New England - Connecticut Fishing Reports

Tyler at Fisherman’s World said local fishing has been good for stripers, blackfish, sea bass and scup. Tog and bass lead the way both in action and interest, though mixed bag bottom fishing has been productive as well. This week they heard about better numbers of bigger blackfish and weighed the largest one they’ve seen so far this season at 9.6-pounds. While that haven’t hung any double digit sized fish yet, they heard about more nice fish in the 8-pound plus range this week. The majority of the action is still shallow, 10- to 30-feet of water but there are some nice fish coming off of wrecks in the 40- to 80-foot mark as well. Jigs are popular in shallower water while rigs are more productive when the current is moving in deeper water. Tog anglers are also reporting good action for both scup and sea bass in the shallower zone and mixed bag fishing has made for lots of work back at the fillet table. Striper fishing has been good and this week striper schools connected with some recently arrived bunker making for explosive surface action. Fishing along the shorelines has been good but the fish are on the move so you might not expect to see them where you left them on the last trip. Early mornings are seeing the best blitz activity with bass working schools of adult and peanut bunker, anchovies and silversides. The Housatonic River is also producing bass to 35 pounds on both bait and artificials. The shop is open seven days a week.

Bobby J’s said the best local bites right now are for mixed bag bottom fishing and striped bass. Striper fishing is good as the fish continue to exhibit fall run style behavior. There are lots of fish starting to stage for the migration, or around places where they historically over-winter locally. The river has lots of fish, both inside and out but good bass action isn’t confined to the Housatonic. There are bass along the beaches, mostly slot size fish with some larger ones mixed in to 38 inches. Topwater lures are working well on blitzing fish and soft plastics are filling in the gaps when they aren’t on the surface. Mixed bag bottom fishing has also been solid for blackfish, sea bass and scup. Togging has been steady and most customers report being able to catch a three fish limit though they are dealing with lots of short fish, as well as scup and sea bass. Most of the fish they are hearing about are in that 16- to 18-inch range, though there are some better six and seven-pound plus fish around as well. There are some nice 18- to 20-inch sea bass mixed in with the tog, though they aren’t showing up in great number. Scup fishing is still good and they haven’t started to move around yet. The shop is open six days a week closed Mondays.

Captain Morgan’s emailed over their report to say, “Mid-60 degree air temperatures, 57-degree water, and its November! A few days ago it was 9-degrees above the average for this time of year and the striped bass could not get enough forage into their gullets. It looks like that stretch of weather is going to continue even with Daylight Saving Time ending. Scattered schools of baitfish are keeping bass blitzing where good action in lower tidal rivers and out on the reefs is generating consistent action. Blackfish (tautog catches are up with keeper togs being caught more often along with the continued number of short fish. Larger whitechins around 7 to 9 pounds remain the solitary, deep-dwellers that are taking larger double-hooked green crabs. The 16- to 19-inch bulldogs are within the common range being caught. Serious toggers, putting in the searching time, are being rewarded handsomely in pounds of fillets although, those pulling in the very big ones generally release them. Honestly, to date we have not seen any photos of giant togs that would fit that bill. The season forges ahead only to get better! A group of fishers have been enjoying the rewards of black sea bass fishing – while not fighting with crowded walls and hot spots close to shore for blackfish. Weekends take then out to the wrecks and reefs where good catches are afforded. They save weekdays for the togs. Look to 30 to 40 feet, squid, and simple jigs and rigs. Green crabs are also one bait that will turn them on. As far as bluefish - not so many, weakfish continues as a staple, and albies remain wanting but bonito can be sparingly caught if hardtails are still gnawing at you. There are plenty of dogfish schools to catch, toadfish lurking under rock cover, and larger shark species cruising the bottom uncovering forage before heading out. Name an inland water that generally is stocked for the Fall season and it’s been splashed with all typical species of trout and/or Atlantic salmon. Catches have been brisk in those waters (native brook waters, too) as well as lakes, ponds, and tidal rivers that are producing large/smallmouth bass, toothy critters, bottom fish and small to large panfish - including crappie. What a time to be fishing surrounded by Fall colors and having that extended hour of daylight to cast a line. The season is just stretching out for both the salt and the freshwater anglers. For more as this year’s Fall fishing season unfolds, click over to Captain Morgan’s fishing blog. We are fully stocked with natural, artificial (including flies) and live baits (crabs, eels, worms), to fill your fishing needs - including servicing rods and reels. Gift Certificates, too! Time permitting, we will do our best to assist anglers who have difficulty acquiring licenses on line. If you are looking for popular productive spots in the Sound and want to set up your electronics for your specific fishing needs, swing by the shop and check out one of our marked and recently updated charts for sale. Captain Morgan’s (an Authorized PENN Premium and Daiwa Tournament Dealer) is on top of the Fall season while supporting the fishing community. Calling ahead (203-245-8665) and leaving a message is advisable. Pay us a visit at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison and you will see why, as a seasoned full-service fishing outfitter, we say, ‘We don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.’”

Captain TJ Karbowksi at Rock and Roll Charters said his trips have been solid for stripers, scup and sea bass. Water temperatures in the region have been hovering around in the lower 60’s but that should start to change with shorter days and cooler nights. He said the red-hot striper bite had cooled to some degree but there are still plenty of fish around albeit if they are on the move. Stripers from 26 to 40 inches plus are still hitting the deck and making for good action. Bottom fishing is good. Scup and sea bass are on the move and will soon be gone, but blackfishing is just starting to heat up. He said they will increasingly focus on tog trips as we get into November and the water starts to cool down. Captain TJ and his crew plan to fish through November 15th and they still have some availability so give him a call to book your spot and get in on the action before it’s done for the year.

Matt from Black Hall Outfitters emailed over their report to say they are hearing “fishing this week was very similar to last week. Very good blackfish bite at all depths but most of my buddies are focusing on 20 feet and shallower for fun ones. Current helps as well. Finding the spot within the spot gets more important as the season goes on. Still lots of bass around as well, though I didn't hear as many reports this past week except for some awesome blitzes in the CT River. Glide baits like the Game On X-Chop have been absolutely flying, and Lunker City Slug-Go's are also going very quickly. Overall, a lot of fun out there and it was an incredible October.”

Captain Mike Roy at Reel Cast Charters said fishing for both striped bass and blackfish is going strong. Striper activity has been solid and the fish are definitely in fall run mode. They can be found in the river and to the east along rip lines, reefs and rocky outcrops. Small bait has been fueling most of the blitz activity so keep that in mind if you see fish feeding on the surface. Tog fishing has been good and they are finding plenty of hard fighting fish in the keeper size. They will continue to focus on both species for the remainder of the season. They plan to run until November 25th and have openings, so give Captain Mike a call to get in on the late season action while it lasts.

Geno from Total Tackle said there was good fishing to be had for customers he’d talked to, mostly for stripers and blackfish. The mouth of the Connecticut River had seen what he described as “knock down, drag out” fishing complete with surface blitzes and all. The bass fell to a variety of baits including top water lures, glide baits and plastics as well as live eels. There are bass to be had outside of the river as well on nearby rocks, reefs and rips. Blackfish action has been steady although reports from anglers who are consistently catching keeper fish seem to all indicate having to move around a bit before settling on a bite that includes a steady stream of keeper sized fish. He has yet to weight a fish over 10-pounds for the shop tournament and the current leader sits at 17.01-popunds for two fish. Second and third are not far behind with combined two fish weights between 15 and 16 pounds. The tournament will run through November 8th. The main tournament is decided by the combined weight of each angler’s two heaviest blackfish. There is no minimum weight requirement, but each blackfish must measure at least 16 inches and meet all applicable state and federal fishing regulations for the region. Fish may be caught anywhere in compliance with applicable state and federal fishing laws. All weigh-ins must take place at Total Tackle. To see more details and register, visit their Instagram page or website for full details. Sea bass fishing has improved with falling water temperatures. The shop is open seven days a week through the end of November, Monday through Friday they are there from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Andrew at Fishin’ Factory 3 said he’s hearing about blackfish, striped bass and freshwater action from customers passing through the shop. The majority of folks they’ve seen during the week have come to buy green crabs and are headed out in search of tog. Action has been steady but not exactly lights out according to most reports. Customers report catching from both shore and boats as the fish are still shallow as water temperatures have been slow to drop. They’ve weighed a few nice fish and right now, the leading fish in the shop tournament is sitting at 11.49 pounds. The tournament runs the full six week tog season and the heaviest fish will take the total pot at the end in the form a Fishin’ Factory III gift card. There will also be weekly prize winners each week of the season from different sponsors so keep an eye on their social media to see what’s up for grabs each week. Fish can be weighed at the shop or at Hillyer’s Bait and Tackle and you must sign up in person in Middletown to get in. Last year they had over 75 participants and at $30 a head to get in the payout should be a good one. Striper fishing has been good for the customers they heard from who are still plugging away. The bite they hear about most at the shop is from the Connecticut River but the Housatonic and Thames Rivers have good fishing as well. Freshwater anglers have been in stocking up on bait and lures and word is there are good bites at stocked trout streams and for panfish in the coves. The shop is currently open seven days a week.

Over at The Saltwater Edge they have been hearing reports of some good tautog fishing inside the bay with a few fish over the 10-pound mark caught this past week. Fish can be found from 20- to 60-plus-feet of water right now but as the water continues to cool, tautog will start to head for deeper water. There are also some keeper sized black sea bass and scup on the tautog grounds. Fishing for striped bass is still producing well with bass feeding on bait throughout the bay and along the south shore beaches. Green bonito and false albacore seem to moved out of the area and bluefish numbers are very low.

Heather at The Blackhawk office reports, “we had some ups and downs this week.  Monday was a bit slower than the previous few days; still some nice fish coming over the rails, but not as good as we'd hoped for.  The beautiful full moon definitely made some strong tides which impacted the fishing on both Monday and Tuesday. We had our first blackfish specific trips on Tuesday and Thursday.  Tuesday's trip was a little slower due to the strong tides, but Thursday was a beautiful day out on the water with some nice keepers coming over the rails all day! Our Friday mixed bag trip showed a true mix of fish with some blackfish, porgies, and sea bass.  Saturday's Halloween mixed bag started off with us heading back to the grounds we've been on for the past few weeks, which had some fish getting into the coolers right away.  However, it slowed down and Capt. Matt made the decision to head to Block Island.  The weather wasn't the best, but nonetheless we had sea bass and porgies coming over the rails right away. Looks like we started our Block Island trips a few days early, but needless to say, we'll be heading out that way for the rest of the season. We continue to fish every day, as long as Mother Nature cooperates.  Our trips now are very weather dependent, so be sure to get your tickets in advance so we can notify you of any changes due to the weather. Now is the time to come fill the freezer for winter!  Don't just read the reports, get out there and make them with us!”

Ed at Hillyer’s Bait and Tackle said not much has changed week over week as water temperatures slowly tick down but aren’t yet cool enough to kick the blackfish out to deeper water. Togging has been steady and solid for customers he’d talked to who are putting in the effort. Three fish limits are common, if not a chore for most anglers in to stock up on crabs. Most of the better fishing still seems to be happening in shallow water, 30-feet or less. As such, shore fishing is still going strong with the fish up shallow. Jigs have been popular with customers in shallow water and this season has been no different. The house special jig had been a winner over the last couple of seasons and for four at ten-dollars they are a good deal. Some customers are still looking to do more than bottom fish and striped bass are really the only option for that. Ed said he’s heard from folks who have scored linesides in and around the mouths of the major rivers in the area. Eels have been popular as have soft plastics and top water lures. He said the shop is well stocked up for the fall run with crabs, eels, jigs, rigs and two new styles of house jigs in standard green over orange, unfinished and with 24-hour’s notice, pick your own color options. They will be open right through the end of the tog season 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Tim at J&B Tackle emailed over their report to say “For striped bass, the fall migration is in full swing. Striped bass have been caught throughout our area including the Thames River and CT River. Albies are nearing the end of their run; the few remaining fish are not very active or predictable. Tog fishing has been very good. The recent colder nights have moved the fish a little deeper, making the warmer daytime bite more active. Jigs continue to be the most popular method; rigs are used if more weight is needed due to current and depth. We have been able to keep up with stocking crabs. And if you need a little more motivation, we weighed in an absolute tanker of a tog at 16.05 pounds, landed by Cody Gernhard! For offshore, swordfishing has been good, and the tuna bite is decent at Atlantis. Recent temperature readings show eddy water extending from East Atlantis to the Hudson. The water that was stuck to the east has finally moved in front of us. If you are looking for one last trip this might be the window. Weather for Sunday through Wednesday looks very good. We have brought in some fresh butterfish flats for chunking and sword baits for deep dropping. Be sure to sign up for the 2026 Mighty Tog Championship. The tournament schedule is: November 6 Captains meeting; November 7 Fishing Day; November 8 is a potential weather date used only if the November 7 Fishing Day is postponed by the tournament director. Entry and all other information may be found on our website. JB Tackle is open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.”

Captain Mike at Tartan II said the black fishing has been very good for his crews and they are catching lots of fish up to the 10-pound mark. He said sea bass fishing is still holding strong as well making for plenty of fillets to bring home for the table. They plan to fish their regular schedule through the rest of the fall blackfish season. Right now, they still have availability for some weekday trips as well. They will run charters as scheduled with open boats on Tuesdays and Thursdays for bottom fishing so give him a call now to book your spot before it’s a wrap for the season.

Karen at AW Marina told me fishing is good in the Thames River for a variety of species including stripers, blackfish and mackerel. Striper fishing has been good in the river since the summer and many of her customers have cashed in on the action. This week, they caught bass from the mouth on up past the 95 bridge on both bait and lures. Fish can be found blitzing bait on the surface and there is plenty of small bait in the river to fuel that action. Customers that were taking advantage of hot fishing for squid, say that bite has cooled but is now good for large mackerel. One customer caught dozens on a Hogy epoxy jig while others have had success on sabiki rigs. The scup bite that sustained good fishing for local anglers since June appears to be all but done for the season. Blackfish action has been good for customers fishing inside the river with crabs. Others hopping aboard boats have been catching as well but many say they’ve had to move around a bit in search of a three fish limit. Karen reminded me that they still hold the esteemed honor as “the crabbiest people on Pequot Avenue” and they will be open seven days a week until the blackfish seasonal closure to support their customers.