Connecticut Fishing Report
Matt, at Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook was happy to report that some decent-sized false albacore pods have moved back into eastern and central Long Island Sound as the water has finally started to clean up. Reports have been consistent from Rhode Island and the Fishers Island area, but things seem to be trending better for inshore CT this week. The fish have been feeding on silversides, bay anchovies, peanuts, and butterfish, so it isn’t hard to get them to eat. Bass and bluefish can also be found all over, with some big fish of both species recently blitzing on the local reefs, and some smaller fish tighter to shore for surfcasters. Sea bass fishing has improved as well, with good reports for anglers dropping Daiwa SK Jigs in 80-plus feet of water.
Heather from Black Hawk Sportfishing reported that they lost a few trips last week/weekend to mother nature, but things have picked right back up. Even on the rough days, the bottom fishing trips have seen plenty of fish for the cooler; while the bluefish have been relentless, with tons of fish hitting diamond jigs all day long. They will continue to run a couple of bass/bluefish trips a week, and they’re getting ready for their fall blackfish trips! Both of these trips are super popular, so be sure to check their website to grab a spot asap!
When I checked in with captain Mike Roy, at Reel Cast Charters, he told me that things remained good throughout the bad weather of last weekend, and since the clean-up it has only improved. There’s still plenty of topwater schoolie to slot class bass, along with some gator bluefish. Soft plastics have been working great when the bluefish aren’t around, when they are, Mike has been turning to the Shimano Current Sniper Jig. There have been albies scattered all over the area, and while the areas and amounts change from trip to trip, most trips are finding at least a few hardtails. Black sea bass fishing has been good and tautog fishing is right around the corner. Things are shaping up nicely for a strong October, and Mike still has a few dates available, so be sure to reach out soon.
Dan, at Daniel’s Bait, Tackle and Charters in New London told me that things have woken up 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. Eels drifted across the reefs or casted from the shore have also produced well, especially after dark, when the bigger stripers like to come out and play. Scup anglers are still finding some solid fish on squid and clams, but they’re not quite as plentiful as this winter. Tautog season will be kicking off next week, and the shop will be stocked with gear and crabs.
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Joe, at Joe Diorio Guide Service told me that the fishing has rebounded nicely as the water has cleaned up. 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. Joe is looking forward to adding blackfish to the agenda next week, and still has some dates available, 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, but most clients are opting to chase topwater action, and they have been rewarded handsomely. Most trips are seeing a great mix of blitzing bass, bluefish, and false albacore on light tackle and/or the fly.
The guys over at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk report that the wind and rain didn’t have a huge impact on the fishing conditions once it cleared it out early this week. Striped bass and bluefish continue to be caught around the islands and from the local shoreline. A few surfcasters working the beaches after dark have reported some hefty bass over the past few days as well. The false albacore fishing seems to have rebounded, with more consistent reports throughout the area. The pods are smaller, so some bouncing around may be required, but most anglers are scoring some hardtails. Bottom fishing has been good for those who have been trying, with plenty of sea bass and scup on all of the hard structure in the area, regardless of depth. As has been the case across most of the region, the sea bass quality seems to have improved greatly this week. The shop is all geared up for blackfish season and will have plenty of tackle and bait for the opener this week! Freshwater reports were quiet, due to the recent rains, but the reservoir regulars are expecting to see some better bass, trout, and walleye fishing at the impoundment over the upcoming week.
Connecticut Fishing Forecast
Connecticut anglers have been dealing with some tough conditions, and while the sound took some time to clean up, it appears to have done so nicely. 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. Similar to Rhode Island, sea bass fishing seems to have improved across a myriad of depth ranges, and I anticipate some excellent tautog reports by the time I write this report next week.