On The Water Magazine

• In the Voluntown region of Connecticut, Steve at Mike’s Bait & Tackle reports that trout fishing is going strong, and that bass fishing is improving in nearly all the area lakes and ponds. Foul weather over the previous weekend slowed the number of anglers out and about, but the fish didn’t seem to mind at all. Beach Pond in particular has been quite productive, particularly for trout. The Shetucket River is also fishing quite well now that waters have receded from the last major rainfall.

• In Preston, Seth at The Fish Connection reports that the Thames River is full of stripers from top to bottom. Norwich Harbor is producing some decent-sized stripers, and downriver, not far from the shop, a 42-inch bass was taken on a Storm Shad. Seth has
  
• reports of fluke on the south side of Fishers Island, and a few rumors of fluke on the north side as well. Striped bass are also being picked up pretty regularly in The Race now, with bigger fish mixed in. Small bluefish are also in the mix, a pleasure to some and a horror to others. Inland, the Shetucket River was recently stocked, and with water levels in good condition, the fishing ought to be excellent this coming weekend.
• Cheryl at Shaffer’s Boat Livery in Mystic reported fluke on the back side of Fishers Island off of Isabella Beach, though if you want the best fluke fishing you will need to head further south, toward Montauk Point. Cheryl also reported good fluke fishing along the south shore of Rhode Island. Closer to home, bluefish have moved into the Mystic River, and most are on the smallish side, though large fish are mixed in. Stripers are also in the river, though they tend to be mostly school bass for the moment. Scattered bunker are in the Mystic River, and squid are in Stonington Harbor, so Cheryl feels the bigger bass will turn up shortly.
• For the Waterford area, Lou at Hillyer’s Bait & Tackle also reported good fluke action, though it is happening close to home, right outside of Niantic Bay. Winter flounder are also in the area and the fishing remains good for this species, though they are more scattered as they move to deeper water. The Pleasure Beach area is a good spot to try, according to Lou. Striped bass fishing is picking up nicely in the area, with bass in The Race, though anglers are already complaining about the bluefish that have shown up in the past week. The mostly small blues make it a challenge to get bait down to where a bigger striper may be lurking. Lou reported several large stripers taken near the CT DEP dock on the Connecticut River, and said hickory shad are being caught there as well. Bigger baits are in order for the stripers, and a fly rod is a great way to pick up some hickory shad.
• For the eastern Long Island Sound area, Capt. Morgan at Capt. Morgan’s Bait & Tackle in Madison reports lots of bait in the water, particularly squid and sand eels, which are two favorites of striped bass. Bigger-sized stripers are being taken along the shore, and a big influx of small bluefish has also occurred, adding both to the excitement and frustration. Capt. Morgan reports excellent fishing in fresh waters throughout the region, with largemouth bass being a key item for the moment, as they are on the beds and are very active and aggressive. Good numbers of 5- to 6-pound largemouth are being taken in local ponds and lakes. Trout action also remains excellent, with the West and Hammonasset Rivers fishing exceptionally well.
• Chris at Stratford Bait & Tackle in Stratford reports good striper fishing off the beaches in the Milford area, with good numbers of stripers in the 12- to 15-pound class being taken on cut bait from shore. The mouth of the Housatonic River has also been excellent, though mainly for smaller-sized fish with an occasional keeper. Bluefish have invaded the area, adding to the mix and keeping the action lively. Chris expects weakfish to show up soon, if they are not already here. To date, there are no verified reports of weakfish, though a few rumors are circulating and Chris plans to get out shortly to try his skill with this species.
• At Fisherman’s World in Norwalk, the word is that lots of school bass are in the area, with occasional bigger bass to 36 inches being taken. The islands have been most productive, but most of the fish are school-sized bass. Anglers are also taking fish from shore, with a 41-inch striper taken on sandworms in Norwalk Harbor. Small bluefish have shown up in the western end of Long Island Sound, as they have just about everywhere else over the previous week. Winter flounder catches continue to be good, particularly for those chumming clams while fishing sandworms. Reports of very big scup are coming in to the shop; a good omen for the season opener soon.
• Inland, John at Valley Angler in Danbury reports that most largemouth bass are moving off the beds and out of the shallows, so action has slowed considerably. With the previous bit of rain, the Housatonic is running a bit high, and while it’s still wadable and fishable, it is a challenge. The Farmington River is fishing well, however, with tan and green caddis hatches being the major events at the moment.

Best Bets for Connecticut and Rhode Island

Fluke fishing is off to a good start, and it sounds like good-sized fish are being taken all around, though particularly off the south shore of Rhode Island. Check it out. Larger stripers are showing up, and while scattered in most places, it sounds like launching your boat to explore upper Narragansett Bay is an almost no-miss opportunity. Small bluefish are everywhere, so if your palate desires, you should have no trouble taking dinner just about anywhere in the salt. All trout waters are still fishing excellently due to the cool nights, so take advantage before temperatures climb and the trout get lethargic. (Alan Desbonnet)