Freshwater anglers are passing the time until spring with great carp, pike and bass catches; while the holdover striper fisheries continue to produce consistently.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
Captain Frank, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, continues to wait for the calm “after” the storm, as we continue to get slammed with nor’easters that have kept the boats at the dock. The fleet has been spending their time getting the boats in prime shape for the spring season, and we should be getting a break in the weather soon enough. 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 anglers have been getting into some decent freshwater action in between the storm systems. Customers Cesin Curi and Leo Veras have reported great largemouth bass action in some of the smaller ponds right after the latest round of snow. The white perch bite is getting going right on schedule, in spots such as the Palmer River and Turner Reservoir; while the calico bite seems to be pretty solid all over. Anglers working soft plastics after dark are also continuing to find better holdover bass catches, as the month rolls on.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, told me that the spring fishing has been pretty consistent in the Connecticut River. White and yellow perch, crappie and pike are all cooperating, with the latter taking dead baits and slowly worked artificials around most of the small tributary mouths. The calico bite has been good in most of the coves, with good catches coming from Wethersfield and White Oaks. White perch can be found around Hamburg Cove, and Andrew expects the reports from the Baldwin Bridge area to start picking up soon. The Housatonic regulars that have been braving the winds are finding plenty of school to small keeper bass after dark, with the increased flows helping the bite. Fishing has been strong in the Farmington and Salmon River TMA’s, with a number of nice holdover and wild fish being caught right through the storm this week. Andrew also noted that CT now requires a trout stamp for anglers targeting trout and/or fishing the TMA’s. The stamp costs $5, and you can pick one up at the shop.
Joe, at Rivers End in Old Saybrook, reports that, overall things have been quiet, but the holdover anglers are still scoring plenty of fish in the Housatonic, and a few are finding good bites in the lower CT River tribs. White and yellow perch action is starting to heat up on the coves, and should really hit its stride locally in the next week or so. Joe also mentioned that the shop’s annual Striper Surf Day will be held on Saturday, March 24th. The event is free, and as always there will be a great line-up of vendors, demos and seminars!
Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports that the bite continues to be strong on the Housatonic, with the bigger bass feeding after dark. There have been good pods of fish from Sullivans to Devon, so you can’t venture away from the usual crowded spots and still find fish. The high flows have resulted in a good bite on both tides, but the bigger fish are coming on the ebb. For those looking to fish the local TMA’s, remember that CT now requires a trout stamp, and you can pick one up at the shop.
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; specifically in the permanent Catch and Release/TMA. The upper river in Riverton, from Whittemore up to the dam, was stocked on 3/6, and the fishing has been predictably strong in that stretch. The area below the permanent C&R should be stocked any day now, and the whole stretch from Goodwin/Hogsback Dam is currently opening right up through opening day. As mentioned earlier, a trout stamp is now required, and can be purchased at the shop. Flow through the permanent C&R is medium and clear, making it plenty fishable. 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.
Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
This current nor’easter pattern that we are stuck in makes it hard to think about the spring, and looking ahead, it appears we may have at least one more on the way. Fortunately, these storms have been wedged in between some relatively mild weather; which has resulted in some strong freshwater fishing for most of the week. Our current early spring fishing patterns are starting to take shape in both states. Largemouth, calico, white perch, carp and some holdover striped bass have been keeping anglers busy in Rhode Island. In Connecticut, all the aforementioned species are biting well in the big river, along with some solid pre-spawn pike action. Holdover bass fishing continues to be excellent in the Housatonic; while the clean and strong flows from the snow melt has resulted in some great trout action in our TMA’s. Think Spring!