Freshwater anglers are passing the time until spring with great carp, pike and bass catches; while the holdover striper fisheries continue to produce consistently.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, continues to fill the shop for spring, and anglers have been getting out to the rivers when the weather has allowed. The pike bite continues to be pretty good, with fish to 38-inches being reported by shore anglers from Haddam to Hartford. Live and dead baits have been producing very well, but some of the bigger catches this week were on artificials. The perch bite (both white and yellows) is just starting up in Hamburg cove, and really should be intensifying in the next few weeks. The rain from last weekend continued to help anglers on the Housatonic, with the increased flows sparking good bass activity on all tides. Anglers are reporting great numbers of school bass, with a good chance of seeing a fish over 35-inches on most trips. The fish seem to be spread throughout the river, and they are on the move.
Gene, at Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme, reported that the holdover striped bass bite has been pretty good locally, with a number of BHO Fishing Team members getting into fish to the 10-12 pound mark on soft plastics. The shop will be sending Chris Wahl to the RISAA show this weekend, and he will be showcasing the latest gear for 2018. Be sure to stop by the booth and test out the full line of new rods and reels that BHO stocks.
Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports that the bite continues to be strong on the Housatonic. The warmer weather of last week had the fish very active, but even as it started to cool this week, things were good on the outgoing tides. The high flows have spread the fish around, and catches picked up in the lower stretches, below RT 15. Schoolies dominate the catch, but anglers fishing after dark are finding fish to 25-pounds. Fisherman’s World will also have a space at RISAA this weekend, with a great selection of tackle on hand. Look for them at booths 529-535!
Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing in New Hartford reports that the recent bite along the river hasn’t consisted of huge numbers, but most of the fish being caught are quality holdovers and wilds. Flows have been good despite last week’s rain, and the permanent C&R is clear, medium-high and very fishable. When fishing in higher flows that are so common in March & April, pick your spot carefully. Trout will seek out refuge from the increased current. Typically this means they move closer to the bank, out of the heavier flows. Look for wider pools that disperse the current, and also spots where the river goes from narrow to wider (it make current breaks on both sides of the main flow). Streamers are very good for targeting better fish when the water is up, especially in black or white; while nymphs remain an excellent choice as well. While nymphs and streamers are your safest bet, you can also look for rising fish on Midges and Winter Caddis. Torrey also mentioned that he has been seeing more and more Winter/Early Stones hatching lately, which is always a good sign. Weather-wise, the upcoming weekend looks pretty good after the latest round of snow, with temps holding in the mid-40s, so there is no reason to believe it won’t be another productive weekend.
The river has been stocked everywhere outside of the permanent C&R/TMA areas, and it’s pretty much loaded with brown, rainbow & brook trout, even a few tiger & golden rainbow trout.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
Captain Frank, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, is looking forward to the calm “after” the storm, as the last week or so has been tough for everyone around the New England coast. The strong NE blow and the storm systems look to be clearing out for the weekend, and there is a good chance that the fleet will have a few good sailing days. The temperatures on the cod grounds are still above normal, and Frank hopes that will help spark the spring bite when the weather clears. Be sure to check with the office as we approach the weekend, and see what the sailing schedule looks like.
Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, told me that a good deal of anglers have been getting out in the freshwater to take advantage of the early spring bite, while things remain sporty in the salt. The local carp regulars are reporting good catches in most of the larger river systems and ponds. The largemouth bass bite is also said to be strong in most of the local lakes and ponds. Live shiners have been the best way to fool a big largemouth, but slowly fished jigs and soft plastics are also working well. The holdover striped bass bite is starting to pick up in the Providence River, and the white perch bite should really start to hit its stride soon. Dave mentioned that some good early season white perch spots include the Palmer River, Turner Reservoir and in downtown Providence near the courthouse.
Another option for Rhode Island anglers who may be gearing up for the spring season is the New England Saltwater Fishing Show. The show will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center from the 9th through the 11th, and is always a great way to check out some new gear, listen to great seminars and gear up for the season ahead.
Connecticut Fishing Forecast
Hopefully this latest round of winter weather is the last of it for New England anglers who are ready for the spring. The weather looks to be settling down nicely for the weekend, and freshwater options will be plentiful. Carp and largemouth bass are biting well in our lakes and ponds, while the CT TMA’s continue to put up some quality trout. Holdover bass anglers should have plenty of opportunities to find fish in either state, and the white perch bite should be intensifying in some of the same tidal rivers. What is generally the most expansive fishing show in New England will be kicking off on Friday, and is worth the ride for any anglers who want to see the latest and greatest in saltwater gear ahead of the 2018 season.