Connetquot River Inlet

About

Introduction:

The Connetquot River is located off Great South Bay on Long Island about 35 miles west of Shinnecock Bay and 12 miles east of Fire Island Inlet. The Connetquot River breaks off Great South Bay and Nicoll Bay at Timber and Green points. About one mile up the river is the town of Oakdale, which has four marinas lining its south shore (two of which accept transient guests at their slips). As with much of Great South Bay and its surrounding waters, you will find four- to five-foot depths in most of the river, but shallower depths in the upper reaches.

A little known fact about the Connetquot River is that it is one of the finest sea-run trout fisheries on the East Coast. The state release over 30,000 trout hatchlings here each year and in the fall, they return in great numbers.

Navigating the Water:

The Connetquot River is easy to enter and is devoid of any abrupt or unexpected shoals. From Great South Bay, pick up flashing green buoy "EN," and then chart a northerly course to the river's entrance at Nicoll Island. To the north of Nicoll Island is flashing red "2," marking a shoal on the north shore of the river. This is the only aid to navigation in the Connetquot; you must rely on your depth sounder to feel you way up the rest of the river (best depths in mid-channel).

The first of a line of four marinas starts about a mile in on the north shore of the Connetquot, and the last is located about a mile upstream near Oakdale. Anchoring is permitted here, but be aware that the river is open to southerly breezes, which can be quite strong in the spring and summer.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.