With no ice on the horizon, anglers are taking to the Connecticut tidal rivers for excellent striped bass fishing. Cod fishing is at its peak in Rhode Island, while trout streams are producing great action in both states.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
Captain Mike, of Frances Fleet in Narragansett, reports that the cod fishing continued to improve whenever the boats were able to leave the dock last week. Good numbers of anglers have been taking advantage of the mild winter and most have been limiting out, or getting close to it. Mike reported a killer day last Wednesday with high-hooks getting well into the 20-pound class for most anglers. All the local cod grounds are loaded with bait across the water column, and jigs have been producing very well. Bait has also been working just as well, but the recent drifts have lent themselves well to fishing heavy jigs. The fleet is now sailing at 5 AM, and as of January 2nd they will be sailing daily if the weather cooperates.
Captain Russ, of The Seven B’s in Narragansett, also reported steady, excellent cod fishing around the Christmas holiday. Limits of market-size fish have been happening for most anglers, and larger fish into the 20-pound class are becoming more common. They are now sailing on Friday thru Sunday from 5 AM to 4 PM, but they may add days with the fishing being as strong as it has. Be sure to check their website for updated sailing information.
Mike, at Watch Hill Outfitters in Westerly, reported that recreational anglers have been scoring great catches of cod and sea bass at Cox’s Ledge and the East Grounds. Sea bass will be ending on New Year’s Eve, but there is no doubt that the strong cod bite will keep up for the next few weeks at least. A few tautog anglers reported finding some keeper cod in local inshore waters, and it may be worth a look before heading out to the farther destinations. The Rhode Island beaches are inundated with herring and bunker, and while the bass have long moved out, those large schools of bait may help to bring some cod in closer to home.
At Ocean State Tackle in Providence most anglers are stocking up on cod gear and heading out to the grounds, now that tautog and sea bass are closing. Freshwater anglers are starting to wonder if they will see any ice this season, but in the meantime are reporting good catches of trout in the Blackstone and Ponaganset rivers.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Joe, at Rivers End in Old Saybrook, reports that the bulk of the Connecticut striped bass anglers have been heading to the Housatonic and doing well for bass from 20 to nearly 40 inches. There is no doubt that this winter fishery is as strong as ever, and if the winter continues on this mild trend, the bite should hold up just as well. The lower Connecticut River is also holding some schools of bass with much less pressure, although your chances at a keeper are better in the Housatonic. A good number of anglers are also buying up cod gear and heading to Coxes Ledge and Sharks Ledge, where reports remain strong. Another solid fishery this time of year is the Shetucket River, where freshly stocked, large Atlantic salmon are sparking a lot of angler interest.
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, reports that the Housatonic has been incredibly crowded with anglers searching for holdover striped bass. Despite the large crowds, the bite has been red hot. Good schools of quality bass stretch from the mouth, north to Shelton, and everywhere in between. The Connecticut River around Essex is also said to be holding some decent schools of smaller bass. The white perch bite has been strong in Hamburg Cove, along with some decent largemouth bass and pickerel. While ice anglers are getting increasingly frustrated with the mild winter, fly-fishermen are basking in their glory. The TMA’s of the Farmington and Salmon River are at good flow levels, and are producing well.
Down at Fishermen’s World in Norwalk, word is that the western sound is loaded with herring, and anglers are filling buckets at a fever pace from the boat and shore. With temperatures remaining pretty stable over the next few days that bite should remain steady. As mentioned earlier, the Housatonic striped bass bite is on fire. The lower stretches of the river, south of 95 seem to be producing better fish. These fish are more aggressive than in years past, and are taking large 9-12 inch soft plastics. Big Slug-gos, Fin-S Fish and Hogys fished on leadheads are top producers. The local TMA’s are providing a good outlet for trout anglers who are waiting for ice, while the Saugatuck Reservoir is starting to produce better numbers of walleye.
Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing in Pine Meadow, reports that the total flow through the permanent catch and release area is at a comfortable 368 cfs. Water clarity throughout the Farmington is very good, and fishing is about as good as it could be for the beginning of January. As water temperatures start to drop over the next few days, Torrey recommends fishing pools and deeper runs. Nymphs fished slow and deep and weighted streamers will be top producers, and expect hits to be subtle and less aggressive than they’ve been the past few weeks.
Best bets for the weekend
As ice fishermen continue to curse the winter gods, open-water anglers should continue to capitalize on a prolonged season. In Rhode Island, look to hit the cod grounds while the weather is warm and the bite is hotter. In Connecticut, holdover striped bass are providing tight lines for anyone who is willing to deal with some crowds. Trout streams are at extremely fishable levels, while the bass, pike and walleye lakes should produce another good weekend of open-water fishing. Enjoy the long weekend, and Happy New Year.