Saltwater is pretty much a wrap until spring other than a some tog until 12/6 and seabass until 12/31. Schoolies are in the harbors and tidal rivers which will keep you entertained if you need to scratch that itch. Who doesn’t love catching a ton of schoolies on light tackle?
Its all about freshwater now, though. Anglers are just waiting for the ice! But in the meantime there is still plenty of fishing to do in open water. Pan fish continue to keep anglers busy. There are some serious slabs to slay too. Bass fishermen are getting into some big crappie by accident, but no one is complaining. The perch are also willing to chew on some crawlers and small shiners. The edge of weed lines as well as rocky structure are good areas to poke around in for pan fish. White perch have been easy to come by in the CT river as well.
Some good largemouth reports have come from Candlewood, Ball pond, Bantam, Kenosia, Hanover pond and Squantz pond. Smallmouth reports came from Candlewood, Squantz, Lillinonah, Bantam and the CT river. Bass fishing is slow and by that, I mean the presentation. Hair jigs have been a go to for many anglers. Some nice fish are being found in around 30 feet of water hanging on rocky areas. Other good areas to try include bridge pilings and shelves that drop off. Targeting structure is very crucial right now. Basically, areas that will retain heat longer at the end of the day are a good bet. Conditions can be tough but if you have the patience and commitment, you stand a chance at landing a real lunker.
Trout are very active and some nice catches came from Quassy, Ball pond, Candlewood lake, the Naugatuck and upper Housatonic rivers. Trout magnet soft plastics and power nymphs were good producers. But, you can’t go wrong with spoons, spinners, phoebes and small rapalas for trout and salmon. Salmon have been just as hungry as the trout. Some good reports came from the Shetucket as well as the Naugatuck. Again this week, pike have been very eager to bite. With some excellent catches coming from Bantam, Lillinonah and the CT river. Coves and confluences along the river have been producing some excellent fish. Big spinner baits, jointed rapalas and large dead baits were among top producers this week. A few decent walleye were caught at Gardner and the Saugatuck reservoir on shiners. Haven’t heard anything about catfish or carp lately. It might be cold out, but don’t pack away your gear just yet. Stay active and wet a line. Fish are fattening up for winter and there are some chunks to be caught. Safe travels and happy Thanksgiving!
Kyle Quine
Fishing CT
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