Connecticut Fishing Report- April 13, 2023

Connecticut Fishing Report

Matt, at Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook told me that everything got going locally with this recent warmup. Matt was able to find a few tautog that were willing to chew this week and he thinks the bite this weekend should be much improved following this warm front. Holdover striped bass anglers are seeing an increase in activity, and some topwater action should start popping off with the upcoming temperatures and the arriving herring. Freshwater anglers are finding a strong largemouth bass bite on a number of presentations. The water has cleaned up in most bodies of water, so natural colored jerkbaits and soft plastics have been working well. Trout fishing has been as consistent as ever, and anglers targeting panfish are finding good results on small jigs. There hasn’t been much word of shad being caught yet, but we should be just a week or so away from consistent fishing throughout the Connecticut River.  

Heather from Black Hawk Sportfishing reports that it’s almost time to go fishing! They will be back from New York any day now, and they will be ready to go before you know it. They are humbled to announce that they are once again nominated for the “Best of the Best” in The Day’s contest. If you have a minute, please check it out and send them a vote! Also, be sure to check their website for updates on the upcoming season’s schedule.  

Captain Mike Roy, at Reel Cast Charters was happy to report that they have started sailing for the season, and they have been able to get into some fish already. They have found a steady pick of small bass feeding on small bait and freshly arriving herring. Fin-S fish and Sluggos have been productive, and they have started to find some fish that are willing to take small topwater plugs. He is excited to announce that his team will be running 3 boats this season, so they will be able to take on more bookings. Be sure to contact Captain Mike as soon as possible to book a spot for this season! 

Dan, at Dan’s Bait, Tackle and Charters in New London reports that anglers took advantage of the warm weather and the holiday weekend by dusting off their gear and finding some great spring fishing. Saltwater anglers found a few keeper tautog from shore this week, and there has been an uptick in winter flounder activity in the harbors and on the flats. There are still some stripers to be had throughout the tidal rivers, especially if you can locate some herring, and we shouldn’t be too far away from fresh arrivals throughout the sound. The recent river and stream stocking has been a huge success for trout anglers, with good catches coming on powerbait, flies, and rooster tails, amongst other offerings. Largemouth bass activity has been consistent, and we should start to see the pre-spawn bite materializing as the temps climb.  

Bobby J’s Bait and Tackle in Milford reports that the local fishing continued to pick up this week. Most of the reports were similar to last week, with the exception of an improvement in tautog fishing following the improvement in the weather. The water is still on the cool side, so fishing has been a bit inconsistent, but most anglers that have put time in have managed some nice catches. The striper fishing is consistent in the harbors, bays, estuaries, and along some of the beaches. Anglers dunking sandworms are finding steady action, while those fishing herring imitation plugs are starting to find some bigger fish. The opening day of trout season was a success throughout the state, and the fish seem to be willing to take a variety of different presentations.  

Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports that some rising temperatures have perked things up locally over the last week. The holdover striped bass seem to be spreading out, and anglers are having success in the rivers as well as along the shallow mud flats around the rivers. Worms are producing very well, along with the usual go to artificials; soft plastics on jigheads and small swimming plugs. Anglers working the upper stretches of the Housatonic are finding some better holdover fish hot on the tail of the river herring, and they could be fooled with some larger offerings. Tautog fishing is starting to get going in the Western Sound and should improve vastly following this warm spell. Opening Day of trout season was a success, with strong reports from across the state. The Mianus, Saugatuck and Mill Rivers are producing consistently for anglers drifting bait or any number of artificial offerings. 

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Connecticut Fishing Forecast

The summer-like temperatures have brought Spring fishing into full bloom throughout Southern New England. 

Connecticut anglers continue to see improved holdover striped bass fishing as more herring enter the rivers, and the shallow flats are warming up and drawing the attention of some hungry bass. The bigger fish are still coming after dark, and we shouldn’t be too far away from everything blowing wide open. Shad reports have been quiet, but they should also start showing up in the Connecticut River any day now. Tautog reports have started to pick up and should really start to intensify over the coming week. Trout fishing has been great, with most of our rivers and streams being at ideal flow levels. Pike fishing should improve soon, as the fish finish up their spawning activities and will likely be hungry, while the largemouth should be entering their pre-spawn mode.