The first weekend in March is here and there is light at the end of the tunnel for many suffering from cabin fever. For those that have been fishing all winter, why stop now? The cod grounds off Block Island experienced a major improvement over the last few days with many anglers limiting out and big fish to 31-pounds coming over the rails. Some frozen lakes and ponds in the northwest hills of Connecticut will be good to go this weekend for anglers looking to sneak in more ice time before the fat lady sings. Holdover striped bass fishing is another option and, while trout season temporary closed in Rhode Island, several Trout Management Areas remain open in a number of Connecticut waterways.
Rhode Island
Action on the cod grounds saw a vast improvement this past week compared to what was experienced right after winter storm Nemo. Captain Chris of the Island Current said there seems to be a large body of new green cod that just moved into the area. Friday’s outing consisted of three drops with each one producing fish, including notable catches like Freddy from the Bronx’s 12 cod, Grizzly and company’s 27 keepers, and Paul D from MA’s pool-winning 17 pounder. Chris said Saturday’s trip started off picky but through persistence they found the fish once again. Anglers Mike S. Sr. & Jr., along with Louie B., from CT had a combined 31 keepers and Tony T. from CT took the pool with a plump 18 pounder. Monday’s outing had another slow morning bite, but Capt. James ventured off to some different ground and found a solid bite from midday through the late afternoon. The biggest highlight was Mr. Eben Y. from Newburgh, NY with an impressive 31 pound pool winner and 8 other keeper cod coupled with 15 ling. Tuesday was another respectable day of winter codding, but the action flip as it was hot in the morning and slower in the afternoon. High-hook was Ray Burke with eight keepers and most anglers walked away with around five cod apiece and a whole bunch of shorts that went back into the drink. Wednesday’s trip was cancelled due to gale winds, but Island Current boats will be sailing at 3 AM as soon as weather allows.
Frances Fleet has also noticed a big improvement in the cod bite from the week before. Captain Mike said Friday and Saturday featured great local cod fishing and anglers were treated to lots of shorts to keep them busy in between keepers. High-hook on Saturday took home seven fatties of the 21 cod he brought over the rail that day. Sunday’s foul weather prevented sailing, but Captain Mike was back out for a solid outing in warm temperatures on Tuesday. Cod were found everywhere the boat stopped and everyone went home with a nice batch of fish, including the pool-winner with a 15-pounder. The short cod were out in force again looking for a quick meal and all were released safely. Wednesday’s trip was bagged due to foul weather, but Captain Mike thinks Thursday through Sunday looks fishable as of this writing. Please call their office ahead of time to double check.
Ice fishing options are extremely few and far between in Rhode Island after the heavy rains this week. If you do happen to venture on a frozen body of water this weekend, play it extremely safe out there with ice picks and a spud bar—last ice is nothing to mess around with! While it wasn’t the greatest hardwater season in terms of options this year, it was certainly a big upgrade from last winter!
Dave at River and Riptide noted that trout season closes March 1, but will reopen on April 13 with waterways teeming with freshly stocked trout. The saltwater season is right around the corner too. When I called Quaker Lane Outfitters this week, surf sharpie Steve McKenna was starting to get itchy. He’s been tweaking his saltwater gear and tying flies in anticipation for spring, as well as getting psyched for RISAA’s big show in Providence next weekend. Check out their website for more details: http://www.nesaltwatershow.com/.
Connecticut
Despite heavy rain this week, there are still some solid ice options in the northwest corner of the state, especially on Highland Lake’s first two bays. In what’s looking like the last ice fishing derby of the year, the Connecticut Sweetwater Bass Club is hosting a big shindig at Highland this Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM. The heaviest individual fish weighed-in on Saturday will win one lucky angler $900 if all 150 expected participants show. Live shiners under tip-ups are a good way to put a heavy bass, trout or pickerel on the leaderboard. Check out CSWB’s website for derby details: http://www.ctsweetwaterbass.com/icederby.htm.
The recent rain has affected some frozen lakes and ponds worse than others. Edges are starting to get iffy and diehards will surely be using planks or waders to get on the fishable ice that remains. If you do go ice fishing over the next couple weeks of this fading season, please make sure that safety is your number one priority; no fish is worth going in for! Also, several bodies of water are closed for about six weeks starting on March 1, so check CT DEEP’s Anglers Guide if you want to know about a specific spot.
The Trout Management Areas (TMA) of our rivers and streams fish well most of the year, but it’s the month of March when they really shine because all most other waterways are off-limits. The upper Farmington River TMA may be the granddaddy of them all and Grady at UpCountry Sportfishing says it’s currently running at a nice level, but should come up after this week’s rain and snow melt. He suggested that dry fly fans try winter/summer caddis in the mornings. Or you can drift nymphs and egg patterns slow and deep near the head of most pools, which can be very productive this time of year.
If you’re in a learning mood, Rivers End in Old Saybrook is hosting another seminar this weekend, this time on diamond jigging. Local angler and author Tom Migdlaski will be covering all things diamond jigging like how to employ this proven technique on classic spots like the Race, as well as on smaller, lesser known reefs.
The lower Housatonic River has a good amount of winter striped bass holding in it, but getting them to bite this past week has been another story. Housy regular Leon Sylvester said most of the pods of fish are from the Merritt Parkway on up, with the largest schools holding in 25 to 30-feet of water. These bass are lethargic thanks to icy water, so think low and slow! Try using small three to five-inch soft-plastic baits fished real slowly near bottom.
Fishing Forecast for the Weekend
Local cod fishing has done a complete 180 after a very slow stretch last week. The codfish that captains were marking under their boats, yet could not get to eat, are now cooperating with some big fish to boot. Why not round up some friends and taking advantage of a late-winter cod trip before getting all wrapped up in spring fever? If you’re an ice fisherman, Connecticut’s hardwater season is still going on in some spots in the northwest corner, but the writing is on the wall. Get out soon and enjoy it while the ice lasts!