Outdoor Voices LI
Community Voices for Responsible Restoration.
The History
of Stump Pond
at Blydenburgh
State Park
Situated at the headwaters of the Nissequogue River, this 627 acre park offers visitors panoramic views of Stump Pond, miles of trails, and a wide array of cultural & recreational activities.
Stump Pond was created in 1798 when Isaac Blydenburgh, along with his cousins Joshua Smith II and Caleb Smith II, dammed the headwaters of the Nissequogue River in order to construct a grist mill. The dam flooded the river’s original banks to form a pond. Tree stumps on the former banks protruded through the water which is how Stump Pond got its name.
The grist mill at Blydenburgh Lake (also known as Stump Pond or New Mill Pond) in Smithtown, New York, ceased operations in 1922. Following the closure of the grist mill, Blydenburgh Lake (Stump Pond) served as a central, man-made recreational hub for fishing, boating, kayaking, and scenic viewing within Blydenburgh County Park for over two centuries. The dam, originally built in 1798, was maintained specifically to support these recreational activities until its partial collapse in August 2024.
Key points regarding the purpose of the lake:
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Recreation: It served as a major recreational lake, popular for fishing, boating and kayaking.
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Habitat: It functioned as a habitat for fish, ducks, and turtles, providing scenic views and wildlife viewing.
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Recent Status: Following a partial collapse in August 2024, the lake drained, creating a "barren expanse of mud". While residents have pushed to restore the pond for its historic recreational use, there is ongoing debate about allowing the river to return to its natural state to create a new wetland habitat.
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Future: A dam restoration project is planned to bring back the pond for recreational purposes.
Long Island Bassmasters (LIB), Long Island’s oldest freshwater fishing club and the first BASS affiliate club north of the Mason-Dixon line, has deep roots at Blydenburgh. The lake was a longtime staple on the club’s tournament schedule—from partner draw events and winter series tournaments to one of the club’s early “L.I. Opener” events in the early 1970s that often drew 25+ boats.
Since the 1980s, LIB has proudly hosted the Father’s Day Kids Tournament, a family tradition that introduced generations of young anglers to the sport. The club also honors members who’ve passed with remembrance tournaments and dedication benches near the Stump Pond launch (bench dedications in 2008 and 2011), reflecting a lasting commitment to community, conservation, and Blydenburgh Park.
Blydenburgh was a popular fishing destination, particularly for kayak anglers, with an established largemouth bass fishery where fish up to 6 pounds were not unheard of. In addition to bass, the pond carried yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, stocked trout, catfish, and more.
Blydenburgh lake serving as a beautiful paddling destination for kayaking, canoeing, and other small water crafting.