Rhode Island Fishing Report – January 3, 2019

As they wait for ice, anglers are getting their fix pursuing trout throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island or targeting holdover striped bass in the tidal estuaries.

Rhode Island Fishing Report

Captain Mike, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, has taken a few days off for the New Year holiday, but reported that they sound some cleaner water over the weekend after heading to the ledge. On Friday, they managed a few handfuls of cod, scup, ling and a bunch of cunners. Speaking of cunners; Sunday’s trip saw a ton of them, with many over 3-pounds. That’s something that they haven’t seen in quite a few years and is keeping the action steady. Sunday’s catch was rounded out with some sea bass, scup and quite a few cod. The fishing wasn’t lock and load, but was steady; and there was quite a bit of bait on the grounds, so the coming weeks should be solid.

Captain Russ, of The Seven B’s in Snug Harbor, was happy to get back on the cod grounds late last week after some time off due to the holidays and the weather. They moved around and hit several areas, and generally found fish on most drops. The cod numbers were impressive at most spots, although there are quite a few shorts. Along with the cod, customers caught a nice mix of sea bass and haddock as well. They will continue to sail for cod Wednesday through Sunday when the weather permits. Be sure to call the office to confirm schedule and sailing times before heading down to the dock.

In freshwater news, the trout fishing in the rivers and streams are starting to settle after the recent rains, and anglers have been taking advantage. Trout catches have been solid in most of the streams that support winter fishing, along with some of the trout lakes and ponds. Just about all of the lakes and ponds across the state are now devoid of ice, so rod and reel fishing should persist for a few more days at least.

Connecticut Fishing Report

Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, reports that a number of anglers have taken to the trout streams, due to the lack of ice fishing options right now. Most of those anglers have been rewarded with great action and very little crowds. Andrew took a few trips to the Salmon River over the past few weeks and has done pretty well on small Rapala Countdowns. Reports from the Farmington have also been very strong, with plenty of big fish. The ice fishing forecast still looks rather bleak for the immediate future, but that could always change quickly. Another great warm winter option is the Housatonic, where anglers are reporting great catches of holdover bass from 20 to nearly 40 inches. Flows are finally settling down in the Connecticut River, and a few reports of pike and crappie have started to trickle in here and there.

Captain Greg, of Blackhawk Sportfishing, told me finally has the boat in its winter home, Noank Shipyard, and will continue to sail daily if the weather allows. The fishing around Block is a little tougher to predict this time of year, but a good variety of species are still being caught on most trips. Cod, sea bass, scup, winter flounder, haddock, pollock, cunner and ling are all coming over the rails. Seabass and scup are now closed for the year, but everything else will remain open for the winter. There has been a ton of bait seen on the fishing grounds so the table is set for a good season. Call the boat today to verify the next sailing time and to reserve your seat!

Joe, at Rivers End in Old Saybrook, reports that most of the diehard local anglers are heading to the Housatonic, as the Connecticut River has been flooded and dirty. Anglers heading to the Housatonic are generally reporting great action of school fish, with a few keepers mixed in here and there. As we wait for some local ice, the shop will remain stocked with ice gear and bait if you need to stock up!

Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports that the striped bass fishing has been strong through most of December, and has been even better over the past week or so with the warmer temperatures. The Housatonic remains the hotspot for most of the bass action, and the fish have started to transition from the river mouth to the upper stretches around Shelton. Slowly bouncing soft plastics near the bottom on light jigs has been the ticket no matter where you’re fishing. The herring bite is still going on in the Harbors, but is a bit tougher to predict from day to day. Ice anglers are heading to the states to our North, while we keep our fingers crossed for some cold weather locally.

Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing, reports that the high water persists as it has all winter, but many anglers are braving the conditions and being rewarded. Trout are seeing a lot of Junk Flies, so make sure to pair your Mops/Worms/Eggs with some more “nymph-like” patterns to up your odds, especially in the heavily pressured spots. Don’t forget about streamers, if you cover water, play with colors, and vary your retrieve, you should be able to find some takers. Make sure to get your streamers deep, and slow down your retrieve to match the trout’s metabolism in cold water. Water temps are averaging mid/upper 30s on the entire river, and most of the trout are now mainly in winter-type lies of softer/deeper water in pools, deep runs, and the lower section of gentle riffles. Nymphing is the #1 producer in these types of conditions, but big post spawn browns are hungry and they love streamers. Church Pool is still offering up some limited morning dry fly fishing in the slower water on many days- look for mornings that are not windy, preferably following a night down into the teens/20s.

Rhode Island Fishing Forecast

Cod action continues to be solid whenever the weather allows, and water conditions have steadily improved throughout the week. Ice fishing is basically a no-go unless you’re traveling north, but trout fishing has picked up the slack in most of the rivers and streams across both states. While ice fishing anglers can’t be pleased, the holdover bass enthusiast is taking advantage of some great action due to the warmer/ice-free water.