As we approach May it appears that the striped bass have checked the calendar, as their yearly arrival seems to be kicking off.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Narragansett announced a schedule change this week. The cod fishing was read hot through most of the winter, but has slowed quite a bit during April. Because of this, and customer interest the fleet decided to doing some spring tautog trips. These trips will sail on Saturdays and Sundays form 7-3, by reservation. They will kick off this Saturday the 29th. Based on weather conditions and reports they anticipate starting to sail for fluke and squid around the weekend of May 13th.
Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, told me that some customers saw some osprey diving on bait around Barrington Beach, and it appeared to be pogies. That is a very positive sign, as there are already some squid, mackerel and herring in the area. Some large striped bass should be cruising those waters very soon. Tautog reports are starting to pick up for those that have been targeting them, and it should only improve as we get warmer. Freshwater fishing remains strong in all of the trout stocked lakes and ponds. Largemouth bass and calico also seem to be putting on a strong feed, as of late. As has been the case all spring, the local carp anglers continue to score very good catches throughout the state.
Mike, at Watch Hill Outfitters in Westerly, reports that the Pawcatuck River remains a bit dirty from the rain, but anglers are still finding some striped bass. The breachways have been cleaner, and reports of schoolie action have been better from there, the South County beaches and the West Wall. Tautog and winter flounder catches are spotty, but those who have put some time in are finding a few of each. There have been a few pods of bunker spotted here and there, and squid reports are still quiet; although both should blow open very soon.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Right when it looked like the river was cleaning up we got another batch of hard rain, but that hasn’t stopped the bass from eating, according to, Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown. The river is loaded with schoolie bass and guys are catching on worms and soft plastics. The herring runs have been catching the attention of the larger bass, where guys are hooking up after dark on herring imitation swimmers. The Salmon River TMA has fished really well all spring, and that hasn’t changed this week. Strong reports are starting to come in from Candlewood Lake as well, where both large and smallmouth bass are hitting jerkbaits and Keitechs.
Over at Hillyers in Waterford, reports have remained pretty consistent with decent flounder reports coming from the Niantic River. The spring tautog bite is just starting to really improve; unfortunately this will be the last weekend to target them until July. Striped bass are still being caught with consistency in the Niantic and Thames Rivers but they have all been schoolies to this point.
At Rivers End in Old Saybrook, reports have been strong for striped bass in the lower CT River. Anglers at the DEEP docks are catching on worms, as well as soft plastics on small jigs. Saybrook Point is starting to improve as well. The herring runs upriver are starting to produce bigger fish, for anglers throwing large plugs after dark and around first light. The Housatonic also continues to go strong, with a ton of fish by the mouth and a few bigger fish upriver. The local trout streams have been heavily stocked, and all are flowing nicely.
Jeremy, at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk, reported that the blackfish bite improved greatly this week and anglers are taking plenty of keepers on the local rockpiles. The best bite has been in shallow water on sandworms or clams, and with the season closing after Saturday, it is worth a shot in the upcoming days. There has been a decent push of bunker in the area, and the bass are starting to take notice. Around Norwalk Harbor and the mouth of the Housatonic seem to be the most consistent areas. Most anglers have been hooking up with bigger fish on large soft plastics on lead heads, while guys soaking sandworms are catching good numbers of smaller fish. Winter flounder have been picky, but if you put your time in around the channel edges you can pick up a few keepers. The freshwater guys are putting a good deal of time in at the Saugatuck Reservoir and catching nice smallmouth and trout.
The The Compleat Angler in Darien provided some good fly fishing reports for anglers fishing the Farmington, Housatonic and Long Island Sound this weekend. The Farmington is running 262 cfs at Riverton, and the Still is adding a warm 140 cfs to that. The warmer water from the Still has woken up the fish and bugs, and some quality holdover fish were taken this week. Bugs to look for include BWO #16-18, Early stoneflies #12-16, midges #20-26, and Blue Quills #18. Nymphs imitating a Hendrickson (Pheasant tails), Hare’s Ear, any other brownish/tan nymph) along with Stonefly nymphs are effective. The Housatonic is also beginning to fish well. Most effective flies have been streamers, big stonefly nymphs, Hare’s Ear, BH Prince, and BH Pheasant Tail. San Juan worms and egg patterns are also very effective at this time. Saltwater fly anglers reported that the fishing is picking up in the Sound. There have been some nice schools of bass at the river mouths and anglers taking some time to fish these areas have been nicely rewarded with some great numbers and a few big fish as well, mainly on clousers. As waters warm these schools will spread out and be accessible in a broader area. This is a great time to pick up your 8 or 9 weight and hunt for some great bass.
Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
We are getting close to seeing the full striped bass spring run blow open. There are now bass in most spots throughout our region, and it seems there is enough big bait to have some larger fish here in no time. Tautog are starting to chew in both states as well, and the spring provides a great time to get a few nice eaters without too many crowds. Freshwater fans should be able to find some excellent trout action no matter where they are located, while bass action in the lakes approaches the spring peak.