The ice on our bodies of water has faded just as quickly as they were built in December, but spring-like temperatures in February will bring about the open-water fishing much quicker.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Narragansett was able to get out on the grounds on Valentine’s Day and locate enough fish to put some smiles on the faces of most on board. The water temperature has started to come up and that has scattered the bait a bit, but there are still good fish to be had. Friday looks like it will be a good day for sailing, and the weekend winds don’t look too bad. There is potential for a storm Saturday night, so be sure to check in with the office before booking a trip.
Captain Chris, of The Island Current at Snug Harbor, reported similar cod results with a tough week on the grounds. Valentine’s Day was a bit of a struggle initially, but they were finally able to dial in a good bite later in the day. High hook ended up going home with 4 keepers, so once again the fish are there, just seems to take a bit longer to dial them in.
Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, told me that the ice fishing is all about done in Rhode Island, after the latest round of rain and warm temperatures. Anglers are taking advantage of some open-water opportunities, and finding some school striped bass on the Providence River. The TMA’s and any trout waters that are still open to fishing are also going to start to garner some attention, as the warm temps will increase the trout activity. Common hotspots such as the Wood River and Blackstone River should be flowing nicely, and will be open for the rest of the month.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, told me that despite having a lot of ice in CT, the recent rain and warm weather has put a hurting on it. Some of the larger lakes in the northern parts of the state will hold ice through the weekend, but you will need to proceed with caution and may need a plank to get on. We are approaching a winter doldrum, with the ice fading and the spring still some time away, but there will still be some options. The Housatonic is starting to fish pretty good for holdover striped bass, and the upcoming warm weather should really start to intensify things. The Farmington River TMA’s are flowing nicely, as are the management areas in the Salmon River. Open water opportunities should start to pick up on the Connecticut as well, once the water starts to clean up a bit.
Rivers End in Old Saybrook told me that on the fishing front things have quieted down a bit, with most of the local ice being destroyed. The warmer water has woken up some of the stripers and striped bass anglers as well, with some good catches of bass in the Housatonic and some increased activity in the lower Connecticut River tributaries. Joe also mentioned that the shop is having its annual plug sale, with all in stock lures at 20% off. The sale will run through the month of February, so stop down while the inventory is full.
At Fisherman’s World in Norwalk, Max reports that the striper fishing in the Housatonic has really started to pick up thanks to the recent rains and warm weather. The warm-up has increased activity, and the water has dirtied up just enough to keep the fish from being too spooky, while still seeing your offering. Fish in excess of 40-inches were reported, both day and night and on both sides of the tide. The local TMA’s are starting to get a look as well, now that there is no safe ice in the area.
Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing in New Hartford is thrilled by the upcoming forecast with average highs in the upper 40s, and lows in the 30s. Typically mild weather is good for winter fishing, as it bumps the water temps up, triggering more trout & bug activity. There are often “bite windows” during the day when the fish turn on, and before/after those moments it can be slow. Nymphs continue to be the most consistent producers with patterns ranging from small (#22) to relatively large (#8). Streamers are also working pretty well, but remember to fish both streamers and nymphs slow and deep. Expect strikes to be subtle, but they will steadily increase in intensity as the water warms and trout activity pick up.
Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
Most of the ice across CT and RI has faded, with the exception of a few bodies of water in northern CT. We will now enter a bit of a rut while waiting for spring, but the early warm spell should turn things around quicker than usual. Cod opportunities will persist in Rhode Island, and the trips will become much more comfortable, weather-wise. School striped bass opportunities will pick-up in Rhode Island, while the large holdover populations across Connecticut will start to feed much more. Trout fishing in the TMA’s in both states will be a great way to spend the rest of the month, if the weather remains this mild.