving offshore. Summer fishing is slower and more dependent on tidal timing.

Live bait — particularly bunker (menhaden) and mullet — works well for stripers in the 20- to 35-pound range. Eels are effective at night. Lures such as 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, topwater plugs, and metal spoons produce strikes during moving tides, especially in the lower river where current is strongest. Fish the deeper channels and drop-offs along the banks rather than the shallow flats.

Boat anglers typically drift or anchor in the deeper holes and cast toward structure — fallen trees, pilings, and marsh edges. Shore anglers working the few accessible spots should focus on the deeper water at the mouth of the river, where the Forge meets Smithtown Bay.

Bluefish and Seasonal Shad

Bluefish arrive in May and remain through October, with peak numbers in June and September. They are aggressive feeders and will strike nearly any moving lure — spoons, plugs, and soft plastics all work. Bluefish tend to school in the middle and lower river, especially near current breaks and structure. They are less tide-dependent than stripers but still feed more actively during moving water.

American shad run up the Forge in spring, typically April through early June. They are smaller than stripers (2 to 4 pounds) but fight hard and are excellent table fare. Small shad lures (2 to 3 inches), spoons, and darts fished on light tackle in the deeper channels produce the best results. Shad fishing is often best in the early morning and late afternoon, and the run is brief — if you plan to target them, check with local tackle shops for current timing before making the trip.

Tides, Seasons, and When to Fish

Tide tables for the Forge River are published by NOAA and are available online or through most fishing apps. The river's tidal range is typically 4 to 6 feet, depending on the lunar cycle. Plan your trip around the tide schedule, not the calendar — a slack tide at midday can be fishless, while the same location 2 hours later on a moving tide can be productive.

Spring (April–May) is the most reliable season overall. Stripers are active, shad are running, and water temperatures are rising. Summer (June–August) can be slow, especially during the heat of the day; early morning and evening trips are more productive. Fall (September–October) brings another strong bite as fish feed before winter. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience; fish are less active, and cold water temperatures make for uncomfortable conditions.

Weekday mornings typically see fewer anglers than weekends. The Forge is popular with local boaters and anglers, so expect company during good weather and peak seasons.

Access, Parking, and Boat Rentals

There is no public boat launch directly on the Forge River. The nearest options are in Port Jefferson (about 5 miles west) and Smithtown (about 3 miles south). Port Jefferson has several marinas offering boat rentals and launch services; Smithtown has similar facilities. Rental costs vary by marina and boat size but typically range from $150 to $300 per day for a small center console or open boat.

Shore anglers can park along Route 25A in a few pull-offs near the river, though spaces are limited and parking is not always clearly marked. The best approach is to call ahead to local tackle shops — they know which spots are currently accessible and which have been closed or restricted. Wading is possible at low tide in some areas, but the bottom is soft mud and can be treacherous; wear waders and a belt.

Private dock access is the most convenient option if you know someone with property on the river. Many homeowners allow fishing from their docks for a small fee or by arrangement.

Regulations and Permits

New York State requires a saltwater fishing permit for all anglers 16 and older. Residents receive a free permit; non-residents pay a fee (currently around $10 for a 7-day permit or $25 for an annual permit, though prices vary). The permit is issued by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and can be obtained online, by phone, or at many tackle shops.

Size and bag limits for striped bass, bluefish, and shad change annually and are set by New York State. As of recent regulations, striped bass have a 19-inch minimum size and a 1-fish daily bag limit for most of the year, though this varies by season. Bluefish typically have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Shad have a 12-inch minimum. Check the current New York State DEC regulations before fishing, as limits are adjusted regularly.

The Forge River itself has no special closures or restricted areas, but some adjacent waters (such as certain tributaries) may be off-limits during spawning season. Local tackle shops can clarify what is and is not open.

Local Tackle and Information

The nearest tackle shops are in Port Jefferson and Smithtown. These shops stock live bait (bunker, mullet, eels), lures, and tackle specific to the Forge and surrounding waters. They also have current information on bite conditions, recent catches, and any changes to access or regulations. Calling ahead to ask about shad timing, recent striped bass reports, or current tidal patterns is worth the effort.

Online resources include NOAA tide predictions, the New York DEC website for regulations, and fishing forums where local anglers post reports. However, nothing replaces a conversation with someone who fished the Forge last week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Forge River from shore without a boat?

Yes, but access is limited. A few pull-offs along Route 25A offer parking and river views, and you can wade at low tide in some areas. The best shore fishing is at the mouth of the river where it meets Smithtown Bay. Call a local tackle shop to confirm which spots are currently accessible.

What is the best time of year to fish for striped bass on the Forge?

April through May (spring spawning run) and September through October (fall feeding) are the most reliable. Summer can be slow, especially during midday heat. Winter is possible but requires patience and cold-weather tolerance.

Do I need a boat to fish the Forge River?

A boat gives you access to more water and deeper channels, but it is not required. Shore anglers and waders can catch fish, especially at the river mouth. If you do not own a boat, rentals are available at marinas in Port Jefferson and Smithtown.

What should I use for bait on the Forge?

Live bunker (menhaden) and mullet work well for striped bass. Eels are effective at night. For shad, small shad lures and darts are standard. Bluefish will strike most moving lures, so bait choice is less critical for them.

How important is tide timing on the Forge River?

Very important. Fish feed most actively 1 to 2 hours into a moving tide. Slack tide (the period between incoming and outgoing flows) is often slow. Check NOAA tide tables before you fish and plan your trip around the tide schedule, not the clock.