Connecticut Fishing Report
Matt, at Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook reports that the panfish continue to get more aggressive as the water temperatures start to climb into the 40’s. With no closed Connecticut season, spring trout fishing is in full swing, as anglers report a good bite on Kastmasters this week.
Largemouth bass are taking jigs, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits, while northern pike are starting to enter pre-spawn mode and are feeding quite actively. Carp anglers have been doing very well in the lakes and Connecticut River, especially in the warmer/shallower pools. The warmer areas of the lakes and rivers are producing best, so look for warmer feeder creeks and/or the northern portions of lakes that receive more sun. The warmer times of day in the afternoons have also been best, but it won’t be long until the time of day doesn’t matter much. The holdover striped bass fishing seems to be improving, with multiple reports of non-stop action in a few of the local rivers this week.
The guys at Bobby Js in Milford are seeing a continuous increase in trout fishing, with no closed season and continued stocking by the DEEP. The recent warmer weather has really helped the holdover striped bass bite in the Housatonic, and we should start to see some bigger fish as the river herring trickle in over the coming weeks. Soft plastics on jigs continue to produce, but the fish have also started to hit some larger offerings such as SP Minnows and Mag Darters.
Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports that most of the local fishing remains focused on either trout or striped bass. The local trout rivers have been well-stocked and are producing on flies, lures, and bait. Most of the local hotspots have been producing, with solid reports from the Saugatuck, Mill, Aspetuck and the Norwalk River. The holdover striped bass fishing continues to improve in the Housatonic despite some cooler temperatures, with the first push of river herring starting to trickle into the rivers and creeks.
Fishing Forecast
Spring is officially here, although it may not feel like it when you step outside. Despite the cooler temperatures, the spring fishing across the northeast is steadily improving. Connecticut trout fishing has been excellent, with the lakes and ponds continuing to get hearty stockings. Other freshwater options include panfish, largemouth, pre-spawn pike and carp, all of which should just continue to improve in the coming days/weeks. Holdover striped bass also took a step forward in tidal rivers across Rhode Island and CT this week, with multiple reports of steady action and a few pods of river herring undoubtedly starting to show up. If it’s a bit too cold to get out and fish this weekend, you can head to Mohegan Sun and check out the Connecticut Fishing Outdoor Show that will be happening from Friday through Sunday.
It would probably be helpful if you explained to the readers, that although there is no closed trout fishing season, there are still waters that are currently under catch and release only requirements this time of year that will eventually open up to a harvest system in the weeks to come.