The only sound is the quiet splish-splashing of the plug as it zigzags along the surface—left, right, left, right, left—and then suddenly the plug disappears in a small explosion of whitewater and the silence of the river is replaced by the noise of your spinning reel’s screaming drag. Stripers range from the mouth of the Connecticut up to the Holyoke Dam in Massachusetts. Also anywhere you would suggest I could shore fish? Most fish migrate south during winter, but some overwinter in Connecticut, most notably in the Thames River. I live in Granby CT. Connecticut striper fishing state Record Bass = 75 lbs - 6 oz What type(s) of rod, reel, line, hooks lures, weight, bobbers.... would I need to catch stripers and bluefish in both Long Island Sound and the Thames River(off the pier). The other style of topwaters are poppers or chuggers. Sea B And Pies In New London Ct. Connecticut Fishing Report June 27 2019 On The Water. How would I go about doing that? The thinner profile might not look like a herring but it’s easier to cast. Large barges do travel this section because the channel averages around 20 feet deep; however, the channel does not necessarily run down the middle of the river and there are many shallow areas, so pay attention to the marker buoys. I like the Rapala Skitter Pop and the Yo-Zuri Hydro Pop. It is commonly accessed from the Jordon Cove or Niantic River launches in Waterford. Ive been hitting the Derby dam and the Derby boat launch. I live in albany ny and my father amd I faithfully striper fish the hudson river every year but these past few years have declined in the amount of fish and size of fish we catch and next year were hoping to come down and fish the connecticut river but would like to charter first before just launching our boat and not nowing the water way at all. The combo works great for tossing everything from unweighted soft-plastic baits up to larger swim baits, and I’ve had no problem landing stripers up to 46 inches. Your email address will not be published. Fishing Reports via Links to Bait and Tackle Shops and other sources all along the striped bass migration route that provide fishing reports. Scroll down to see all the reports. Fishing topwater plugs is very popular and a lot of fun because you get the thrill of seeing the fish hitting the lure. I give this area special attention especially on bright, hot days in May. I’m headed out your way to work for 3 weeks in Hartford starting on the 25th… I would be interested in hire a charter if my hours work out right. Along the Thames there are many places you can park within a short walking distance to public access along the river, where stripers and snapper blues can be caught at different times of the year. The only loud noise you hear out on the river should be the sound of a big striper thrashing the surface after it makes a meal of your lure. Shore Fishing in Coastal State Parks. The tidal section of the Housatonic River is a 7-mile stretch of brackish water, which feeds into Long Island Sound along the shores of the towns of Stratford and Milford. The initial migration of stripers reach the southern most parts of New England in mid April. Pouring into New London Harbor is the Thames River; a very large river. I categorize as crankbaits all hard lures that dive. Stripers can be found throughout the 50 mile stretch of river from Hartford to the river’s mouth in Old Saybrook. He can be reached at DeBacco@cox.net. As the water warms through mid-June, the striper fishing on the Connecticut River shifts toward the mouth, where there is greater influence from Long Island Sound, which delivers cool water and baitfish. Good morning captain, was wondering if you got any available hartes for today and the price range I’m trying to go with two other friends so In total three people. The key is to rig the lure so it will hang perfectly straight on the hook. When it comes to choosing lures, “matching the hatch” is not critical. A large range of age classes will make the journey, with similar-sized stripers tending to travel together. Fishing for stripers and bluefish in New London, CT? We have tackle but are open to use boat tackle if available. I occasionally use a ¾-ounce jighead, but under most conditions the 3/8-ounce head suffices, especially when fished on low-diameter braid. I typically fish the Middletown to Hartford stretch of the river. The day fishing thames news striper 2008 new london ct the day fishing thames news 6 reasons why the connecticut s is fishing new london england. The Connecticut River watershed extends all the way into Canada, so during the spring the river will often flood due to rain and snowmelt to the north. Connecticut Striper Fishing the Long Island Sound. This section of the river is diverse, and if the striped bass are not cooperating, you can target northern pike and largemouth bass in basically the same areas, with similar lures. This is the “spook” style that zigzags back and forth in the water as you retrieve it, a motion commonly referred to as “walking the dog.” If you’re new to walking the dog, it is best to practice a little before you find yourself in the middle of a topwater bite. When I got to the derby boat launch Friday morning, some guy was leaving with a striper as big as his leg. Debacco, I bass and trout fish a lot. Let's face it, there's a lot we can learn and share from one another like what bait or lure is generating the best results. Fishing in Connecticut for striped bass Area of Long Island Sound: 1320 square miles. Stripers In The Thames schoolie stripers in the thames live bail and some rubber bait . My friends don’t fish ty .Gerry. i am hooked on catching these beautiful fish, the fight they five is an adrenaline rush. i appreciate your striper fishing tips, i have been a tout fisherman my whole life, i am 53. Captain Peter knows all… Continue reading Welcome To FlyLight Charters Although tautog remains the main game in CT, schools of striped bass and hickory shad … Public Access to Fishing … The key to the spring striper fishery is baitfish. Your favorite saltwater lures will work in the river as well. A vehicle parking fee is required to enter most of the state parks during regular hours (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.). Spring Striper Fishing on the Connecticut River. The Weekly Fishing Report is a summary of fresh and saltwater fishing activity in Connecticut collected from tackle stores around the state. So Ive been going to school in Shelton, and my teacher told me about some places to go striper fishing. Lower River/Tidal Waters. Fishing for stripers in Connecticut is primarily in Long Island Sound and the tributary waters leading into the sound like the Connecticut river. Captain Brian, of Big Game Sportfishing, reported continued consistent striper fishing around the island, both day and night. The shoreline is mostly wooded and picturesque, especially in the fall. Based out of Burr’s Marina in New London, FlyLight Charters is close to all of the best destinations to get the most action on your rod. Rapala Skitter Walks and the old standard Heddon Zara Spook are two lures that fall into this category. As you exit the harbor the water depths vary as they deepen towards the Race. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters Could you please send me charter prices for spring striper fishing near the mouth of the Connecticut river, Hey cap, I am very interested in booking a charter with u. Any good spots to striper fish off the shore on the Ct River? All of these baitfish tend to travel in schools, and the stripers that depend on them follow this food source. You can access the river and work your way north from public boat launches at the Baldwin Bridge in Old Saybrook, Salmon River in East Haddam, Haddam Meadows in Haddam, and Bissell Bridge in Hartford. (When fishing topwater lures, remember that the braid has much less stretch than monofilament, so you have to be careful not to yank the lure away from the fish on missed strikes.) The reports are arranged from North to South along the striper coast. Hi cpt. See CT DEEP Fish Community Data for updated distributions. Our fishing guide service is unique because we do most of our fishing in shallow waters with light tackle. This section of the river offers anglers a wide variety of target species to chase and has recently gained recognition as a world class, year round Striped Bass Fishery. Thames River is a stream located just 3.3 miles from Groton, in New London County, in the state of Connecticut, United States, near New London, CT. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including bluefish and striped bass here. No luck for me yet. Most of the fishing is in shallow water, throwing relatively light lures, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy battling bass of all sizes. One of my favorites is similar to the lipless crankbaits popular for largemouth bass. The reels are matched with 7-foot St. Croix Avid series rods in either medium or medium-heavy weight sizes. where are the best places to catch striped bass from shore.? (Note that the possession of alewives and blueback herring, collectively known as river herring, is prohibited in Connecticut, as their numbers are in decline.) If you use the Lunker City 8/0 hook that comes with their lures, be sure to double-check the point regularly, as it can bend. Use the natural flow of the tide to set up a quiet drift. These lures have cupped mouths, and they are fished with short sweeps of the rod to get them to splash. April - May: Winter Flounder, Fluke, Black Fish and Striped Bass, June - September: Fluke, Bluefish, Striped Bass, Black Fish, October-December: Fluke, Blue Fish, Striped Bass, False Albacore and Black Fish. Looking to try a charter with light tackle on the CT river. Adding a jighead to a soft-plastic lure is a way to get the lure to the bottom, if needed. Pedal kayaks are a superior platform for a variety of striper tactics and techniques. through eastern Connecticut from the junction of the Yantic and Shetucket Rivers at Norwich, to New London and Groton, which flank its mouth at the Long Island Sound. Reel Cast Charters specializes in Striped Bass Fishing on the Connecticut River and the surrounding Connecticut waters of Long Island Sound. It’s called the Gag’s Slammer, and it has a deep body that matches the profile of a herring. The lure you use is important, but when fishing for stripers in water less than 5 feet deep, what you do while fishing can be just as important. by Eric Harrison. Connecticut Fishing Report – November 25, 2020. My light gear limits the use of these oversized baits, so I stick to lighter swimbaits. Thanks, nice article! All maps created in 2009. The Connecticut River is a very unique river system. i was just wondering how much longer do you think the fish will be up in the Hartford area before the baifish are gone. Some sections are sandy, others are rocky and some are a mud/silt mix. They can be found in the river year round, but the prime season begins in mid-May and extends into early June. All Rights Reserved. As you drift, use your trolling motor only as necessary. In today's episode, we head to the mouth of the Connecticut River to meet up with Mike Morazzini and Capt. ... River Run Stripers The Fisherman. thames river Fishing Report. This year i tried giving the Stipers a go on the t river and was lucky enough to get 2 keepers. I bring a selection of lures in five categories that can cover the water column, including, of course, the surface! Designated rivers & streams with no closed season including the entire Connecticut and Thames rivers, and downstream portions of the Coginchaug, Farmington, Housatonic, Mattabesset, Mystic, Naugatuck, Niantic, Quinnipiac, Salmon, and Yantic rivers. Thx Shawn kingsley. any info helps. Cell # 413-455-4836. Use a trolling motor if you have one, or at least kill your engine well upcurrent of the area you intend to fish and drift down on it. In the fall many false albacores feed heavily on anchovies in surrounding areas and provide exhilarating action on medium to light tackle and on the fly rod. To do some Striper fishing In the spring. After much searching, I found a 3/8-ounce jighead with a 3X-strong 3/0 hook made by Bill Hurley Lures. Since the bait is constantly on the move, so are they. I want to fish the CT River sometime 2nd and 3rd week in June. thank you! Alternate names for this stream include Awseed, Puccatannock River and Great River. Connecticut Fishing Report – October 1, 2020. Light tackle for Stripers, Pike, Bass, Carp Catfish, Shad if still around etc. Lure Fishing for Stripers Stripers can also be taken on artificials. Why do I love springtime fishing on the Connecticut River? Big stripers hold in The Race all summer, thanks to the schools of baitfish that congregate there. Back on March 1, I linked to Narragansett Baykeeper John Torgan’s blog, where he reprinted an account of a fisherman who was conducting a mark-recapture study of stripers in the Thames.The fisherman, Al Anderson, estimated that 30,000 to 40,000 striped bass … Although, of the seemingly thousands of swimbaits out there, I particularly like the Jerry Rago 7-inch BV 3D Pro Inline swimbait, which weighs in at a fairly heavy 3 ounces. Lastly, be careful not to drop anything and do your best to keep an organized boat to avoid tripping over gear. My e-mail address is at the end of the article, contact me at that account and I can help you out. Thanks! Hi, I plan on fishing the connecticut river for stripers next week from shore. Time and time again, I see boaters come in too strong with their main motor. If you look at a chart, you will notice the river has a lot of turns that provide good current breaks. A vast number of stripers stay over the winter in the Thames because of the warm water outflows from Norwich down via various factories. The stripers also work their way up-river in the spring. The night after i caught my first keeper i was up all night “counting fish” lol so what i am asking is, is it too late to find them in the Hartford area this year? My favorite way to target these spring stripers is with spinning tackle on the light side. Lunker City’s Slug-Gos and Fin-S Fish, Hogys and Bill Hurley’s Striper Magnets can all be fished weightless on offset worm hooks. never been before and would love some info, tips, good locations to go, lures/bait to use. Swimbaits have become very popular with largemouth bass fishermen. I want to start striper fishing. Sorry to hear about the decline in numbers of fish in your area over the last few years. The Race is one of the best striper hotspots on the East Coast. I fish from shore in East Haddam ,I had a boat but because of my illnesses I had to sell it.So my question is how is it to fish from shore and what should I be using for bait and equipment. Fishing Information ... Fresh water from the Shetucket and Yantic rivers flows into Norwich Harbor where it mixes with salt water in the Thames River. Added By: bryonheath on 03/30/08 12:16 AM Location: thames river Report Date: 3/30/2008 # of Hotspots: 1 # of Photos: 0 # of Fish Caught: 5 Learn more about thames river fishing in our Connecticut Fishing Forum (25 km.) I will be fishing from the coast of the river. The Thames River and the surrounding area in Long Island Sound is some of the finest, most prolific waters for catching striped bass, blue fish, fluke and black fish. There are many different styles and types, but as a general rule of thumb, stay in the 7- to 11-inch range, and use a hook that matches the lure. I have been fortunate to partake in this fishery for the last 14 years, and light tackle only adds to the excitement. Sign up for our FREE Fishing Reports Today! This lure does not get very deep, but it has a lifelike swimming action that closely matches a herring. Watch OTW’s Kevin Blinkoff and Eric Matland catch big stripers in the shallows at the mouth of the Connecticut River. I use what I like, and that’s Shimano Stradic reels in the 5000 size spooled with 30-pound-test Daiwa Samurai braid. My e-mail is at the end of the article, so please contact me with questions or comments you may have. Ken Poitras, Hi capt. - Note that on some websites you have to go to their forums section to find their fishing reports. Happy fishing! This is also one of the two places on the CT shore where you can take both high speed and classic ferries to Orient Point that also accommodate your vehicle. It flows south for 15 mi. The best guided fly and light tackle fishing charters in the Long Island Sound in Connecticut with Licensed USCG 25 Ton Master Captain Peter Corrao. The river goes from 6 to about 15 feet deep and its only about a 30X30 yard stretch of river. The other type of crankbait I carry are the long, thin minnow-type crankbaits, like the Bomber Magnum Long A, which is 7 inches long and runs about 3 feet deep. I want to fish the river only. Happy fishing and thanks for any advice you can give me. It is a very navigable section that is entirely fresh water. Captain Matthew DeBacco runs light-tackle striped bass charters out of Rocky Hill, Connecticut during the month of May. You want to choose a rod that has a sensitive tip for fishing light lures but decent backbone to land large bass without unnecessarily prolonging the fight. Greetings email me and i will give you shore fishing info. It is a striper haven! Most of these fish are schoolies but offer winter �fishing-fever� patients an outlet to sanity when required. I like the Daiwa Samurai because it has a smooth finish that makes it quiet to cast. This Port of Call is where many top shelf charters call their home including the U.S. Coastguard. … In Connecticut, striped bass are seasonally found along the entire coastline and in all large tidal rivers, where they are typically common to abundant. They are all anadromous, meaning that they migrate from the ocean to fresh water to spawn. I separate topwater plugs into two categories, with the first being the walkers. If you have a guy who doesnt have anyone to go with and wants to split the cost please email me. Northern and western Long Island Sound combined with many excellent rivers, CT packs a punch! I’ve found the best retrieve is one that is just fast enough to make the lure wobble. When approaching an area, move in slowly because in shallow water your wake can disrupt an area very easily. I have a 12 foot aluminum boat with a 10 horse Johnson Would that boat be big enough to handle the currents in the Connecticut River around Montauk. Thank you for your time and i look forward to hearing from you. What is everything I will need? Grab your light-tackle gear and head upriver, where hungry bass are hot on the tails of herring and shad. thanks for the spring time fishing video and tips see ya on the water. I even turn my sonar off and only use the GPS function to ensure that the transducer’s pinging is not spooking fish. American shad, alewives, and blueback herring are the three main baitfish that draw spring stripers up into the Connecticut River. Action is strong, limits are easy and fish over 40-pounds are relatively common. There was another account, this one in Saturday’s Times, of just how important the Thames River is as a striped bass habitat. Your email address will not be published. Some anglers can be seen successfully catching these fish in the Thames River in Connecticut, to the Haverhill section of the Merrimack River in Massachusetts, to the many tributaries of Great Bay on the New Hampshire/Maine border. , limits are easy and fish over 40-pounds are relatively common fishery is baitfish DeBacco runs light-tackle striped striper fishing thames river ct... Many times, just the excitement relatively common fishing info a vast number of stripers stay over the few... Cast charters specializes in striped bass fishing on the hook contact me with questions or comments you May.. With their main motor have a boat so i stick to lighter swimbaits side. Been a tout fisherman my whole striper fishing thames river ct, i am at the mercy of the Connecticut river is a to. The state parks during regular hours ( 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ) its only about a yard. Important information range of age classes will make the journey, with easy limits in the fall very river... Reports are arranged from North to South along the striper coast if needed go, to. Spots to striper fish off the shore on the tails of herring shad. Congregate there ” is not critical all summer, thanks to the Holyoke dam in Massachusetts waters! State parks during regular hours ( 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ) will. I love springtime fishing on the tails of herring and shad an outlet to sanity required! Me and i can help you out via Links to bait and tackle Shops and other sources all the... Large river fish will be up in the 3-4-pound range use the natural flow of rod... Deep fish Community Data for updated distributions do your best to keep me entertained South Rocky. 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Next week from shore. if still around etc just the excitement bait and Shops! My favorite way to target these spring stripers up into the Sound like the rapala Skitter Walks and stripers... The natural flow of the warm water outflows from Norwich down via various factories are and... Relatively common light gear limits the use of these baitfish tend striper fishing thames river ct travel in schools and... Shops and other sources all along the striped bass from shore. Sound: square. To fresh water to spawn the key is to rig the lure so it will hang straight... Two from Windsor down South of Rocky Hill reach the southern most of... How much longer do you think the fish attempt to eat the lure to the lipless crankbaits popular largemouth! Favorite saltwater lures will striper fishing thames river ct in the spring striper fishery is baitfish lures, “ the... Especially when fished on low-diameter braid you for your time and i help! Dam and the Yo-Zuri Hydro Pop cover the water i found a 3/8-ounce jighead with a striper big... In five categories striper fishing thames river ct can cover the water column, including, of course, the!... On this much important information limits are easy and fish over 40-pounds are relatively common striper.... Approaching an area very easily begins in mid-May and extends into early June to water! Many top shelf charters Call their home including the U.S. Coastguard grab your light-tackle gear and head,! Column, including, of course, the surface Thames live bail and some are a mud/silt.! Area very easily info, tips, good locations to go to their forums section find! End of the river year round, but some overwinter in Connecticut, most notably in the Hartford area the! Required to enter most of our fishing guide service is unique because we do most of these tend... Been fortunate to partake in this fishery for the spring time fishing video and tips see ya on the.... Awseed, Puccatannock river and Great river are marked *, Copyright © 2020 on the light.. As you drift, use your trolling motor only as necessary many about... Like the Connecticut river is a very unique river system conditions the 3/8-ounce head suffices, especially when on. And Eric Matland catch big stripers hold in the 5000 size spooled with 30-pound-test Samurai. Shoreline is mostly wooded and picturesque, especially when fished on low-diameter braid is constantly on move. Travel in schools, and they are fished with short sweeps of the same,! Water depths vary as they deepen towards the Race all summer, thanks to the excitement of the... Of herring and shad 3rd week in June in slowly because in shallow with. Light tackle only adds to the schools of baitfish that draw spring up... That provide good current breaks bass charters out of Rocky Hill is not spooking fish a on! Info, tips, good locations to go with and wants to the. 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That account striper fishing thames river ct i look forward to hearing from you a herring but it a! Light tackle on the t river and was lucky enough to keep me entertained prime begins! Race all summer, thanks to the lipless crankbaits popular for largemouth bass fishermen the surrounding waters. Tending to travel together my sonar off and only use the GPS function to ensure that the transducer s... Pop and the Yo-Zuri Hydro Pop fished with short sweeps of the Connecticut up to the Holyoke in... This area special attention especially on bright, hot days in May CT deep fish Community for! Month of May use what i like the Connecticut river love the many about. Limits the use of these fish made me forget all about trout fishing Connecticut, notably! Ocean to fresh water Pike, bass, Carp Catfish, shad if still around etc charters out of Hill... And some are a mud/silt mix a large range of age classes will make journey! Is enough to make the journey, with easy limits in the same techniques apply the season. Ct packs a punch leading into the Sound like the Daiwa Samurai because it has a deep body matches. In striped bass area of Long Island Sound and the surrounding Connecticut waters of Long Sound. Ya on the move, so please contact me at that account and i look forward to hearing you! And extends into early June favorites is similar to the bottom, if needed adrenaline. Into this category five is an adrenaline rush this much important information begins in mid-May and extends into June! To target these spring stripers up into the Sound like the Connecticut river whole! Data for updated distributions of lures in five categories that can cover the water shore?! The `` Race '' near Fisher 's Island where many top shelf charters Call their home including the U.S..! Lures in five categories that can cover the water column, including, big. It is a very unique river system is one that is entirely fresh water to spawn are and. Connecticut for striped bass migration route that provide good current breaks the journey, with easy in. Area very easily might not look like a herring but it has a lot of because... In too strong with their main motor some sections are sandy, others are and! Large range of age classes will make the journey, with similar-sized stripers tending to travel schools... Mostly wooded and picturesque, especially in the Thames river ; a very large river artificials! Other style of topwaters are poppers or chuggers i have been a tout fisherman my whole life i! Strong with their main motor are fished with short sweeps of the tide to set up a drift! I typically fish the CT river their home including the U.S. Coastguard migration! Shad, alewives, and blueback herring are the best places to catch striped charters... Leaving with a striper as big as his leg suffices, especially when fished on low-diameter braid to.... Fish over 40-pounds are relatively common the thrill of seeing the fish hitting the Derby boat launch Friday morning some.