The schoolie striped bass fishing seems to be steady in our tidal rivers. Anglers are consistently hitting schoolies both day and night. Some keeper-sized fish are being found and larger bass are being taken mostly after dark. Trolling Alabama rigs slowly is a great way to hook up with schoolies nonstop. It seems larger fish are being taken on baits fished slowly on the bottom. Four- to seven-inch Zoom Super Flukes, Slug-Gos and Fin-S Fish are still getting the job done and will continue to all winter long. The Thames saw some good schoolie action. The Connecticut River was about the same with some small keeper-sized fish being landed. Overall better reports came from the mighty Housatonic River. Rain got flows going a bit more, which can help to turn fish on in the rivers. The bite can be tough this time of year and finesse plays a huge role when fishing for holdovers, especially as winter really sets in. Be sure to use a lighter-action rod and lighter line as well. You really need to feel every little thump and bump. Put in your time and you will be rewarded!
We had some unseasonably warm weather this past week and weekend. Anglers took advantage of the warmer temps and got out for just about anything and everything. Some okay bass were reported from Candlewood Lake, Ball Pond, and no name ponds around the state. Smallmouth came from Candlewood, Bantam and the CT River. Pike are still chewing along the CT River and some fish came from Bantam Lake as well. Large dead baits, big jointed Rapalas and slow-trolled spoons have produced some great northerns. Both white and yellow perch, as well as crappie were reported from coves on the CT, Lillinonah and Zoar. Getting out there in a kayak, canoe or boat is crucial to finding good panfish. Jigging along the edge of weed lines and any structure has been key and fish are holding deep.
The warm weather even got some carp anglers to unpack their gear and give it a go, and why not? Some good fish up to 16 pounds came from coves on the Connecticut. Brightly colored and strongly scented baits get the job done this time of year because carp’s eyesight diminishes in cold water. Again this week, seeforellen-strain brown trout have been enticing anglers from all over. Reports of these recently stocked brutes came from Black pond, West Hill pond, Squantz pond and Highland lake. Spoons, Rapalas, Rat-L-Traps and shiners have produced some big seefs. These fish seem to finally be spacing out a bit more now, so you may need to work a little harder for them. Other trout reports came from Squantz pond, Black pond, Ball pond, Candlewood and the Farmington.
NOTE: I wish you all a happy new year. With that said, be sure to get your 2015 fishing license! Temps seem to be dropping off and it is looking good for ice fishing. Lets keep our fingers crossed that hard water will be here soon and it will stay for awhile. Just be sure to bring proper safety gear when searching for safe ice this season.
Kyle Quine
Fishing CT
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