Rhode Island Fishing Report – April 23, 2015

Holdover striped bass fishing does not appear to be negatively affected by the recent heavy rains and continues to improve as more and more river herring show up throughout the region. Trout fishing remains strong and steady, while largemouth bass are getting on the feed as lake and pond temperatures climb.

Rhode Island Fishing Report

Captain Frank of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett reported that the fleet was able to get out after cod on Saturday of this past weekend, and while results weren’t great, there are definitely signs of improvement. This weekend saw anglers hooking up with many more cod than last weekend, although the vast majority were shorts. A few keepers came over the rails, along with a good number of ocean perch. While short fish weren’t exactly what they were looking for, the increased action is a positive sign that the activity level of the fish is rising with the water temperatures. The fleet will continue to make cod trips on the weekends, by reservation only, and is looking forward to next month when fluke and squid trips will commence.

Over at The Saltwater Edge in Middletown word is that more and more school bass are being caught in the upper bay, the salt ponds, and around the various herring runs. Reports of fresh fish have been non-existent, along with tautog and flounder reports, which are also lagging behind for this time of year. Many anglers are turning to the freshwater to wet a line. Reports from the local ponds have been very good for big, post-spawn largemouth bass, and a few big northern pike have also come out to play this week. Slow-twitched crankbaits and steady-retrieved spinnerbaits have equaled success for bass and pike.

Howard at Galilee Bait and Tackle in Narragansett reports that the local herring runs are finally filling up with our yearly visitors. All of the usual haunts are holding good numbers of herring, which are attracting the attention of some large holdover striped bass. Fresh fish have yet to arrive at the wall, but anglers are keeping busy with holdovers in most of the usual spots, including the upper bay; which has really picked up this week. Tautog and flounder reports have also been on the quiet side, but that should start to change with another week or so of warming.

At Quaker Lane Bait and Tackle in North Kingstown, Thom reported that freshwater action has kept most anglers busy throughout South County. Trout action started off solid on opening day and has continued to improve in all of the RIDEM stocked areas. Holdover striped bass fishing remains an option, with small fish still being reported from the salt ponds and throughout the Pawcatuck River.

Connecticut Fishing Report

Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown reports that the schoolie striper bite has continued to intensify throughout the Connecticut River, despite the river being well beyond flood stage. Worm-dunkers are finding fish from Haddam to Hartford, and reports from the mouth have also started to improve. The Housatonic River remains a better bet for holdovers, as it is holding more fish and is less affected by the floods. The majority of the Housatonic fish are coming on light jigs and soft plastics and are of the schoolie variety, but some sharpies are reporting fish to 15 pounds after dark on plugs. In freshwater news, northern pike fishing remains slow with the river being high and dirty, but trout action has been steady in most locations, including the Salmon River, which remains a hot spot.

James at Rivers End in Old Saybrook has been hearing steady schoolie striped bass reports around the mouth of the river for the first time this season. Anglers have been landing plenty of small bass on sandworms at the Dock N Dine and Baldwin Bridge. Local anglers are still hitting the white perch well at Baldwin and in Hamburg Cove. While schoolies are starting to run in the Connecticut, many anglers are still heading to the Housatonic for a chance at a few larger fish on plugs. James also mentioned that freshwater anglers continue to do very well for trout throughout central Connecticut, with the Farmington and Salmon rivers being the top producers. Cedar Lake should also be mentioned as one of the best producing lakes in the area, with another fish over ten pounds reported this week.

Ian at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reported that things have picked up for local trout anglers since opening day. The Saugatuck Reservoir is now red hot for trout, and is also producing some quality smallmouth bass. The Norwalk River has also been catching the attention of local anglers, and reports have been improving each day. Winter flounder reports are finally starting to trickle in around the western sound harbors and river mouths. Clam pieces and a good amount of chum has been the ticket, according to most anglers. School bass can be found in some of the smaller western sound rivers and harbors, but the vast majority of anglers continue to pound the Housatonic for slightly better results.
Mike Roy of Reel Cast Charters was happy to report that this week was a good one on the Housatonic, and he once again saw an improvement from last week. There are still plenty of schoolies distributed throughout the river from Milford to Derby, and hooking up with a light jig and soft plastic is getting easier and easier. After dark, Mike has been able to locate some bass in the 10- to 15-pound class on herring imitator plugs, and that bite will improve as more bait enters the river. Mike also noted that in the past few nights he has seen some bass crashing bait on the surface right before dusk, so it might not be a bad idea to bring a few topwater offerings along with you.

Fishing Forecast

As we remain stuck in that transition from winter to summer, we need to thank the fishing gods that we have so many quality spring fishing options across Rhode Island and Connecticut. The typical spring saltwater options of tautog and flounder are lagging a bit behind, but schoolie striped bass fishing is in full swing. School bass can be found by just about anyone, without the need for much travel. Freshwater options are also plentiful, with trout fishing being strong and consistent, and post-spawn bass fishing heating up as our lakes and ponds quickly warm up.