Connecticut Spring Fishing Report 2026: What's Biting and Where

CT DEEP has begun spring stocking, with the Farmington River, Salmon River, and Willimantic River among the first to receive fish this season. Early season stockings tend to focus on larger rivers with reliable public access. Water temps on the Farmington are in the 42–47°F range as of mid-March — ideal for recently stocked trout holding in slow pools and eddies. Power Bait continues to be the go-to for fresh fish. As temperatures climb toward 52°F, spinner fishing improves significantly. Carry both. The Housatonic TMA has seen some early activity from wild fish — the Hendrickson hatch is still several weeks out, but nymph fishing has been productive in deeper runs. Check the DEEP stocking page at ct.gov/deep for updated stocking reports throughout April and May.

Southern CT lakes (Bantam Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Candlewood) are showing the first signs of pre-spawn staging activity with water temps pushing into the 48–52°F range during warm afternoons. Bass are moving toward main lake points and the edges of shallow spawning coves. Jerkbaits fished on 10 lb fluorocarbon are the current recommendation — work them slowly with 3–5 second pauses between twitches. Shaky heads with finesse worms have also been producing on post-frontal days when fish are less active. Northern CT and higher-elevation lakes are running colder — expect the pre-spawn there to lag 2–3 weeks behind the south. Keep an eye on temperatures and plan trips accordingly.

Early stripers are beginning to show in southern New England with reports from the Cape Cod Canal, the Connecticut River estuary, and the lower Housatonic. These early fish are typically in the 22–28 inch class — school fish moving ahead of the main run. By late April, the CT coast should see consistent striper action. Primary targets right now: river mouths on incoming tides, areas where freshwater meets salt (stripers follow the thermals), and the deep rips off major points. Live eels aren't available this early, but live menhaden (bunker) from southern ports, bucktail jigs, and large soft plastics are all producing. The main push of keeper fish typically arrives in CT in May.

The yellow perch fishery in CT had a strong ice fishing season, and early spring fishing has been excellent in shallow lake areas as perch move to spawn in weedy shallows. Target: 2–5 feet of water near submerged vegetation and gravel shoals. Small blade baits (Swedish Pimple), small jigs, and small spinners all produce. Morning fishing is most consistent. Bantam Lake, Moodus Reservoir, and Gardner Lake have been the most consistent producers this spring.

Most CT lakes are fully ice-free by mid-March in a normal year. Post-ice-out, fish begin moving from winter staging areas toward shallower pre-spawn and feeding zones. The transition can take 1–2 weeks depending on how fast water warms. The first warm stretch of 55°F+ air temps accelerates everything — watch the 10-day forecast. First major warming event after ice-out: be on the water. The bass bite can be exceptional as fish feed aggressively for the first time after months of near-dormancy.

April is historically the most dynamic month in CT freshwater fishing. Trout season opens officially with crowds on opening weekend — if you want solitude, fish any day after the first week. Bass will be in pre-spawn through mid-April, spawning by late April in southern CT. The Farmington River Hendrickson hatch typically peaks in the third or fourth week of April — if you fly fish, block that date. May brings the warmest pre-summer conditions and some of the most consistent saltwater action of the year for stripers and fluke. Plan accordingly.