Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith was finally able to sneak back onto the cod grounds earlier this week. They worked the rockpiles and wrecks, and while fishing was generally slow, they were still able to manage some nice keepers. The mid-week wind put a halt to things, but it’s looking warm and calm for the end of the week. Be sure to check their website for an updated schedule and reservations.
Ralph, at Crafty One Customs has heard of a few unconfirmed reports of fresh striped bass showing up locally, but it hasn’t blown open just yet. The recent extreme warmup should certainly help to usher in some more fresh arrivals. Tautog anglers are starting to report a few decent fish coming from the bay, but the water temperatures are still a bit on the cold side. Squid reports have popped up occasionally as well, and those reports will certainly improve following this warm spell. The shop is fully stocked for the upcoming season, and they are now open 7 days a week.
Elisa, from Snug Harbor Marina said that they have been getting the shop and marina ready for the upcoming season. They will generally be open on weekends from 9-4 through April and then full time for the season on May 1st. As far as reports, Elisa said that the holdover striped bass bite has continued to produce some quality fish, especially if you can find the herring. Fresh fish reports have been quiet, but that should be right around the corner, especially after this recent weather. Cod fishing reports have been hit or miss, with many anglers not able to get out to the grounds, but the upcoming warm weather should help that out. A few tautog are being caught in the bay, and Elisa expects to see an uptick in reports as the water temperatures creep up. The shop will be holding its annual used tackle sale on April 28th and 29th, so be sure to stop bye and say hello!
Dustin, at RI Kayak Fishing Adventures, told me that the spring bite has been improving in both the fresh and saltwater. On the saltwater side, tautog fishing has been hit or miss, but keepers are being caught all over the state. Holdover striped bass fishing has been very good for Dustin this week, and he’s anticipating being able to target some fresh arrivals this weekend. On Wednesday, Dustin caught his first migratory striper of the season, hosting a couple small sea lice. They’re moving in!
Dustin also said cod fishing should benefit from the change in weather, along with squid fishing, which should really blow open in the next week or two. Trout fishing has been lights out since the opener and there are plenty of opportunities to catch the elusive golden trout. Largemouth bass fishing has been consistent, and the upcoming pre-spawn bite will provide a chance to land some true lunkers! Crappie, perch, and pickerel are active as well, so there is no shortage of spring fishing opportunities. Head over to rifka.com to book your guided kayak and/or shore fishing trip today!
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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
The summer-like temperatures have brought Spring fishing into full bloom throughout Southern New England.
Rhode Island saltwater anglers can continue to take advantage of increasing opportunities as we work through April. Cod fishermen continue to battle the winds, but things should steadily improve with better/warmer conditions this week. Holdover striped bass reports have continued to slowly improve, with anglers finding some bigger bass on the tail of the river herring. Reports of fresh striped bass have been quiet, but the recent temperatures should change that very soon. Anglers targeting tautog and squid have had moderate success, but both should greatly benefit from a slight increase in water temperature. White perch reports have also been strong and are providing another nice option in the tidal estuaries, along with largemouth bass, which seem to be waking up in lakes/ponds across the state. The opening day of trout season was a success across the state, with anglers finding plenty of big trout, including some beautiful goldens.