Bitter cold is keeping anglers from thinking spring and should provide a few more inches of safe ice for anglers in the northern elevations. The cold snap looks to be short-lived, and open-water fishing for trout and cod should commence once again next week.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
Captain Frank, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, reports that the fleet was able to get out after cod fish multiple times last week, with varying, but positive results. Weather and conditions were ideal on Saturday, which resulted in some of the best fishing of the week. A relatively light crowd was able to manage a good pick of keeper market cod. High hook took a full limit, while most anglers on board were able to take home at least a couple quality fish for the table. The largest cod came in at just around 10 pounds, but the number of fish is encouraging, and it appears that the fishing is getting to a steady point once again. Some big ling, ocean perch and the occasional keeper pollock have helped to keep action steady. Weather permitting; the fleet will continue to sail at 5 AM daily.
Captain Russ, of The Seven B’s in Narragansett, wasn’t able to get out this past week due to weather conditions. Russ mentioned that the few boats that did sail have reported steadier action, and he will be getting back out there as soon as possible. The boat will sail on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5 AM, weather permitting. Be sure to call ahead at 401-789-9250 to confirm that the boat is sailing before you make the ride down.
Freshwater fishing is falling into a bit of a rut as this week comes to a close. A blast of arctic air may provide some fishable ice on some of the smaller bodies of water, but that ice will likely not be thick enough until the tail end of the weekend or the early part of next week. The arctic air will also likely take it’s toll on the trout action, but at least Rhode Island hardwater anglers may be able to look forward to one more quick shot at walking on water next week.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, reports that a few lakes in the northern stretches of the state held ice through the last warm spell, and should have plenty of ice with the cold air moving in. The extreme cold should help to lock up smaller bodies of water throughout the state, so anglers should have a few more options by the late part of the weekend. Open water fishing has been good for pike in the upper Connecticut River and white perch in the lower stretches. This weekend’s temperatures may put a quick halt to that, but things are set to warm right back up by Tuesday and so should the bite.
Rich, at Fishermen’s World in Norwalk, reported that the herring fishing around the harbor remains very good for this late in the season. Small Sabiki rigs have been working best, and some anglers went home with a couple-dozen fish in a short amount of time over the weekend. Freshwater fishing in the area has slowed to a crawl, other than a few anglers who are still picking at schoolies in the Housatonic. A good number of ice anglers have been venturing north, and have found fishable ice in places like Winchester, Dog Pond and Tyler Lake. After this weekend anglers should have a few more hardwater options, even if they don’t last too long.
Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing in Pine Meadow, reports that some very nice trout were taken last weekend, and it should continue to fish well despite the frigid temperatures. Slush will likely be an issue in the early morning hours, but most spots are cleared out by mid-morning; which generally coincides with the best fishing times on those colder days. The winter caddis hatch will likely shift to a lunchtime bite on the especially cold mornings, and #20-24 caddis pattern dries should continue to fish well.
Best bets for the weekend
Unusual weather patterns are nothing new in New England, but this winter has had some of the more extreme weather shifts in recent memory. This weekend is no different, as some of the coldest air of the year pushes in, for a couple days at least. For ice anglers, it should buy a few more weeks to salvage a season, but if you’re venturing out this weekend be sure to bring the shanty and heaters. If the extreme cold isn’t for you, head down to Hartford for the Northeast Fishing and Hunting Expo. The show is loaded with great gear at great prices, along with some seminars by the most knowledgeable anglers in the area. They certainly picked a good weekend to have it.