Elda Lake, New York: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Elda Lake in the Suffolk County part of New York. Country round the bank runs to farm and woodlot. At roughly 5 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It lies lower than most water we list in New York. 0.7 miles away sits North Babylon, the nearest town. The nearest city of size is Jamaica, 25 miles away. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Elda Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Being tidal, the water moves twice a day, and the fishing moves with it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Fish documented in Suffolk County include alewife, blueback herring, pumpkinseed and bluegill. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Elda Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 31°F and July at about 74°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Elda Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Belmont Lake is 1 mile distant. The position on Elda Lake is worth confirming on the day.