Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith has seen increased cod action when they have been able to get out to the grounds. Large pods of bait are more plentiful, and the cod have taken notice, with good fish coming on both the jig and bait. There have also been some quality tautog coming over the rails on the last few trips. Cod fishing will continue through April and into early May when they might have a chance to start targeting fluke. Reservations continue to be required for cod trips so be sure to book online or call the office before heading to the dock
Dustin, at Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures told me that the tautog fishing has picked up quite a bit this week, with a good number of keepers being caught. Some fresh striped bass have started to trickle in as well, so the true spring run should be right around the corner. The salt ponds and tidal rivers are also still providing a good school bass bite. Freshwater anglers are reporting a strong largemouth bite across the site, and a second wave of trout stocking has kept the trout action hot. Dustin is currently booking kayak and shore fishing trips for the 2022 upcoming season, so be sure to book asap at www.rikfa.com.
Dave at Ocean State Tackle in Providence has also seen an uptick in spring tautog action, with some decent keepers being reported in the Providence and Warren Rivers. The winter holdover striped bass are still chewing in the ponds and rivers, while a few reports of migratory bass have trickled in from South County. Anglers targeting white perch are still catching consistently, while trout anglers are benefitting from continued trout stocking throughout the state. RI DEM will continue to stock through the 1st week of May, and most of the freshly stocked fish are willing to take PowerBait and/or worms. Dave will be open 5 am – 7 pm seven days a week for the summer season and has all your Rhode Island tackle needs covered.
Fishing Forecast
This spring has been a series of ups and downs, including temperatures rising and falling, river flow rising and falling, and the fishing seemingly doing the same. Luckily, anglers have found a bit more consistency with the fishing this week, as a small rise in water temperatures has resulted in some better saltwater action. Rhode Island anglers could take advantage of a better cod bite whenever the weather allows, along with some better tautog action closer to home. A few fresh striped bass have shown up out front, and there are plenty of holdovers to play with in the rivers as we wait for some larger waves of fresh fish. Freshwater action has been strong across Rhode Island and Connecticut, with consistent trout stockings resulting in consistent action, along with strong bass and pike action.
Plenty of holdovers …. LOL