Flows are perfect for trout fishing on one of our many TMA’s, while fishing for all other freshwater species is heating up more and more each day.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
Captain Frank, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, was pleased to finally have a positive report after a couple weeks of tough weather/fishing. The Lady Frances was able to make several trips over the past week and found success on all of them. Each trip produced solid numbers of green market cod, along with plenty of throwbacks to keep action steady. A few of the trips had some nice ling and pollock mixed in, but for the most part it has been just a steady pick of cod. High hook on most trips saw 6 to 9 keeper fish apiece, with most of them approaching the 10-pound mark. Large bait schools have been sparse, so most of the cod have been coming on clams over jigs. The fleet will continue to sail each day at 5 AM, but be sure to check with the office on specific sailing times each day.
The Seven B’s in Narragansett was also able to put together a couple of successful cod trips over the weekend. Each trip had plenty of keepers to 10-pounds or so, and a great deal of throwbacks. Fish have been coming mainly on bait, but it’s always smart to be prepared to drop some jigs, as the bite could change on the fly. The Seven B’s will continue to sail from Friday through Sunday at 5 AM. Once again it is smart to check the website or check in with the office to get updated sailing information, as the weather tends to cause quite a few cancellations or delays.
Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, reported that inland anglers remain pretty busy, with great white perch fishing at Turner Reservoir. Largemouth bass are really starting to get active, and are hitting live shiners and topwater lures. Canada Pond and Barney’s Pond have been hotspots for bass over the past week. Carp fishing has also been getting a good deal of attention from Rhode Island anglers. The carp bite has been strong across the state at places like; Spectacle Lake, Roger Williams Park, and Canada Pond just to name a few. Trout fishing has been consistent in the open trout management areas, and has also been very good at Hopkinton Reservoir just over the Massachusetts border. Saltwater fishing has been on the quiet side, but some stripers and white perch are being caught in the Narrow River. Herring has been seen in the bay, but they have not yet hit the spring runs hard. Winter flounder is now open across the state, with the salt ponds and Narrow River being good places to look for some keepers.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, reports that fishing for both yellow and white perch has been red hot. Good yellows can be found in just about all of the coves, north and south. The white perch bite is hitting its stride in the lower river, with Hamburg Cove being a common hot spot. Pike anglers are reporting good catches of pre-spawn fish in the Haddam area, but most have been smaller males. The larger females will start to shut down as they spawn, but as soon as that is over they will be hungry. If you can catch that post-spawn bite just right you can have some epic pike fishing. Large, bright crankbaits and spinnerbaits are always a safe bet this time of year, as well as large live baits of course. Flows are clear and moderate in the Salmon and Farmington Rivers, and trout anglers are reporting good catches in the TMA’s.
Down at Rivers End in Old Saybrook things are starting to ramp up this week. The guys are setting up for their annual striper surf day this weekend, and anglers are also starting to frequent the shop more often as they gear up for spring. Anglers are reporting good catches of schoolies in all of the tidal rivers, with better numbers starting to come from the Connecticut. The Housatonic also remains a hot bed for schoolies, and also continues to put up the best quality fish of all the rivers. A lot of local anglers have also been heading to the lower Connecticut for white perch, as the next few weeks are a prime time for the species.
Rich, at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk has been busy running from show to show, but chimed in that local fishing in western Connecticut is heating up. The Housatonic continues to get the most attention, and fishing will only continue to improve as things warm up and the fish spread out. Freshwater fishing has also been strong, with a good largemouth bite at many of the smaller lakes and ponds. Candlewood Lake will remain open until the end of the month, and is providing some good trout and smallmouth fishing. The local TMA’s are also experiencing some nice, clean flows and are putting up some good trout to those who put their time in.
Torrey, at Upcountry Sportfishing in Pine Meadow, reports that things on the Farmington River remain just about as good as could be for mid March. Despite being a few weeks away from opening day, there is about 21 miles of river that remains open. Many portions of the river have been recently stocked with fresh fish, so finding fish to bite has not been too difficult. Fresh stockers are not the only fish that are biting, as longtime customer Sam Morse managed some beautiful wild fish in the 20-inch class over the weekend. Euro-nymphing #14 princes, pheasant tails and hot spot nymphs was the ticket for Sam. Flows on the river have been calm and clear, with about 510 cfs in the permanent catch and release area. Black, olive and white Wooly Buggers are a steady producer for freshly stocked fish, especially with a #14-16 nymph trailed behind. The warm weather has the #12-16 early black stones hatching; so early stone imitators are also a safe bet. While a lot of methods are working, Torrey has seen the most consistent action nymphing with two flies in 3-5 feet of medium speed water. Look to fish near drop offs, current breaks and current edges for the best shot at some hefty trout.
Fishing Forecast
Temperatures have settled back down a bit closer to normal levels, but the early spring fishing has already reaped the benefits of the mild March. Trout fishing is in full swing, despite being a month away from opening day. Largemouth bass, pike and perch are all providing anglers with great freshwater options, while saltwater anglers can continue to scratch the striper itch in one of our tidal rivers.