The fresh foot of snow that blanketed Connecticut and most of Rhode Island may slow down ice fishermen but it will certainly not bring them to a halt, as most lakes and ponds had plenty of ice before the snow fell and will remain safe despite the extra weight. Ice fishing continues to be the angling method of choice across the region, with cod fishing being a close second, as the cod bite of Block Island heated up nicely over the past week.

Rhode Island Fishing Report

A cod bite that has been described as “slow but steady” for most of the winter has been kicked into a higher gear this week with many more quality keepers being reported from the waters around Block Island. Captain Mike, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, reported a couple very good trips last weekend with many 20-pound class fish coming over the rails. A 32-pound cod took home high hook, with most customers on board landing at least 5 keepers. Trips this past Monday and Tuesday were equally successful and the fleet is anticipating good fishing through the end of the week, as the storm has now passed.

The Island Current III of Snug Harbor reported high success on the cod grounds this week as well, with multiple 20-pound fish being commonplace on most trips. The boat ran a few private charters earlier this week but open boat trips will be sailing Thursday through Saturday with Captain Chris.

Rhode Island ice fishermen continue to take to the hardwater across the state and walleye reports continue to be very good at Beach Pond. A 13-pound eye was taken from Beach a few weeks back; while this fish is certainly an outlier, anglers fishing after dark have found consistent success with smaller keeper walleye on medium and large shiners.

Pike reports have generally been on the slower side and have consisted of many flagless hours at Wardens Pond and Stump Pond; however, a few quality water wolves have hit the ice at both locations. Patience, persistence and large dead baits have been a winning combination for the anglers who have found success with large northern pike.

Lincoln Woods continues to be the best option for hardwater trout in the ocean state with good catches of both brook and brown trout being reported.

Connecticut Fishing Report

The ice fishing across Connecticut remains very good despite the recent snow, with plenty of ice throughout the state. Andrew, at Fishin Factory III in Middletown, reported that the northern pike bite on the Connecticut River has been as hot as ever and he has had three confirmed reports of 40-inch-plus fish this week. Andrew also had a few second-hand reports of great largemouth bass fishing on Moodus Reservoir, with a few bass over 6 pounds caught on live shiners under tip-ups.

Blaine, from Anderson Guide Services, had a few very good multi-species days on the Connecticut River this week, where he reported a very good jig bite for calico and a couple nice pike on tip-ups.

Bobby J’s Bait and Tackle in Milford reported that the ice has held up well on the coves of the Housatonic River and ice fishermen have been taking full advantage this week. The jig bite for yellow perch has been red hot throughout the river and a few bonus walleye and stripers have been showing up on almost every trip.

TC Marine Bait and Tackle has been selling ice gear at a fever pace and has had anglers reporting good catches statewide. Customers have reported solid and steady northern pike action at Bantam Lake in the west and Pachaug Pond in the east. Largemouth bass fishing has been very good this week with reports of 5-pound plus fish coming from all parts of the state. Quality bass have been reported from Congamond, Lake Winchester and Lantern Hill Pond.

The Valley Angler in Danbury is coming off another very successful Jig and Pig Tournament; which saw some hefty trout, perch and bass weighed in from Squantz Pond. Anglers in the west have continued to hit Candlewood Lake hard and are still being rewarded with excellent smallmouth bass and yellow perch action.

Best Bets for the Weekend

Pulling a sled may be a bit of a workout with the fresh snow across the region, but don’t let it stop you from cashing in on the great ice-fishing opportunities that we now have in both Rhode Island and Connecticut. If you feel like wetting a line but want to avoid standing out in the freezing slop, the cod fishing off Block Island might be the best it has been all witner and the upcoming forecast looks conducive to some good sailing. For the anglers looking to avoid the cold all together but still scratch the itch, the New England Fishing Expo is happening this weekend at the DCU Center in Worcester and looks to be full of great products and great information.