Connecticut Fishing Report – March 26, 2020

Connecticut Fishing Report

Gene, at Black Hall Outfitters told me that the local lake and pond fishing is heating up with the arrival of spring. BHO team members Scott, Jack and Evan have been getting on a good largemouth bite in local lakes using everything from jerkbaits, to jigs and even chatterbaits. Jigs worked slowly on the bottom have been producing big fish. For the trout fishermen, the state has officially opened the season for trout fishing and the rivers are fully stocked. TMA areas have started to pick up as fish have spread throughout the rivers, so your best shot at a trophy may be back to the TMAs. Fish are still hitting egg sacs and flies, as well as the usual opening day offerings. Moving into the striped bass fishery, we have reports of herring being found in local tidal rivers, and the big bass won’t be far behind! Holdovers are still being caught in the deep tidal rivers and fishing has picked up with warmer temps. Slow roll a 5” zoom fluke or a al gags whip it fish near the bottom to entice the bigger fish! With warmer temps creeping in- keep an eye out for winter flounder reports from some of the tributaries that have good southern exposure. The flatties should be making their way out of their muddy winter slumber, and the shop will be stocking sandworms starting next weekend.

Josh, at Three Belles Outfitters in Niantic, says despite all that is going on locally with the rapid spread of COVID-19, guys are still getting out and catching fish. Largemouth bass fishing has been great with the steady, warmer than usual string of weather we’re having. Jigs, jerkbaits, and lipless cranks are go-to presentations. Smallmouth bass are waking up too. Bodies of water such as Candlewood and Lilly are giving up nice brownies on a variety of finesse presentations. Panfish action remains steady. Crappie and white perch are chewing, but yellow perch are hit or miss as they are spawning or post spawn in certain water bodies. Pike fishing is up and down, and the majority of active pike right now will be smaller males after the spawn. They are hitting a variety of lures such as swimbaits, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits. Holdover striped bass fishing has improved. The best fishing, still, is at night. Rhode Island is already seeing river herring, and it won’t be long before we are too. Osprey have been spotted along the shoreline and major rivers as of a couple weeks ago. Connecticut trout season has opened early, which may be one of the few positives from this mess, and the rivers are fully stocked with trout hitting multiple offerings. TBO will remain open until further notice, but we please ask that you do not visit the shop if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has symptoms. We may switch to “by appointment only” in the coming days. We’ll keep you posted.

Andrew, at Fishin Factory III in Middletown, told me that some anglers are using the time off to get outside and do some fishing. Pike action is heating back up on the Connecticut River, with the water starting to drop/clean-up. Some school striped bass are starting to be found throughout the river on sandworms, and some ospreys have been seen flying around the local herring runs. It shouldn’t be long now! Andrew is now open full time and is offering curbside pickup for licenses, bait and most gear. Show up, give him a call and he’ll take care of you. Most local anglers are trying to dial in the trout due to the early opening day, and early results are looking very positive!

Over at Fisherman’s World, holdover striper action continues to be top option and some scant reports of river herring have started to trickle in. The western CT TMAs also continue to fish well and are providing a good option for those looking to get out of the house; along with the early opening day that has opened things up across the state. With the regional shows being cancelled the shop will run special deals all month for those who stop in, including great deals on Avet, Yeti, Accurate reels and Loomis rods.

Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Connecticut.

Rhode Island Fishing Report

Captain Rob Taylor, of Newport Sportfishing Charters, told me that the action around The Ocean State is starting to heat up. The freshwater action is best, with a strong largemouth bass bite on jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits all over the state. A few local pike anglers had started to talk about an increase in action at Johnsons, Wordens and Stump ponds. The fresh striped bass haven’t arrived yet, but some river herring have, and the holdover bite has been decent in the upper Taunton River.

Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Rhode Island.

Connecticut Fishing Forecast

The outdoors could be a great release for those looking to avoid crowds but still get out of the house. Freshwater bass action has been strong in Rhode Island and Connecticut, while pike and trout action seem to be picking up once again. Connecticut has declared an early opening day and what a year to do it; between the mild winter and the increases in stocking, things have been very good on the trout front. Holdover striped bass can be found in both states as well and that bite should only intensify as more and more river herring trickle in.