Skip to main content

Winter Flounder

Winter Flounder

Winter Flounder are right-eyed flatfish found throughout New York's marine waters from Long Island Sound to the Hudson-Raritan estuary.

These bottom-dwelling fish are distinguished by their straight lateral line and toothless mouth, with both eyes positioned on the right side of their head. They change color to match the substrate and often bury themselves in sand or mud to ambush prey.

Scientific Name: Pseudopleuronectes americanus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Right-eyed flatfish distinguished by their straight lateral line and toothless mouth, with both eyes positioned on the right side of their head.
  • They change color to match the substrate.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The species inhabits shallow bays, harbors, estuaries, river mouths, and tidal creeks with sandy or silty bottoms, typically in depths less than 180 feet.
  • Winter Flounder in New York waters are part of the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic stock.

Key Locations

  • Prime fishing locations include Little Neck Bay, Shinnecock Bay, Great South Bay, Peconic Bay, Jamaica Bay, and various south shore bays throughout Long Island Sound and the Hudson-Raritan estuary.

Specific Spots

  • Target bays, harbors, estuaries, river mouths, and tidal creeks.
  • Focus on sandy or muddy bottoms near structure like docks, piers, and channels where flounder can ambush prey.

Winter Flounder FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Winter Flounder in New York?

Early season baits include blue mussels, while bloodworms and sandworms become preferred as fish become more active. When using artificial lures, consult local bait and tackle stores for specific recommendations.

When is the best time to fish for Winter Flounder in New York?

Two prime seasons: a superior spring run from February through May, and a fall/winter run from late September through December. Season officially open April 1 to May 30 under current regulations.

How do you catch Winter Flounder in New York?

Party boat fishing is highly effective for Winter Flounder. Target depths of 1-50 meters where temperatures remain below 28°C. Focus on sandy or muddy bottoms near structure like docks, piers, and channels where flounder can ambush prey.

What do Winter Flounder eat?

Winter Flounder are opportunistic feeders with diet varying by size: smaller fish under 40mm feed primarily on copepods before transitioning to amphipods, isopods, and bivalves. Polychaetes are consumed frequently regardless of size.

Where do Winter Flounder live in New York?

The species inhabits shallow bays, harbors, estuaries, river mouths, and tidal creeks with sandy or silty bottoms, typically in depths less than 180 feet. Winter Flounder in New York waters are part of the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic stock.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Winter Flounder.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Winter Flounder water

    Pick Winter Flounder and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Winter Flounder

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Winter Flounder are.

Open the map, filter by Winter Flounder, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

New York licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore New York waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.