As we roll into the new year, an arctic blast is set to slam the Northeast with sub-zero temperatures and a batch of frozen precipitation. Ice anglers across the region are embracing the cold, as finding safe and fishable ice should become much easier, while open-water anglers are starting to pack the gear away and wait patiently for our next winter warm-up.

Rhode Island Fishing Report

The Frances Fleet in Narragansett rang in the new year with successful cod trip on the first of the year. Captain Mike reported that a small group of anglers scored some nice cod on local grounds, with each angler going home with a half-dozen or so, with plenty of throwbacks in the mix. The boats will not be sailing the next few days with the impending snowstorm, but the weekend looks to be about as pleasant as it could be in early January, and the cod should continue to cooperate.

There is a fair amount of fishable ice across Rhode Island; the northern regions are a safer bet but there is quality ice across the southern stretches as well. Quaker Lane Bait and Tackle in North Kingstown has been selling live shiners to quite a few ice anglers throughout the holiday, many of which have been venturing off to the smaller trout ponds that were recently stocked in the fall. Anglers in the Providence area have been focusing some attention on Lincoln Woods, where both trout and salmon are stocked and have been falling to live shiners under tip-ups. All of the coves at Lincoln Woods are well-frozen and the larger mid-portions of the lake should lock up nicely with the impending temperatures.

Word is Worden’s Pond and Stump Pond have plenty of fishable ice and the pike have cooperating nicely at both locations.

The slightly warmer nights around the Christmas holiday got some anglers out on the Providence River where schoolie striped bass continue to congregate by the Hurricane Barrier. According to The Saltwater Edge in Middletown the schoolie bite has remained very good despite the falling temperatures, however the next few nights should throw a lot of ice on the river and slow things down for a few days.

Connecticut Fishing Report

Ice fishing is in full swing across Connecticut and despite another blast of snow, record lows are forecasted for the end of this week and just about every freshwater body of water across the state should have fishable ice by the weekend.

Andrew at Fishin’ Factory III in Middletown has had anglers reporting good ice across central Connecticut. Most of the Connecticut River coves are locked up and safe, and any portions that are not safe should be by the weekend. The jig bite for calico bass (crappies) and yellow perch has been excellent, while northern pike and largemouth bass have been taking large shiners under tip-ups.

Gary, at Connecticut Outfitters in Wethersfield, has also been selling ice gear at a fever pace over the past few days and has had anglers reporting good pike action at Bantam Lake in the west and Pachaug Pond in the east. Walleye have been cooperating at Coventry Lake, although they remain on the smaller side, and good perch and bass action is being reported statewide.

TC Marine Bait and Tackle in Shelton reported that the Housatonic River remains loaded with schoolie to small-keeper-size striped bass, although the deep freeze will likely halt angling efforts for striped bass for a few days. Some of the coves in the river and its impounded lakes are frozen and will be fishable this weekend, providing an opportunity to catch some striped bass through the ice on the upper stretches of the river.

Candlewood Lake has yet to reach a safe and fishable ice level but a few areas, including the popular Danbury Town Park, should be safe by the weekend, according to Candlewood Bait and Tackle.

Best Bets for the Weekend

While sub-zero temperatures will provide a sense of security to anglers venturing out on the ice this weekend, the snow cover will make it difficult to determine ice thicknesses and could hide thin spots. Be sure to take the proper precautions including checking the ice with a spud bar as you venture out. That being said, this weekend should provide a great opportunity to get out on the ice just about anywhere across our region. Be safe, have fun and Happy New Year.