Rhode Island Fishing Report – May 12, 2016

Pictured: Chris Evans with a fresh Connecticut River striper from this week.

The weather has improved and so has the saltwater fishing in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Striped bass to 20 pounds can be found throughout the region, fluke and sea bass are starting to move in, and winter flounder remains excellent.

Rhode Island Fishing Report

Captain Frank, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, has called it a wrap on what was a very successful cod season overall. Last week’s rain and cold temps made it tough for a cod grand finale, but fluke will be kicking off on Friday May 13th at 7 AM. Word is of some decent fish already being caught around Block, and this week’s temperatures should start to accelerate things.

Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, reports that striped bass are taking topwater plugs and soft plastics in East Bay, and they can often be seen pushing live bunker to the surface. Shop regulars Omar Curi and Richard Yang reported some nice bass off Bear Point at Prudence Island on yellow Guppy pencil poppers and white Slug-gos. Tautog fishing has also been strong in the same general area, with keeper fish taking crabs on jigs and rigs. The Providence and Seekonk Rivers are still holding some striped bass as well, but they are now getting a bit harder to locate as the pogies thin out. Newport squid fishing remains very good, but unpredictable. Small Yo-Zuri squid jigs in pink, orange, purple and white have been most effective. Scup fishing is starting to get going and anglers are reporting some keepers at Stone Bridge in Tiverton on sea worms and clams. Freshwater options remain very good as well, with good catches of golden trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass and a few carp this week.

At The Saltwater Edge in Middletown anglers are reporting more striped bass catches throughout the state this week. The East Bay is producing fish, along with the West Wall, Point Jude Pond, Narrow River and all of the breachways. Tautog continues to improve as the water conditions improve, both in the bay and along the south shore. The first few reports of keeper fluke have trickled in from the south side of Block and that will only improve with the end of week temperatures.

At Watch Hill Outfitters in Westerly, Mike reports that the Pawcatuck River continued to fish well throughout the colder temperatures of last week. Anglers that are livelining bunker or throwing live eels are getting fish in the 15- to 20-pound class, while light-tackle anglers are reporting plenty of schoolie action. Reports from out front have been on the slow side due to cold ocean temperatures, with the exception of some small fish along the beaches and in the breachways. The squid action has been strong in Newport and Point Judith, but there have only been a few scant reports locally thus far.

Connecticut Fishing Report

Hillyers in Waterford reports that most anglers are heading to the mouth of the Connecticut River for some strong striped bass action. The majority of fish are on the small side, but finding pods of bunker or throwing bigger plugs has accounted for some larger fish. The winter flounder fishing remains excellent in the bay, with limits coming easy. A few dedicated sea bass anglers were able to find some keepers this week, and that bite should blow open shortly.

Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, reports that there is still a very strong striped bass bite going on in the northern stretches of the river. There are loads of river herring throughout the river, which these bass are keying in on. Topwater spooks, pencils and metal-lips have worked best, and don’t be afraid to keep moving as the pods of bass are small and also always on the move. Water temperatures in the upper stretches are around 55, so these fish shouldn’t be dropping down anytime soon. The mouth of the river is loaded with bass as well, with the bulk being small schoolies. Andrew just got word of the first squid showing up around Mystic; which is great news for the CT fluke opener on the 17th. Andrew will once again be running his season-long fluke tournament; which features a $20 buy-in and a 100% payout.

At Rivers End in Old Saybrook, James reports that anglers are finding bass throughout the river and that is garnering the attention of most local anglers. He also noted that the lower river is holding large schools of small fish, while the upper river has smaller pods of better fish. That is merely a trend however; as the mouth will put up some quality fish as well if you spend some time hunting.

Captain TJ, of Rock And Roll Charters, is excited for his season opener on the 17th. He mentioned that he still has some availability in May, and while weekends are booked, Memorial Day is still open.

Rich, at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk, reports that the flounder bite remains one of the best in recent memory; the channel edges and slopes inside the harbor have continued to be the most consistent areas. Striped bass fishing has been very good in the area and the prevalence of various bait species is likely a contributor. There are fish in the harbors, rivers and out front feeding on adult bunker, peanuts and some spearing. The Housatonic has slowed as of late and anglers are reporting a sub-optimal herring run. The best fishing out front is still west of Norwalk, but the bass appear to be inching closer each day. The same can be said for bluefish; which have just shown up on the New York side. The Saugatuck Reservoir remains a sure bet for good freshwater action; with large bass, walleye and trout to 5 pounds this week.

The Farmington is currently an excellent & clear total flow of 255cfs in the permanent Catch & Release area (157cfs from the dam in Riverton, 98cfs from the Still River). Sun & clouds with a predicted high of 79 today (Monday), and averaging in the 60’s to low 70’s after that. The entire river outside the permanent C&R section has been stocked multiple times over the past 6 weeks. Also hatching in the afternoons are #18 Mahogany Duns (aka Paraleps/Blue Quills), #16-18 Blue Wing Olives (Baetis), and Black Midges #22-32. Fishing is definitely picking up again with the mild weather, Hendrickson hatch, and frequent stocking by the state. It’s been good all up & down the river, from the dam in Riverton all the way down to Unionville. Don’t limit yourself to only the more popular sections of the river, as there is literally excellent fishing all over it.

Rhode Island Fishing Forecast

The November-like weather has finally blown out and it’s starting to feel a lot more like summer fishing. Striped bass fishing is strong in our tidal rivers and with large fish reported to our west and east, it won’t be long before we start seeing 30-pound-plus local catches. Fluke is open in Rhode Island and will be in Connecticut on the 17th. Long, warm days will have the ocean temps on the rise; that plus a nice push of squid will no doubt equal some great fluke reports very soon. In the meantime, take advantage of the excellent winter flounder season, which shows no signs of slowing at the moment.