About the ParkThe Carmans River is a 10-mile (16 km) long river in Brookhaven in Suffolk County on Long Island.
It is one of the four largest rivers on Long Island and is similar to other Long Island rivers in that is totally groundwater generated (e.g., no lakes), although a lake did exist long ago. Almost all of the river is specifically protected by the Central Long Island Pine Barrens. All of it is designated by New York State as either a "Scenic River" or a "Recreational River." The park receives approximately 2,000-3,000 stocked brown and rainbow trout annually, as well as hosting a wild brook trout population. It is fresh water for the first eight miles (13 km) and then becomes an estuary for the last two, as it encounters the tidal effects of Great South Bay. There are four dams on the upper river at Upper Mill Pond, Lower Mill Pond, Southaven Park, and the Sunrise Highway. Adjoining the river is the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. 
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Map of the park
Park Location | ||
Park rules
Freshwater fishing for trout, bass and perch is available. A New York State fishing license is required and all persons must register at the boat house. Special regulations by river section below. Also check out Suffolk Fishing Regulations and Statewide Fishing Regulations.
Regulations by area and fish type:
Regulations by area and fish type:
| Waters | Species | Open Season | Minimum Length | Daily Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmans River (Southaven County Park) | Special Regulations by River Sections. Additional park regulations may apply. Call (631) 854-1414. | ||||
| Carmans River (Southaven County Park) | Brook trout | April 1 - Sept 30 | Catch and Release only | ||
| From LIPA transmission lines at Gate G upstream to Yaphank Avenue | Trout | April 1-Sept 30 | Catch and Release only | Fly fishing only | |
| From Cement Dam upstream to LIPA transmission lines at Gate G | Brown & Rainbow Trout | April 1- Sept 30 | 9" | 3 | Fly fishing only |
| From Cement Dam downstream to Hards Lake Dam | Brown & Rainbow Trout | April 1- Sept 30 | 9" | 3 |
Learn More
We highly recommend visiting these sites to learn more about the river and its fish:
Suffolk County - Southaven Park
DEC Spring Trout Stocking Schedule
Suffolk County Special Fishing Regulations
Suffolk County - Southaven Park
DEC Spring Trout Stocking Schedule
Suffolk County Special Fishing Regulations
News
Click below to learn of some recent news about the river:
Carmans River Management Plan
Carmans River Biological Assessment
Brookhaven purchases 120 acres of land in the Carmans River watershed
Long Island Pine Barrens Society - Saving the Carmans River
Carmans River Management Plan
Carmans River Biological Assessment
Brookhaven purchases 120 acres of land in the Carmans River watershed
Long Island Pine Barrens Society - Saving the Carmans River