Fishing at Sunken Meadow

You can fish at Sunken Meadow State Park on Long Island Sound during park hours, sunrise to sunset. Fishing after dark needs a NYS Parks night sport fishing permit: $35 with a New York driver's license, $60 out of state, or $25 for seven nights. A 4-wheel-drive beach vehicle fishing permit costs $80 for New York drivers and $125 out of state. Night permits are sold online only.

Day Fishing

Fishing is one of the activities NYS Parks lists at Sunken Meadow, and the State Department of Environmental Conservation includes it among the park's recreation. During normal park hours you pay only the vehicle fee. Stay out of the lifeguarded swimming areas at Fields 1 and 3 when they are in use, and keep clear of the kayak launch at Field 3.

Night Sport Fishing Permit

The park closes at sunset. To fish after that you need a night sport fishing permit:

• New York driver's license: $35
• Out-of-state license: $60
• 7-night permit: $25

NYS Parks sells it online only, through its ReserveAmerica permits page.

4-Wheel-Drive Beach Fishing Permit

NYS Parks issues a 4-wheel-drive beach vehicle fishing permit: $80 with a New York license, $125 out of state.

When Permits Are Sold

The park page gives two sets of dates. Its permit table says permits are sold from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Its fishing section says an annual permit is sold January 1 to March 31 and September 8 to December 31, 2026, usable all year, and a 7-day permit from May 26 to September 7, 2026. Call the park office at (631) 269-4333 to confirm which permit you need before you go.

Where to Fish

The park's shoreline faces Long Island Sound, and at the east end Sunken Meadow Creek meets the tidal flats at the mouth of the Nissequogue River. The State Department of Environmental Conservation notes egrets and herons fishing the marsh there. Respect any fencing round bird nesting areas on the beach.

State Licence Rules

The park permits above are NYS Parks permits for access. Check the State Department of Environmental Conservation for any state fishing licence or registry rule that applies to you.

Fishing Nearby

• Caleb Smith State Park Preserve: fly fishing on the Nissequogue River from April 1 to October 15, with a NYS freshwater fishing licence and a reservation, $25 per four-hour session. Children 15 and under can fish Willow Pond April 1 to October 31. See Caleb Smith.
• Nissequogue River State Park: fishing is listed among its activities. See Nissequogue River.
• Kings Park Bluff: surf casting, for Town of Smithtown residents and taxpayers. See Kings Park Bluff.

Rules Worth Knowing

• No pets in the park.
• No generators or amplified sound.
• Report any accident or incident to State Park Police, (631) 321-3700.