Connecticut Fishing Report- October 12, 2023

Connecticut Fishing Report

Matt, at Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook told me that the fall run mayhem has continued to pop off throughout Connecticut. There has been no shortage of bluefish/striped bass blitzes throughout the Sound, and they can mostly be had on small topwater plugs. When those aren’t working, you can generally fool them on small soft plastics or tins. The false albacore have also filtered back in from Stonington to Westbrook and have generally been willing to chew. Most anglers are finding success on 1-ounce silver or bone epoxies or white albie snax. Bottom fishermen are reporting a very good tautog opener, with plenty of action across multiple depths. Improved sea bass fishing has also been reported this week on the deeper pieces of structure.  

Heather from Black Hawk Sportfishing reported that their week started off a little slower than they would have liked, but things have picked up quite a bit as they made it through the week. There are still plenty of porgies coming over the rail, and the quality of the sea bass being caught seems to be improving daily. The fall fishing means that there are many trip options to choose from, including bass/bluefish, blackfish, porgy/sea bass, or a combo blackfish/sea bass/porgy. There are plenty of choices available, so be sure to check their website for reservations.  

When I checked in with captain Mike Roy, at Reel Cast Charters, he told me that the fall run has continued to be in full swing, with big blitzes of albies, bass and bluefish feeding heavily on bay anchovies and peanut bunker. School bass are plentiful, but there are still plenty of big bass to play with as well, especially if you can find some larger bait. They have also taken advantage of the blackfish opener and have had success filling the coolers with blackfish and some nice black sea bass. Captain Mike and his team still have a few openings for October, so be sure to give them a call to book a spot before it’s too late.  

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Dan, at Daniels Bait, Tackle & Charters in New London told me that things are still solid across eastern CT, where stripers can once again be found blitzing like crazy on adult and peanut bunker. Large soft plastics, pencil poppers, and large swimming plugs have been producing slot to slightly bigger fish around dawn and dusk. Some large schools of bonito and bluefish have been reported from around The Race and Plum Gut, and they have been willing to take small metals and topwaters. Scup anglers are still finding some solid fish on squid and clams, and the tautog fishing has been off to a great start for most anglers who have gotten out there to target them. Dan is fully stocked with crabs and all the gear you may need for a weekend tautog trip! 

Joe, at Diorio Guide Service told me that the fishing has remained consistent as the weather continues to improve. The inshore fall run appears to be in full swing, with plenty of albies, bluefish, and striped bass. The albies have been their usual pick selves at times, but most trips have been fruitful, especially for those throwing the fly. Striped bass and bluefish of mixed sizes have been a great fall back and are willingly taking live eels and/or topwater spooks such as the Joe Baggs Skipper. Early tautog reports have been encouraging, and Joe will be adding that to the agenda soon. He still has some dates available for this fall, so be sure to reach out before it’s too late.  

Captain Chris, at Elser Guide Service has taken advantage of the better weather with some excellent fishing throughout the Western Sound. There is excellent bass fishing on the reefs, including a fish over the 50-inch mark this week, which fell to some clients who were saltwater fishing for the first time! Most clients are still fired up for false albacore fishing, and they have been rewarded handsomely, as some large schools of fish can still be found in in western waters. There is also a nice mix of blitzing bass and bluefish on top as well, so the fall run remains in full swing! 

Jesse at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports that the main story this week has been the invasion of gator bluefish. The blues are inside the islands and up on the beaches and willing to take most offerings thrown in their direction. The blues are mostly blitzing on peanut bunker and sometimes bay anchovies so going small with a tin or epoxy jig might be a good idea in the event they get finicky. Those same lures are working for the local albies which have reappeared, albeit just to the west of local waters, although they should circle back through the Norwalk area shortly. Striper fishing is good, although most of the action has been for school and slot sized bass. Ground fishing is good as well and even with the good bites for black sea bass and scup, all eyes are on the blackfish. Anglers have had expected solid results over the first few days of the season, and it should only improve from here. The shop is all geared up for blackfish season and will have plenty of crabs on hand as well as all the tackle needed to target tautog. 

Connecticut Fishing Forecast

Connecticut anglers are reaping the rewards of the tautog opener this week, but there is plenty of topwater action to keep you distracted as you’re trying to set the anchor. Recent reports have indicated that the false albacore have shown up again with a vengeance and you’re liable to find them anywhere from Stonington to Norwalk. There is no shortage of mixed sized striped bass to play with, whether you’re out east, west, or any points in between. Topwater striped bass blitzes are picking up once again for anglers across the area, including surfcasters, while the bigger fish are still prevalent on the reefs. Big bluefish are also still around in good numbers, with the best reports coming from The Race/Plum Gut area to the east, and on the deepwater reefs in the Western Sound. Bottom fishermen are mainly focusing on tautog for good reason, as the early season reports have been strong across a myriad of depths. Don’t forget about the sea bass and scup though, as both species are still hanging around in good enough numbers to help keep the coolers full.