Above: Ice fishing has been an option in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Joe Bruzas (@joebruzasfishing) caught pike to 36″ on his last ice-fishing foray.
Connecticut & Rhode Island Fishing Report – 1/30/2020 Update: Up and down, freeze and thaw…it’s been a mixed bag for fishermen with fishable ice in the northwest part of Connecticut and (mostly) open water through the rest of southern New England. I chatted with Josh at Three Belles Outfitters in Niantic and he said that he’s looking forward to warmer weather ahead expanding open water opportunities. While he has been doing some open-water crappie and perch fishing, some of the coves on the Connecticut River remain locked under an inch (or less) of ice. Cod fishing has improved over the past week. The Frances Fleet in Narragansett had 35 keepers into the low teens last Friday and will be sailing through the weekend. Black Hawk Sportfishing out of Niantic is also sailing Friday and Saturday. Hop aboard and come home with some fresh fish fillets!
Have you been fishing? Share your report in the comments below.
Connecticut & Rhode Island Fishing Report – 1/23/2020 Update: Cold weather is expanding the ice-fishing opportunities, while light winds are allowing headboats to hit the cod grounds. Unfortunately, the cod bite has not been consistent. The Frances Fleet in Narragansett has been taking advantage of the sea conditions and getting out daily for cod. Unfortunately, the bite has been off. On Wednesday they marked a lot of fish but could not get a consistent bite going. Black Hawk Sportfishing out of Niantic had a similar report – lots of fish and bait marked, but a tough grind. Hopefully, the bite will turn on for Friday’s 4am trip.
Connecticut & Rhode Island Fishing Report – 1/16/2020 Update: Let’s be honest…the weather is not looking very favorable for fishing this weekend. After a nice stretch of unseasonably mild temperatures that allowed fishermen to get out and enjoy some open water freshwater fishing and holdover striper fishing, the forecast is colder and windier with some accumulating snow on Saturday. The good news is that the Hartford Boat Show is happening through Sunday at Mohegan Sun, and along with hundreds of boats, kayaks, and accessories (including fishing gear) to check out, you can visit the On The Water booth to renew your subscription or pick up your Striper Cup package.
The other good news is that temperatures look plenty cold through next week to make some good ice. With nights dipping into the single digits, next Thursday’s update should have some ice-fishing options to discuss.
Here’s a quick fishing report roundup:
The Frances Fleet in Narragansett got out on Tuesday and Wednesday and found some very good cod fishing south of Block Island. With few dogfish and cod into the teens, it sounds like it’s time to hop on a headboat (next time the weather allows).
Black Hawk Sportfishing out of Niantic enjoyed some great fishing this week as well. They found plenty of ling and bergals mixed in with quality cod. They are planning to head back out Saturday ahead of the storm.
The crew at Three Belles Outfitters in Niantic is at the Hartford Boat Show this weekend, and they are signing up anglers for their big TBO Trifecta kayak fishing tournament. Stop by to talk fishing and check out the new Hobie Pro Angler 360!
You’ll find Black Hall Outfitters at the Hartford Boat Show at Mohegan Sun as well, where they’ll have some great offers on all Old Town and Ocean Kayaks.
Want to get in on the RI bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Rhode Island.