When a striped bass meets a trout in a tidal river, particularly in one that’s well stocked, the striper usually comes up with the winning hand. As most fishers know, linesiders are opportunistic feeders, and so for one to pass up a trout within its grasp is highly unlikely. This is the time of year when anadromous species like stripers navigate the tidal rivers. Just like its predator—man—it can be found in salt, brackish, and fresh waters.

Fish follow their food supply and man follows the fish. Whether one fishes the sweet, briny, or anything in between, spring is the season when sharing one’s interests can be both a conflicting and deciding moment. Most recreational folks fish for pure enjoyment that’s typically not even remotely related to fishing. To the true fisher, though, it’s the locating, enticing the strike, hooking up, fighting, landing, and, very often, releasing the catch that’s the real hook.

Around the shoreline, the question is, “Does one want to wade the stream, get lost in nature, and challenge a trout; or smell the saltwater, feel the spray, and fight a battling striper?” Right now is an opportune time to do both quite successfully. How successful will be determined by one’s skill set, but nevertheless, it’s the season where both waters are active with fish and fishers. In today’s world, time is a precious commodity—something that many people need more of and cannot afford to waste.

With a little effort, a fisher can compile a springtime first aid kit and save some of those priceless minutes. For the undecided fisher, try the following. Stow a broken-down fly rod, an ultra-lite spinning rod, and a two-piece light- to medium spinning or baitcaster in your vehicle. Toss in a vest loaded with only the best choices. With pair of waders, net, a pair of Polaroids, and a mini-light, one can make do in most any circumstance. And don’t forget a hat—got to have a hat. Of course, this assortment can be tailored to specific needs or adjusted accordingly. The best part is that any fisher will be ready to go when the urge hits or the fish are running.

Soon, fishers will get into their seasonal groove and not be as torn. In the meantime, be prepared for the unexpected and pack light. If there’s room left, a small cooler with ice packs would come in handy for bait that might be picked up on the way or a fish or two for the table. Here’s to a great day on the water that otherwise might be missed.

On the Water

Rainfall turned into showers, but not before drought conditions were relieved. Water flows relaxed and levels moderated to more fishable river conditions. Air temperatures pushed 70 degrees, while inshore marine waters fluctuated in the low 50s. Spring is now acting like it should as more wildlife are responding accordingly.

More striped bass have spilled out of the tidal rivers and into Long Island Sound. They are finding new feeding grounds and have taken an interest in adjacent harbors and the minor tidals. However, many can still be caught in those lower main rivers as they take advantage of the influx of river herring and shad. A few schools of bunker and small blues also began showing up.

Both hickories in the estuary chain and American shad in the Connecticut River are making their appearance felt. Stripers have taken notice as they continue to munch on them. Lures resembling those finfish are scoring well, including live baits such as sea worms. Given the right conditions, multiple hookups have come relatively easy. Fly fishers have also been kept busy as smaller linesiders have been blistering unprotected fingers and palms during repeated runs.

As inshore water temperatures broke 50 degrees, the blackfish (tautog) bite warmed up. Most noticeable was action on the inshore walls, where worms, clams, and some crabs enticed interested ‘togs. Unfortunately, the last day of their spring season is Sunday, April 30, before it re-opens on Sunday, July 1 for two months. Catches of winter flounder limits are also being recorded, but aren’t breaking any records. Most of those catches have been on sea worms, and adding a chum pot has increased hookups.

On the sweet water side, trout have been biting with more regularity. In some cases, local rivers, lakes, and ponds have been re-stocked multiple times. Flows and levels have been quite fishable as long as fishers aren’t hitting the rivers immediately after a downpour. Lake fishing is improving. With the changing conditions, trouts’ appetites covered the spectrum from live baits to hard lures to flies. Changing baits and presentations, including depths fished, have been key to a successful outing.

There has been an small increase in bass catches as the water temperatures find their sweet spot. Fishing has been variable, with some waters producing quite well. Structure and depth are the keys. Spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and deep cranks should be considered. A few river carp fishers are scoring, along with the catfish crowd. Perch and pickerel have awoken and are taking both live and artificial baits.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For all things fishy including rod repairs, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

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