Rhode Island fishing reports
39 reports for Rhode Island — what's biting, water temps, and where to focus.
Stripers Flooding Narragansett Bay, 25- to 40-Inch Fish Biting Aggressively
Water temps at 50°F per NOAA buoy 44085 and 49°F per NOAA buoy 44097 as of May 6 are putting Narragansett Bay right at the inflection point for peak striper season. The Fisherman (Northeast) reported as of April 30 that a surge of stripers has arrived in the Bay, with fish described as 'abundant and aggressive' ranging 25 to 40 inches, and a few larger bass mixed in — schools spread from Jamestown to the Canal. Tautog are also in their spring stride, with good shallow-water catches per the same report. On The Water's May 1 striper migration update confirms the run is gaining momentum as post-spawn fish push north from the Chesapeake. Offshore wave heights of 6.2 to 6.9 feet indicate an active swell; anglers working sheltered Bay waters and inlets will have the best access this week. Bluefish have not been specifically reported yet this week but are typical for this water-temperature range in early May.
Narragansett Bay striper push on: 25–40-inch fish from Jamestown to the Canal
Water temperatures in Narragansett Bay are holding at 48–49°F as of May 3 (NOAA buoys 44097 and 44085), and the striped bass bite has officially ignited. The Fisherman (Northeast) reported April 30 that a surge of bass has hit the Bay — fish described as 'abundant and aggressive,' running 25 to 40 inches with a few larger specimens already mixing in from Jamestown to the Canal. On The Water's May 1 Striper Migration Map confirms post-spawn females are still pushing north out of the Chesapeake, meaning this is the leading edge of a larger wave. Tautog are also in stride: The Fisherman (Northeast) notes solid shallow-water catches as the species enters its spring peak. With a Full Moon driving amplified tidal swings this weekend, expect bait to concentrate along rip edges and current cuts — prime conditions for the aggressive fish already in the Bay.
Striper migration reaches Narragansett Bay as water cools to 47°F
Fresh waves of striped bass are moving into southern New England, with water temperatures holding at 47–48°F across NOAA buoys 44097 and 44085 in Narragansett Bay. Per On The Water, the first wave of migratory fish has reached Rhode Island, following a broader Northeast striper push that The Fisherman reports is in rapid expansion phase—quality bass to the mid-30-inch class are now common in adjacent waters like Buzzards Bay. Moderate swells of 3–5.6 feet add texture to the bay, typical for late April. This is prime timing for targeting fresh migrators along rip lines and shallow structures before the main May push.