Connecticut Fishing Reports

Water readings of 49–52°F across the outer Sound (NOAA buoys 44065 and 44025) aren't dampening what is shaping up to be an encouraging early-May striper push in Connecticut. Per The Fisherman — Connecticut, Captain Morgan's Bait and Tackle reported that "over-the-slot striped bass broke through the Sound barrier this past week," with fish from 30 to 36 inches slamming topwaters and swimmers through the bays and lower tidal rivers timed to the full-moon tides. Bobby J's Connecticut report adds that schoolie action in river mouths and harbors has been consistent for most customers. Aaron Swanson's Connecticut roundup notes migratory fish are already creeping into the far western Sound, with trolling and topwater reports picking up. A secondary opportunity is building on the CT River, where The Fisherman — Connecticut reports the shad run kicked into gear over the past 10 days with improving numbers daily. Wave heights of 5.2 feet at buoy 44025 favor inside-water approaches for smaller boats.

2d ago

The Connecticut River is reading 59°F at USGS gauge 01184000, and the shad run has hit its stride. Per The Fisherman — Connecticut (Aaron Swanson), the migration kicked into gear over the last 10 days with some very good fishing along the river. Fishin' Factory 3 (via The Fisherman — New England Freshwater) reports shad numbers climbing daily, with Steaves Leaves willow-leaf rigs on ¾- to 1-ounce casting sinkers so popular that a reorder of 200 units was needed. Trout action remains strong statewide: The Fisherman — New England Freshwater confirms late-April stocking on the Farmington River West Branch, Moosup River TMA, Norwalk River WTMA, and several ponds. Anglers near Norwalk are taking stocked fish on worms, Roostertails, and PowerBait (Fisherman's World, via The Fisherman — New England Freshwater). A nighttime largemouth bite is emerging — angler Jeff Sullivan reported a 7.25-lb bass on a bladed jig last week, per The Fisherman — New England Freshwater. Panfish including white perch and crappie are active at multiple sites.

2d ago

DEEP completed spring stocking on all major Housatonic tributaries. Holdover browns are feeding aggressively in deeper pools.

Apr 8

White perch are staging in the lower Thames in good numbers. Bloodworms and small jigs working well from shore.

Apr 7

Largemouth bass are transitioning to pre-spawn patterns. Fish holding in 8-12 feet near secondary points and channel swings.

Apr 6

Blackfish starting to feed around structure in 15-25 feet. Green crabs and Asian crabs producing the best results.

Apr 4