The weather over the past week was certainly more characteristic of March than April, but today, when the clouds parted, the wind died and the temperature rose, it finally started to feel like spring.

 

Rhode Island Fishing Report

There’s word of some keeper stripers spreading through Rhode Island this week. Chris at the Saltwater Edge in Middletown said the warm weather and southwest breeze is likely to give the local striper fishing the nudge it needs to break wide open.

In Narragansett Bay and along the South County beachfront, the fishing this week was fair, but you can count on that improving this weekend. OTW contributor Dave Pickering put in a strong effort on Wednesday, but only turned up mediocre results with a few small stripers. The cold north wind could have had a hand in the lackluster fishing. Nonetheless, the fish are there, and with the improving weather, the bite should pick up big time.

At River and Riptide, the buzz was about a fresh stocking of brown trout into the Wood River. Fish are starting to rise to dry flies. For the best shot at striper action, they recommended the West Wall or the Narrow River.

 

Connecticut Fishing Report

Connecticut striper fishing continues to be pretty good as well. Pat at River’s End reported that there are schoolies in the Connecticut River, but they seem to have scattered a bit. Most of the action is taking place between the river mouth and Middletown. For shorebound anglers, sand worms are the best bet. Boaters are having the best luck with jigs.

Finally some word of blackfish. Good-sized fish are being taken, and in shallow water, according to Pat. Fishing over the rockpiles in 5 feet of water has produced the best tog catches lately. Still no solid reports of winter flounder, however.

The folks at Bobby J’s Bait and Tackle in Milford said the same about winter flounder—slow. Blackfish action has been good in West Haven, however. The big news is the striped bass fishing in the Housatonic River. “The river is loaded with bass,” reported Jason. The fish are spread out all the way to the mouth. Daiwa SP Minnows and the new Savage Minnow are working well on these fish. Stripers up to 40 inches have been taken. Jason reports that nighttime is best, but fish are biting in the daytime as well.

Trout fishing has been great since the opener. On The Water’s Chris Parisi celebrated opening day last Saturday with a 5-pound rainbow that he caught and released for another angler to enjoy. The stocking trucks are rolling again through Connecticut, and fishermen can count on more great trout fishing this weekend.

 

Best Bets for the Weekend

I’d have to guess this weekend’s weather is really going to get things stirring in saltwater. Look for more stripers to show up along south-facing beaches and in bays and backwaters. Sounds like the Housatonic is the hotspot, and minnow plugs are the way to go. In Rhody, look to the west wall for schoolie action.

Also, don’t overlook the trout fishing. More trout were stocked in both states this week, and those fish should be plenty willing to strike lures or baits before they become wise to angler’s tricks.

Lastly, the Connecticut blackfish season closes on May 1, so this weekend will be your last shot to wrestle one of these hard-fighting bottom fish until fall. It may be worth grabbing some green crabs and taking advantage of this fishery while it’s still open.