THE NISSEQUOGUE RIVER

a short introduction

By Bob Koliner © 2002

One of Long Island’s best rivers for canoeing and kayaking is the Nissequogue. This very unique waterway offers a five mile run through a surprisingly pristine river corridor. The Nissequogue is a tidal river. Because of the big tides in Long Island Sound, the river actually flows two ways; south or inland during the incoming tide, then north towards the sound on outgoing. Current speeds can reach a knot or two, especially down at the river mouth, so for a leisurely trip, be sure to consult a tide chart and go with the flow!

There are several liveries that rent canoes and kayaks, or you can use your own. If you own your own craft there is a launch site on each end of the river. On the north end, close to Long Island Sound, we have the newly created Nissequogue River State Park which to date is largely undiscovered by the masses, and thus is crowd and hassle free. You pay an entrance fee to get into the Park; there is no charge for the launch.

Up on the south end, the inland end, right on Jericho Turnpike, we have the Paul T. Given Suffolk County Park. It is a rare jewel, a nice little oasis that has managed to exist in the middle of a bustling suburbia. There is no fee to enter the park, no fee to launch, no permits required. You can just pull in there and launch your canoe or kayak. Pretty neat, huh?

You can also go fishing without a license. The entire canoe and kayak-able portion of the Nissequogue River, that is from the Paul T. Given Park north to Long Island Sound, is part of New York State’s Marine District, and presently no license is required. Actually catching a fish from a canoe or kayak may be a rare and exciting event, but it is a definite possibility. Some very large trout cruise the upper portions of the Nissequogue while the lower end holds striped bass, bluefish, fluke and flounder, all in their own season. There is a huge and growing list of rules that govern the taking of any species that you are likely to catch; size limits, creel limits, open and closed season, etc., so without knowledge of these restrictions, catch and release is a good idea.

This river is also a great spot for the birdwatchers. My good friend, who is an experienced naturalist, can identify around 25 species on an average canoe trip. Even a casual observer like me can spot a half-dozen or more. For the last few years, the lower Nissequogue has been home to a pair of nesting ospreys. If you are very lucky, you may see one of these beauties pluck a fish from the water, or see the baby ospreys poking their heads up from the nest, waiting for momma to fly home and feed them.

Helpful Hints – 1) Avoid low tide on the river. “Nissequogue” is an Indian word, that means “clay banks”, and low tide can be quite buggy and muddy. 2) Go with the flow. Schedule your trip so that the current is going in the same direction that you are, unless you are looking for a good workout. 3) Wear a good personal floatation device (PFD), and protective footwear.

Helpful Numbers – Call for information.

Bob’s Canoe Rental, Inc.- (631) 269-9761

Nissequogue River Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Inc. – (631) 979-8244

Nissequogue River State Park – (631) 269-4927

Long Island Paddlers (Canoe and Kayak Club) – (631) 589-0299

Take nothing but pictures- leave nothing but ripples – See you out there!

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