East End Fishing Report: September 11, 2026 — Albies On The Doorstep, Blues Wall-to-Wall
The Short Version
The calendar has flipped to fall fishing, and the signs are all here. False albacore are knocking on the door, bluefish are stacked from Montauk east, and the bottom bite — sea bass, porgies, and snappers — is holding strong. The striped bass picture, meanwhile, remains grim.
Albies Are Close
This is the news everyone's waiting on. Fish have already turned up in the Accabonac area, and there's plenty of chatter about schools working near Block Island and pushing in from the west. Light-tackle guys are gearing up — Capt. David Blinken of North Flats Guiding out of East Hampton figures it's only a matter of time before they set up shop in our waters. If you want that screaming-drag catch-and-release action, keep the fly and metal ready and your eyes on the birds.
Bluefish Everywhere
Blues are thick — we're talking Montauk all the way to Bostwick Point at the north end of Gardiner's Island. Smaller fish are working the ocean wash too, mixed in with a stray bass here and there. Same rule applies: find birds diving on bait and you've found the fish. Snappers are also loaded up in the back bays and coves, so bring the kids out before the window closes.
Bottom Fishing Still Delivers
Sea bass are running bigger, with the north side of Plum Island giving up quality fish. Porgies remain plentiful and eager on skimmer clams. Over at Mrs. Sam's Bait and Tackle in East Hampton, Sebastian Gorgone has been pointing folks toward the wash for blues and bass and confirming the steady scup and snapper action.
Fluke fishing has picked up on the ocean side — you'll still weed through shorts to find keepers, but the effort's paying off. Blowfish and blue-claw crabs continue to show better in the creeks and coves for anyone who wants an easy dinner.
Warm-Water Surprises
Mahi have come in unusually close this year — fish are being taken out at the windmills southeast of Block Island and even within sight of the Montauk Lighthouse. Bonito, scarce the last few seasons, have been landed with some regularity too. It's been a weird, warm year, and the mid-shore grounds are absolutely loaded with sand eels, bait, and the whales and dolphins that follow. Bluefin remain an option not far off the beach when the weather cooperates.
The Bass Reality
No sugar-coating it. Stripers are scattered and thin, and the guys who've been on this water for decades are sounding the alarm — small fish in particular have all but vanished. Blinken's blunt about it: things are bad and the fishery needs a break. Fish 'em with respect, pinch the barbs, and let the little ones swim.
Bottom Line
Fall is turning the page early this year. Get on the albies when they arrive, chase the blues in the meantime, and keep the bottom rods handy. The best of the season may still be ahead.