Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder is the largest flatfish in the region and among the most popular marine species in New York's waters.
These left-handed flatfish (eyes on the left side when held dorsal fin up) are distinguished by a lateral line resembling a question mark due to the deep arch over the pectoral fin.
They're aggressive visual predators that can change color to match the substrate, partially burying themselves in sand to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Scientific Name: Paralichthys dentatus
Also known as fluke
- Left-handed flatfish (eyes on the left side when held dorsal fin up) are distinguished by a lateral line resembling a question mark due to the deep arch over the pectoral fin.
- They can change color to match the substrate, partially burying themselves in sand.
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Summer flounder exhibit strong seasonal inshore-offshore movements, inhabiting shallow coastal and estuarine waters during warmer months (April-November) and moving offshore to depths up to 150m during winter.
Key Locations
- Key New York locations include Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay, Great South Bay, Peconic Bay, areas around the Marine Parkway Bridge, and various Long Island coastal waters.
Specific Spots
- In New York waters, they prefer sandy and muddy bottoms of bays and harbors, grass beds around wharf pilings, and areas with current movement along inlet edges and shoal rips.
Summer Flounder FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Summer Flounder in New York?
Top baits include live killies (mummichogs), fresh or frozen spearings, and strips of squid. Many successful anglers combine baits like killies and squid strips on the same hook.
When is the best time to fish for Summer Flounder in New York?
Summer flounder fishing in New York is most productive from late April through October, with peak action occurring in August. Fish start appearing in shallow water (5-15 feet) early in the season, then move to deeper edges (25-40 feet) by August.
How do you catch Summer Flounder in New York?
Fish these lures slowly along the bottom with a bounce-and-retrieve presentation. Dr.ift fishing is particularly effective. The best fishing occurs in inshore ocean waters and bays via charter boats, party boats, and drift fishing from private boats.
What do Summer Flounder eat?
They're voracious predators feeding primarily on small fish like spearings, minnows, and eels, but also consume shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans.
Where do Summer Flounder live in New York?
Summer flounder exhibit strong seasonal inshore-offshore movements, inhabiting shallow coastal and estuarine waters during warmer months (April-November) and moving offshore to depths up to 150m during winter.
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