Connecticut Salt Water Report

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

STRIPED BASS fishing continue to be very good for “schoolies” in most of the tidal rivers along the Connecticut shoreline. There are also some very big keepers (45 pound cow bass Stratford) in the mix as well.  Striper spots include the Pawcatuck River, Mystic River, Thames River, Niantic River, lower Connecticut River (DEEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier and Dock and Dine), Black Hall River, New Haven Harbor (Sandy Point), Housatonic River and Norwalk Harbor including the islands. Sand and blood worms have been working the best, especially in turbid waters around the high tide and the beginning of the ebb.  Casting swimming lures, small jigs (Chartreuse color) with twister tails, soft baits, and Kastmasters and other metal lures will all work. Fishing is awesome in the lower rivers/estuaries where the water temperature has approached the magical 55°F mark and there are schools of 1 year old menhaden!  The top-water fishing has been fantastic
Bonus Striped Bass Tags are gone for this year. Thank you for everyone who took advantage of this unique program.

SUMMER FLOUNDER fishing season opens May 17 to September 21.

WINTER FLOUNDER fishing is improving in the Poquonock River at Bluff Point State Park, Niantic River, The Brothers, Jordan Cove, lower Saugatuck River, Calf Pasture Beach area, Norwalk Islands (Cockonoe) and the channels in Norwalk Harbor. Other flounder spots include the lower Mystic River, and the mouth of the Thames River in the Pine Island area including Baker Cove. 

WHITE PERCH fishing is good in most of the tidal rivers and coves along the Connecticut shoreline. Perch spots include the Pawcatuck River, Mystic River, Thames River, upper Niantic River, lower Connecticut River (DEEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier), Black Hall River, Lieutenant River, North/South Cove and Hamburg Cove.  Grass shrimp and small garden worms are the keys to success.

BLACK SEA BASS fishing is slow.  The early season hot spot is Falkner Island.  Fishing over any deep water structure in 60 to 100 ft around slack tide will produce some trophy-sized “humpbacks”.  Fish shallower and you will catch plenty of keeper-sized sea bass. It’s important to continue to move from structure to structure to find these beautiful and awesome eating fish. Remember, CT black sea bass regulations are as follows…15 inch min. length, 5 fish daily limit from May 1st to December 31st.  Berkely Gulp (swimming mullet) on a jig along with squid with a spinner works great for these “Bucketmouths”.
 
  HICKORY SHAD fishing is good…some nice 16 to 21 inch “CT Tarpon” continue to be caught by those who try. Try the Black Hall River, Lieutenant River, lower Connecticut River by the DEEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier, Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch, Clinton Harbor, lower Housatonic River and Fort Trumbull. These ”CT Tarpon” providing outstanding/fun shore fishing for anglers. Tie on a silver willowleaf lure or a small charteuse jig (add a 14-20 inch leader) with a slip sinker above the swivel along with light tackle (6lb test main line). Cast to current breaks/channels and retrieve the lure and hold on/have fun…

WEAKFISH.   Look for weakfish in Guilford/New Haven Harbor over to the Milford/Stratford area along with the Peconics (NY).

  BLUEFISH.    The Race, Millstone Outflow, Plum Gut and the north side of Long Island including Gardiners Bay and the Peconics are early bluefish spots.