Connecticut Fishing Report
Matt, this Black Hall Outfitters a Westbrook told me he’s been able to get out a few times on some sheltered structure and still been finding a good tautog bite. There are still plenty of tautog holding at various depths so we should have strong fishing through the end of the season.
Over forty feet of water has been the ticket for the bigger fish, but Matt was also able to find some keeper fish up to 15 feet this week. Matt also reports that there is still a good striped bass bite to school along the beaches as they are still in the peanut bunker, and the bite is starting to materialize in the creeks and rivers as well.
Small soft plastics have been the ticket for hungry bass, just keep slowing down the presentation as the temperatures drop. Be sure to check out the Black Hall Outfitters Holiday Gift Guide this weekend to do some holiday shopping when you’re not on the water!
Heather from Black Hawk Sport Fishing reports that the wind made things difficult this week, but when they got out, the results were consistent. Their combination trips continue, with part of the day dedicated to black fishing and the rest of the day to bottom fishing for everything else. They have had a bit of wind to contend with most of the trip but are still finding some good fishing! They have had good numbers of blackfish most days along with a strong showing of cod.
Cod numbers have started to pick up lately so hopefully that will continue. Limits of big bass are still common, and there are still a few good strikes in the mix. They will continue to make combined trips to the nearest Blackfish on November 28th. After that, they will go on cross-country trips whenever the weather permits. New trips will be posted on their website on Monday nights, so be sure to book a date as soon as possible!
Captain Mike Roy a Reel Cast Charters they reported that things were tough last week because of the wind, but they found plenty of stripers on the days they were out there. The lower CT river still holds a good mass of school bass, along with a few more slot fish in the mix. Capt. Mike is coming off another strong season, but Capt. Jon will still be doing some river trips through December, so check with Mike for some late season bass action!
The world of fishermen in Norwalk reports very good fishing for anglers who have been able to get out on the days the wind hasn’t been howling. In fact, a big mackerel push has entered the Western Sound, with some boats in the area reporting the best mackerel fishing they’ve seen in years.
Striped bass action across the region has been hot, with the best action around the beach and inshore as bait continues to come out of the bays and estuaries. Pockets of bait can be found from Norwalk Islands to Westport, Penfield Reef and Bridgeport. Along with this bait most days are low. Most of these fish school to slot size, although a few larger fish are mixed in. There are also bluefish in the western sound and they are of the same variety and size as last weeks with many fish around the 15-pound mark.
Out west, the bite for larger stripers is strong with word of a hot Diamond Jig bite coming from the west slope area. Ground fishing has also been strong with steady tautog action and good bass fishing in 50 to 70 feet of water. There are still some reefs around, and they are huge, with most of the big plugs coming from wrecks in over 50 feet of water.
Saugatuck Reservoir remains the best bet for freshwater anglers in the region, and it appears to have improved this week, with water temperatures dropping quickly. Smallmouth remain very active in the reservoir, while trout reports seem to have improved quite a bit for anglers dipping shiners under slip bobbers.
Connecticut Fishing Forecast
Mother Nature seems to be cooperating with us, at least for most of the holiday weekend. It should be a good weekend to hit the salt again or take advantage of the many fresh water options.
Connecticut Fishermen you continue to see a lot of light actionwith an abundance of peanut bunker keep shooting upper water flashes throughout the sound. Some larger bass are also starting to arrive in the tidal river mouths, and we should have some excellent walleye fishing throughout the winter.
The tautog Fishing has been steady for most anglers, with anglers working deeper structure finding bigger fish and dealing with fewer shorts. Sea bass and hake help fill the fridges, although both seem to be moving into deeper waters. The DEEP has recently stocked Atlantic salmon in the Naugatuck and Shetucket rivers, which provide a great fall fishing opportunity for freshwater anglers. There is also strong trout fishing reported by a number of state TMAs and improved fishing at Saugatuck Reservoir.