Striped bass numbers seem to be increasing both out front along the beaches and up in the rivers. Fresh striped bass have been reported at the West Wall in Rhode Island. Freshwater fishing, particularly for trout, has also been very good.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, told me that blackfish and flounder reports remain quiet. He has just recently started to hear of a few blackfish reports around Waterford, and hasn’t heard anything about flounder. The Connecticut River herring runs are still filling up with bait, and early May looks promising for river striped bass, with the upcoming warm weather. While the big striped bass aren’t plentiful just yet, the schoolie bite has been strong for guys dunking sandworms. The best striped bass fishing remains in the Housatonic, and anglers are reporting good catches from the herring runs, along with the usual lower river haunts. The shop will be hosting its annual fluke and sea bass tourney, be sure to stop in and sign up; the fluke opener will be here before you know it!
Lou, at Hillyers Tackle in Waterford, reports that a few flounder were taking in the river this week, so things seem to be heading in the right direction. The spring blackfish season never really started due to the low water temperatures, but this slight warm-up may give anglers a chance this weekend. There have been some schoolies around Millstone and in the river, but the best reports are still coming from the herring runs to the west. The shad have been way behind, but enough have been caught to give hope that it will blow up with the upcoming warming trend.
Mike Roy, of Reel Cast Charters, told me that he finally saw the water temps in the river hit 50 degrees, and it resulted in some better action this week. The bass numbers are still very good, and while there haven’t been any very large fish caught yet, there have been plenty of 30-inch class fish that are now very aggressive. Things will only improve this week with the upcoming weather, and Mike still has some openings for the upcoming couple of weeks!
Fisherman’s World in Norwalk, reported that more and more bass have been showing up in the Western Sound this week, and they are now hitting sandworms, soft plastics and small swimming plugs. Your odds for a better fish remain better at the Housatonic, as the herring arrival has kicked up the bass activity. Bass can still be taken on jigs, but large herring imitator plugs are working well, and the first few topwater catches have been reported as well. Blackfish reports have been quiet out west as well, but the water is warming quick, so you have a shot right before the season wraps up.
Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing in New Hartford in New Hartford, reported that a number of anglers who stuck it out last weekend despite the cold weather and high flows were rewarded with some nice fish. Some highlights included a 21” wild caught by Zach, along with two 18” holdovers and a 20” wild caught by Fred Stengal . Colebrook Reservoir was no longer at flood level earlier this week, so flows have been steadily dropping all week. Wednesday’s rain may slow the drop, but shouldn’t affect the flow too much. The warm water trend will get the trout feeding more actively, and more bugs will be hatching. Baetis/Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Paraleps/Blue Quills/Mahogany Duns are the current the “glamour hatches”. We are still seeing some Winter Caddis, Tiny Winter (Capnia)/Early Black Stones, and Midges. The Hendrickson hatch should get cranking anytime now, downriver first (due to warmer water temps there) and then it will quickly work its way upstream to the permanent C&R section in New Harford/Pleasant Valley.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
Captain Frank, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, was happy to finally be able to untie the boat from the docks and get out after some cod. After a very tough stretch of weather for the last few months that kept them sidelined, a small but eager group of anglers got out Saturday to try for some cod. They were able to find some nice fish on a wreck early on in the trip, and while things slowed down for the afternoon, the overall results were promising. Captain Matt got out on Sunday and had a better day to report. He took a bit of a ride, but was able to find nearly 20 keeper cod, along with a whole pile of shorts. He marked a good amount of bait, and it appears that things are turning around. As of right now they plan to sail on Friday at 7 AM, but be sure to check with the office in advance.
Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, told me that the trout fishing remains excellent, and he thinks it is one of the best seasons in years. The state continues the stocking program, and good reports have come from Lincoln Woods, Saw Mill Pond and various other spots. One of the highlights of the week was a beautiful 4-pound golden trout that was taken locally. Dave has a wide selection of powerbait, trout spinners, shiners and much more. A few blackfish reports have come in from the rocky coastlines, along with Tiverton and Stonebridge. The bass guys are reporting that some fresh bass have shown up in the Narrow River, and a few scant reports came in from the West Wall. Dave has a good supply of sandworms and crabs for blackfish.
Mike, at Watch Hill Outfitters in Westerly, also reported that local trout fishing was very strong all week, with plenty of fish being caught, and quite a few large fish in the mix. School bass are still hanging around the Pawcatuck River, but the fishing has been spotty. The warm weather that is forecasted next week should really help to kick up the activity levels. There is still a lot of herring coming through the river, and warming temperatures should result in more bass getting on their tails. Winter flounder interest has picked up quite a bit, but not too many are reporting back with positive results.
Connecticut Fishing Forecast
A rough weather pattern from March and through early April put a damper on our spring fishing, but it appears the warm weather may be here to stay, and we can all take a deep breath. Trout action has been excellent through both states, and should only improve as more bugs are hatching, including the Hendrickson’s that will be here soon. The herring runs are loaded with bait and the bass are starting to take notice. It should be relatively easy to find fish in the rivers, and the larger fish should be arriving soon. Carp, pike and largemouth bass reports have all been steady as well, and should provide even more viable options this weekend.