Rhode Island Fishing Report
After a mostly-mild December, January brought some truly frigid temperatures to the Ocean State. As a result, safe ice formed on a majority of small lakes and ponds across the state, and Rhody anglers wasted no time gearing up to fish the hardwater. It was the first opportunity to go ice fishing in several years, aside from a day or two here and there. For a short period, there was enough ice that some anglers were targeting stripers through the ice. Now, with a brief spat of mild weather and mixed rain/snow, the salt ponds are devoid of safe ice, but there’s more cold weather on the way!
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith reported that the conditions, while conducive to ice fishing, have been less than ideal for sailing and have put a damper on their winter cod fishing trips. January saw only a couple of scheduled trips successfully leave the dock, and while fishing was on the slower side, they were able to put together a decent mixed bag of cod, ling, and cunner (bergall). They are still trying to sail whenever they get a chance—their next trip is currently scheduled for Saturday, February 8. Give them a shout to reserve your spot, or book online at francesfleet.com.
Ralph Craft at Crafty One Customs said he hasn’t been doing any ice fishing or freshwater fishing, but with a new saltwater season on the horizon, he provided updated shop hours for anyone looking to have a new rod built going into the 2025 fishing season. The shop is currently open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those hours will carry on until the New England Saltwater Fishing Show hosted by RISAA on March 7-9 at RI Convention Center in Providence.
Declan O’Donnell at Breachway Bait and Tackle in Charlestown reported: “It’s been great to get some good ice this year. I’ve mainly been out targeting bass, but it’s been fun catching some panfish and pickerel as well. Unfortunately, this week we’re starting to see places become unsafe to fish through the ice. Fishing was really strong for a few weeks, as I usually find with RI ponds because they never get much attention this time of year. I got out last Sunday and we had good results including some quality largemouth bass.”
Jonathan at The Saltwater Edge in Middletown reported that things are quiet on the headboat front. Most people have been ice fishing over the past month for a mix of largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish. Trout were also biting well after the most recent round of stocking, which was delayed until last Wednesday or Thursday because of weather. In the ponds, white perch have been chewing exceptionally well through the ice, and once the ponds thaw the perch bite should pick up for wading fishermen. With unsafe ice on many of the local salt ponds, however, holdover stripers have been out of the equation in recent weeks.
Dave at Ocean State Tackle in Providence said that the shop remains closed until mid-February, but when they reopen, he’s hoping to have live bait if there is still safe and fishable ice. The way this winter has unfolded, it would appear that the ice is here to stay—time will only tell. Be sure to check in if you’re in the Providence area and looking for fresh bait come the middle of the month.
Captain Rob Taylor of Newport Sport Fishing Charters was tight to a lake trout up in Maine when he picked up the phone. Rob said he has not been out doing any ice fishing locally, but he’s hoping to get some freshwater action in upon his return from the north woods. While it’s still a ways off, Rob mentioned that he’ll be starting his saltwater season in the second to last week of April for tautog before the migratory stripers arrive. If you’re looking to book a spring tog trip, give him a shout to inquire about availability.
Dustin Stevens of Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures reported: “January was a lights out month for ice fishing. This is probably the most consistent safe ice that we’ve seen in quite a while. Bluegills have provided nonstop action for a lot of people, however, this year we’ve seen a lot rainbow and golden trout along with largemouth. For those who have been a little more adventurous, they’ve been able to land some solid striped bass in the salt ponds. The weather’s starting to warm up a little bit, I imagine we’ll see open water in the very near future. With that being said, it’s time to start thinking about kayak fishing. Head over to the website and book your kayak fishing trip ASAP!
Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
The first week of February brings reports of dwindling ice, but anglers around Rhode Island are hopeful for temperatures to either drop again and lock up freshwater lakes and ponds, or rise enough to clear local bodies of water of skim ice. Judging by the 10-day forecast and Mr. Groundhog pointing to six more weeks of winter, it looks like Rhody anglers will be treated to the former. Daily low temperatures will be bouncing between the 20s and teens, so keep your tip-ups and ice rods within reach and start making calls to your local tackle shop to inquire about availability of live bait.
It’s unlikely the ice will be safe enough for anglers to pursue holdover stripers in the salt ponds, and even sweetwater ice enthusiasts are encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution. That said, assuming freshwater bodies remain frozen, the usual suspects—largemouth bass, pickerel, white perch and other panfish—will remain up for grabs.
If ice fishing is not your cup of tea, consider booking a trip on the Frances Fleet in Point Judith to fill the freezer with some cod and ling fillets to hold you over until spring tautog season begins in April.
Stay warm, stay safe, and thanks for reading.
See you Friday at the saltwater fishing show! Tight lines bucko!