(Above) A beautiful Atlantic Salmon from Black Hall Outfitters’ Matt Stone
Connecticut Fishing Report
Matt, at Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook told me that he spent some time this week working some of the trout waters in the state and has found some success targeting hungry rainbows in the Salmon River. Water flow and clarity has been great and shouldn’t be too adversely affected by the rain this weekend. Ice fishermen had a quick tease on some of the smaller lakes and ponds across the state, but the ice will be taking another hiatus, so look to the open Connecticut River coves to find some open water pike or panfish action. The holdover striped bass fishing has been quieter than usual in the Eastern CT creeks and tribs, but the Housatonic is supposedly still fishing well, and will only improve with a stretch of warm days ahead.
Heather from Black Hawk Sportfishing reported that when they were able to get out this past week, the fishing was excellent! Last Thursday had a great group of anglers and full coolers full of jumbo sea bass, porgies, and some cod in the mix as well. Their trips now are completely based on the weather- they will get out as much as possible, so be sure to check in with the office before your trip! Check our website for schedules and tickets. As a reminder, they post new trips every Monday night at 8 p.m., for trips approximately 3 weeks ahead of time.
Dan, at Dan’s Bait, Tackle and Charters in New London told me that anglers who don’t mind battling some winds or freezing guides have been able to manage some nice catches of holdover striped bass in the local tributaries and tidal rivers. The shelf ice is all but gone, and a warming trend should help provide an uptick in holdover action. Most are reporting the best success with soft paddletail plastics on a jighead from 1-3 ounces. A few of the fish will still take a swimming plug, especially on the warmer/sunnier days.
Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports that things quieted down in the Housatonic due to some shelf ice and cold temps, but the holdover fishery will be the main show in town over the next week or two. At this point in the season, the most effective area seems to be north of the I-95 bridge, with fish taking smaller baits in the 4-6-inch range. Trout fishing in the local streams has been consistent and hitting the small streams with flies, bait and small lures can be productive. Ice fishing opportunities came and went this week, but the winter is far from over, so enjoy the open water while it’s here. The shop will be fully stocked with shiners and ice fishing gear all winter, so they’re ready when everything starts to lock back up!
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Connecticut Fishing Forecast
A prolonged warming trend may shatter the dreams of local ice fishermen, but should help to extend/increase open water opportunities.
Connecticut anglers can continue to take advantage of an abundance of striped bass in the rivers, and should see an increase in activity, along with a decrease in frozen guides this week! The Connecticut holdover bite has been a steady producer for years, and this year seems to be no different. Reports from the Housatonic were a bit quieter this week due to ice issues, but I’m expecting it to be the epicenter of strong winter fishing over the next couple of weeks. If you’re not looking to head to the Housatonic, there has been some good schoolie action in the lower CT River, Thames River, and most of the small Eastern Sound estuaries prior to them icing over. Freshwater anglers can take advantage of another round of Atlantic Salmon stocking in the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers, along with some recent fall trout stocking. As the Connecticut River continues to settle, and the ice melts, freshwater anglers should find ample open water opportunities for pike, perch, and crappie before everything locks up again.