Connecticut Fishing Report
Matt, this Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook told me he spent some time this week working some of the state’s trout waters and has had success targeting hungry rainbows in the Salmon River. Flow and water clarity have been excellent and should not be affected by this weekend’s rain. Ice anglers have had a bit of fun on some of the smaller lakes and ponds across the state, but the ice is about to take another break, so look to the open creeks on the CT River for some action pike or open water fish. Striped bass fishing has been quieter than usual in the creeks and tribes of eastern CT, but the Housatonic is still supposed to be fishing well and will only get better with a stretch of warm days ahead.
Heather from Black Hawk Sport Fishing they reported that when they were able to go out last week the fishing was excellent! Last Thursday had a great group of anglers and coolers full of jumbo bass, porgies and some cod in the mix. Now their trips are completely time based – they will go out as much as possible, so be sure to check with the office before your trip! Check our website for timetables and tickets. As a reminder, they post new trips every Monday night at 8pm, for trips approximately 3 weeks in advance.
And, at Dan’s Bait, Tackle and Charters in New London told me that anglers who don’t mind battling some winds or frozen guides have been able to manage some good catches of striped bass in local tributaries and tidal rivers. The shelf ice is gone, and a warming trend should help increase holding action. Most are reporting the best success with paddletail soft plastics on a 1- to 3-ounce jighead. Some of the fish will still take a swim plug, especially on warmer/sunnier days.
The world of fishermen in Norwalk reports that things calmed down on the Housatonic due to shelf ice and cold temperatures, but the tailings fishery will be the main show in town for the next week or two. At this point in the season, the most effective area seems to be north of the I-95 bridge, with fish taking smaller baits in the 4-6 inch range. Trout fishing in local streams has been steady and hitting the small streams with flies, crankbaits and small lures can be productive. Ice fishing opportunities came and went this week, but winter is far from over, so enjoy the open water while it’s here. The shop will be stocked with ice fishing gear all winter long, so you’ll be ready when things start to lock up!
Connecticut Fishing Forecast
A prolonged warming trend may shatter local ice dreams fishermen, however should help expand/increase open water opportunities.
Connecticut Fishermen can continue to take advantage of the abundance of bass in the riversand should see an increase in activity, along with a decrease in frozen guides this week! The Connecticut bite has been a consistent producer for years, and this year looks to be no different. Reports from the Housatonic were a little quieter this week due to ice issues, but I expect it to be the epicenter of strong winter fishing over the next two weeks. If you don’t want to head to the Housatonic, something good has happened school action in the lower CT River, Thames River and most of the small Eastern Sound estuaries before they have frozen. Freshwater fishermen can take advantage of another round of Atlantic salmon half in the Shetucket and Naugatuck rivers, along with some recent fall trout. As the Connecticut River continues to settle and the ice melts, freshwater anglers should find ample open water opportunities for pike, perch and walleye before it all locks up again.