Rhode Island Fishing Report
Captain Frank, of the Frances Fleet in Narragansett, was pleased to report that the weather finally let up enough earlier this week to get out on the grounds for a couple consecutive days. The weather was picture perfect on Sunday and Monday, and while the fishing wasn’t quite lights out, they were able to find some solid fish both days. More and more bait continue to show on the grounds, and should only help get the bite to continue to materialize. The weather has been a little tough later in the week, but they are planning on making a few trips this weekend. Be sure to check with the office for updated sailing schedules before heading down.
Captain Russ, of The Seven B’s in Snug Harbor, was able to get out on the grounds a few times this week, and found a few nice cod fish that were willing to chew. It seems both bait and cod numbers are on the rise and things will continue to improve, if the weather continues to cooperate. Captain Andy will be running the boat this winter, whenever there is a weather window, so be sure to check in with the office to confirm schedule and sailing times.
Some warmer temperatures and a bit more rain has made ice fishing a struggle in parts of southern Rhode Island. A number of lakes and ponds in that part of the state have seen the edges open up and things get a bit sketchy. Luckily, a number of the bodies of water that are nestled further north should be good to go for the weekend. Wilson’s, Lincoln Woods, Waterman’s and Barney Pond are just a few of the spots that are still holding 6+ inches of ice.
Temperatures are set to dip a bit and I envision plenty of hardwater opportunities for the weekend. As always, and especially this time of year, be sure to check the ice as you venture out and take the proper safety precautions. If walking on water isn’t for you there should be plenty of trout opportunities on the local streams, as the flows have receded to a nice level.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown in Middletown, told me that ice anglers continue to do well, despite the up and down weather. A number of the lakes and ponds across the state, especially in the northern elevations, made more than enough ice prior to the warm-up to keep things going for a while. A couple big walleye, good numbers of pike and some great crappie and perch catches were reported over the past 5 days or so. The trout streams have started to receded and Andy is starting to hear more and more positive reports from the Salmon and Farmington Rivers.
Joe, at Rivers End in Old Saybrook, told me that many of the Connecticut River coves took a beating over the last warm spell, but many of the lakes and ponds are holding plenty of ice to remain good to go for the weekend. The trout fishing has been strong in the Salmon River, and even better in the Farmington, for those who are making that trek. Strong holdover action came in from the Housatonic over the past few nights, and the rest of the month should be consistent, barring an extreme cold snap. The shop will be announcing the date for its annual Surf Day in March shortly, so be sure to keep an eye on their website or Facebook page.
Rich, at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk, reported that the striped bass bite in the Housatonic fired back up this week with the quick warm-up. Temperatures look like they are set to drop back down to normal, but the river should remain free of ice and the bite should remain steady. The local rivers and streams have settled down and anglers targeting trout have been finding success on the Norwalk, Mianus and Saugatuck Rivers. Lakes and ponds around the coastline have questionable ice, outside of the small ones, but anglers heading north to the Litchfield County area are finding good ice and good action.
Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing in New Hartford, reported some strong fishing during the spring like weather we had earlier this week, and while temperatures are getting back to normal, the fishing should remain steady. The river is ice free and the clarity is very good; which has equated to a good junk fly bite, especially for those pairing them with a #16-20 nymph. Midge patterns, Caddis larva, Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears have all been great choices when pairing with an egg or worm fly. Slowly/deeply fished streamers are still connecting up with big trout, and some mornings have seen trout rising to Winter Caddis in early/mid mornings. As the water temperatures start to drop once again, look for current seams, downed trees, undercut banks and drop-offs; all spots that big trout will tend to congregate in the cooler weather.
Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
Some warmer weather has made the ice fishing sketchy in some areas, but there seems to be plenty of ice that has held up just fine and will harden back up this weekend. The northern half of Rhode Island has a good number of ice options available; while most of Connecticut seems to have some safe ice. If thinner ice isn’t your forte, look to the northern elevations across CT, where lakes such as Winchester, Tyler, West Hill and Bantam are still holding more than enough ice. The trout streams are now devoid of ice, and it should be a good weekend to stalk your favorite river. Holdover striped bass action also kicked back up after the warm-up and should provide a strong rod-n-reel option for the rest of the month.