Pike fishing remains consistent, while the river run striped bass are starting to wake up with the first arrival of herring.
Fishing Report For Rhode Island
Captain Frank, of the Frances Fleet in Narragansett, passed along that they were once again not able to get out much due to the weather. We haven’t been able to break this windy/winter type patter, but the good news is that the extended forecast looks much warmer, and much less windy. They have been getting the boats ready for the upcoming season, and should be all systems go for the late spring/early summer season when the fluke show up. They are still taking charter reservations for the upcoming season, and will continue to sail for cod daily whenever the weather allows. Check in with the office for weather and scheduling updates.
Captain Russ, of The Seven B’s in Snug Harbor, said that the weather has kept them from getting out recently, but, as always, they are monitoring the forecast and will attempt to put a trip together if opportunity presents itself. Capt. Andy will be running the boat this winter for cod trips and can be reached at (401) 778-6012. Be sure to call ahead to confirm schedule and sailing times before heading down to the dock.
The ice is gone at Johnson’s Pond and Stump Pond, and the big pre-spawn pike are on the food bag. If the weather continues to improve we should start to see some holdover action in the Providence River and in the salt ponds, but for the time being, bass anglers can cross the border and scratch the itch in the Thames. Largemouth bass fishing has been solid across the state, with the smaller ponds producing best, as the water is warming up quickly. Mike at Watch Hill Outfitters in Westerly, told me that there have been some reports of some herring starting to show up in the Pawcatuck, so the bigger holdover bass should start moving around any day now.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, reports that the pike action has remained solid in the Connecticut River. The pike are getting very close to setting up for the spawn, so it should slow down for a few days at some point, but as of right now anglers are still finding fish around the mouth of most of the tributaries. Haddam Meadows is always a top choice, but most of the backwaters and feeder creeks in the area are holding some fish. Large live baits under a float has been the top producer, but slow fished husky jerks, spoons and spinners are working as well. Trout fishers will find the TMA’s well-stocked and mostly devoid of anglers—lots of fun with good action most days. The Hamburg Cove perch bite seems to be lagging this year, no news yet.
Joe, at Rivers End in Old Saybrook, told me that most anglers are gearing up for the upcoming season and getting their rods and reels in check. Spring is just about here! Middletown to East Haddam is producing a very good pike bite, with some big numbers of fish coming on live shiners. Holdover bass fishing in the Housatonic has been strong, with a good deal of fish in the 10-20 pound range popping up recently. Herring are slowly but surely trickling in and things should blow up any day now.
Black Hall Outfitters told me that right now seems to be all about the anticipation of trout season. Lots of TMA’s heavy with fish if you need your fix before the season officially opens on second Saturday of April. Holdover fishing is getting better as herring are officially running now. Look to see the schools break up as the water warms and the fish chase bait around our rivers.
Rich, at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk, told me that the Housatonic striped bass bite is the main draw in western CT, with the warmer weather this week sparking a strong bite. The action has been steady, but the larger fish are still coming after dark from anglers working the late tides. There are a few scant reports of herring starting to show up, along with ospreys, so we shouldn’t be too far off from everything blowing up. Housatonic Minnows and Dart Spins have been the go-to lures lately, along with the always reliable Zoom Fluke on a jighead. Local anglers are reporting some good action in the TMA’s, as we finally inch closer to opening day. A few guys dunking bait in the harbor have started to find some winter flounder along the channel edges.
Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing in New Hartford, reports that the temps are slowly starting to rise and bug activity is slowly rising with it. It has been a bit cold in the mornings this week, but anglers have been cashing in on some warm afternoons and increased bug activities. Junk flies and streamers worked pretty well for anglers earlier this week; while action on Caddis larva is starting to pick up as well. Some Early Black and Early Brown Stoneflies have been active and are still on the menu. The streamers have picked up less fish, but it seems to be the best way to find some larger fish, especially for those throwing 4-6” streamers. It remains quality over quantity, but some more fish are starting to be caught after the recent stockings. The average holdover fish being caught have been in the upper teens, but don’t be surprised to find a few over the 20-inch mark; while there are plenty of 12-14 freshly stocked fish in the mix.
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 Forecast
The pre-spawn pike action remains strong in the CT River, and solid reports are coming from the ice-free CT and RI lakes. Holdover striped bass action continues to improve as it warms up and the rumors of a few river herring is an indication that we are getting awfully close to the beginning of the Spring Run. White perch action should continue to improve in the tidal rivers and largemouth bass fishing options should be plentiful across the region. The Connecticut TMA’s are freshly stocked and fishing great for those who don’t want to wait until opening day. Saltwater anglers should look forward to a warmer upcoming week to help the cod fishing in Rhode Island and the flounder fishing in CT.
There are fresh sea lice fish at the west wall. FYI