Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith has had a quiet couple of weeks due to some persistent winds, but is back in the water and taking reservations. With spring approaching quickly, they should be getting out to target cod very soon, and they will likely be scheduling some squid trips in the near future as well. To check on the schedule for upcoming trips and to make reservations check out their website or call the office.
Ralph, at Crafty One Customs reports that he has been starting to hear about a little more holdover striped bass activity around the Providence area, and in the salt ponds. Fresh fish reports have been quiet, but we shouldn’t be too far away. A few anglers have found some freshly arriving squid, along with some improving tautog fishing. The shop is fully stocked for the upcoming season and is now open 7 days a week. They are also still taking rod orders for the season, so be sure to get those in soon.
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. Elisa has been hearing reports of some nice sized holdover striped bass in the 28-30-inch range being caught over the past few days. There has been growing interest in working the beaches and the West Wall in search of fresh arrivals, and while reports have been quiet, there has been enough interest that there is likely a few fish starting to show up. 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. The tautog and winter flounder seasons are now open, and Elisa is expecting some reports to come in soon. 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 local tautog fishing has started to fire up nicely. Opening weekend wasn’t lights out, but there were keepers to be had, and the upcoming warm spell should keep that going. Holdover striped bass fishing has also continued to improve, and Dustin is expecting to see some fresh arrivals any day now. It sounds like some squid is starting to move into the area, and we shouldn’t be too far away from seeing some local scup. Like Spring, freshwater fishing is in full bloom! Largemouth, smallmouth, crappie, pickerel and carp reports are all strong across the state, and 2023 trout opener is this Saturday! There is certainly no shortage of Spring fishing opportunities, so be sure to contact Dustin soon to schedule a trip!
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Jonny Rego of R.I. Kayak Fishing Adventures found some fun-size holdover stripers earlier this week. We’re ready for the migrators.
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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
Following an up and down start to the spring weather-wise, the upcoming forecast should have the Spring fishing in full bloom.
Rhode Island saltwater anglers can continue to take advantage of increasing opportunities as we work into 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, so things portend well for the upcoming weeks, as more herring trickles into the area. Reports of fresh striped bass haven’t come in yet, but there has been quite a bit of angling attention, so we should be close. The tautog opener has been relatively successful for those that have tried, and that fishery could drastically improve with next week’s high temperatures. 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. Trout stocked waters across the state are opening up on Saturday, so there will be no shortage of freshwater options in the coming weeks.