New England - Connecticut Fishing Reports

Tyler at Fisherman’s World said fishing for blackfish and striped bass continues to be good throughout the region. Blackfish action has been good overall, although it seems like some days are better than others. While the overall quantity of fish being caught seems to be down to a degree, the quality seems to be improving. This week, the largest fish they weighed tipped the scale to 9.6 pounds. The water is still running on the warmer side, and as such, fish can be found throughout a variety of depths with customers catching anywhere from 20- to 40-feet of water. The deeper wrecks are holding both tog and keeper sea bass. Tyler said you can essentially choose right now whether to fish deep or shallow, based on whatever your preferences are and find a limit. Striper fishing is good. Sporadic blitzes continue along the shorelines. 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. One thing Tyler noted is that it isn’t always birds that give the fish away and working likely spots along the shore is a productive strategy this time of year. All of the local rivers and harbor mouths are likely areas at one time or another. 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 they are hearing of continued good fishing from customers who are catching striped bass and blackfish. Local water temperatures are slowly falling and were hovering around 57 degrees. Cooler water seemed to translate to some positive changes that came in the form of fewer shorts and a noticeable increase in keeper sized tog. They still aren’t hearing of any giants, but there have been some quality catches of fish in the 6- to 8-pound class. Whatever scup were around seem to have cleared out and though there are some nice keeper black sea bass mixed in with tog catches, the majority of them seem to have moved on as well. 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. The shop is open six days a week closed Mondays.

Captain Morgan’s emailed over their report to say, “Who would have figured that air temperatures would be 13-degrees above normal heading into mid-November? Even better, that fishing the briny, brackish and sweet waters would still be giving up so much action. Such is the case that birds are still working schools of baitfish along the shoreline while striped bass are aggressively feeding from below. Tidal rivers are proving bottom feeders are still going at it while inland water anglers are having exceptional days of hooking up with stocked, native, and naturally occurring species. Plans were interrupted just before the weekend when much needed rain fell on Friday. But as time went on, the weekend shaped up for toggers to coax more blackfish into biting a crab and limiting out. Still plenty of shorts to be avoided however, larger togs have not totally fled the shallows in favor of deeper grounds. If a ‘whitechin’ worthy of a photo is your goal, then head for deeper structure that would make for easy feeding and good camouflage. A green crab properly served is still the number one bait! In addition to tautog, black sea bass and porgy are a focus for many that still have freezer space to fill. Here, it’s squid that is in the driver’s seat although, sea bass will take a green, but a porgy will only pick at one. Both a being caught when reef/wreck fishing but the bite has favored sea bass. Striped bass are showing just how relentless they can be. There has been some live eel action, bait has not been shunned but more likely than not, artificial lures have been used to successfully fool linesiders. Size and presentation is key as these stripers have shifted preferences at a moments notice. One tide (or even minute) they would be on jigs and spoons, the next a soft plastic then onto a surface popper. Weather conditions keep shifting and with them comes a change in how forage reacts. As the season stretches out on the Sound, it also does for the freshwater anglers. In most cases, species may be different but the effect is the same - more time to fish for more fish. Hitting the sweet water with vigor will definitely uncover some of Fall’s best kept secrets. Anyway, for those of us stretching out the season, the rewards keep piling up and the time left to cast and reel on the Sound keeps shrinking - but not quite yet. For more as this year’s Fall fishing season further unfolds, click over to Captain Morgan’s fishing blog. 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 will be focused on blackfish to round out their season. The fishing has been very good over the last couple of weeks and his crews have enjoyed catching boat limits of tasty tog. 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.”

Captain Mike Roy at Reel Cast Charters said they’ll be focused on blackfish through the end of their season. Tog fishing has been good and they are finding plenty of hard fighting fish in the keeper size. They plan to fish through 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 while there were some notable signs things were slowing down, there were still plenty of opportunities to get out and get on some local action. The best fishing right now, much as it’s been for the last couple of weeks is for blackfish and striped bass. Tog fishing has been steady for the diehards who’ve been out slugging it out in the wind. The shop wrapped up its inaugural tournament and the winning two fish weighed in at 18.33-pounds. Striper fishing around the mouth of the river has been good on most days where fish blitzing on small bait can be found. Epoxy Jigs have been effective in those conditions as have glide baits like the Game On X Chop. The shop is open seven days a week through the end of , 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 most of the traffic coming through the shop this week was for green crabs, shiners and worms. Blackfish continue to be the most targeted fish for most folks that he’s talked too but striper fishing around the rivers and freshwater fishing are keeping them busy too. Tog fishing has been pretty steady for anglers putting in the time. The action hasn’t been “lights out”, but most of the regulars they talk to are reporting steady action for shorts and fish in the 16- to 18-inch range with the occasional larger fish in the mix. 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 through the end of the 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. Striped bass fishing has been good for customers who are focused around the mouths of the major rivers. The Connecticut River has had blitzing fish ranging from school size to the mid-30-inch range on any given day. A few larger fish are around too. Freshwater fishing is picking back up and word is there are good bites at stocked trout streams and for panfish in the coves.

Over at The Saltwater Edge the focus continues to be on tautog, and reports have been very good with many anglers reporting limit catches of fish up to around 7 pounds. There have been a handful of double-digit fish caught as well, and we will likely see some larger ones as the water continues to cool. There are also still some bass being caught around the islands and along the south county beaches, but the bite has become less predictable with fewer fish around. A few bluefish have been reported along with some shad. There should be some squid moving into the area soon, if they aren’t already here, but there haven’t been many reports yet of people going after them and the approaches to the bay have seen some good runs of mackerel for the shore guys, as well.

Heather at The Blackhawk office reports, “As we mentioned last week, we've started our Block Island combo trips.  Our early-week trips showed great fishing, with plenty of blackfish, lots of sea bass and jumbo porgies coming over the rails.  We had some ups and downs after that.  Wednesday had some of the biggest porgies we've seen!  Thursday was a little slower to start, but those who stayed by the rail were able to get limits if they wanted them.  Friday we gave in to Mother Nature and stayed tied to the dock with the heavy wind and rain.  Saturday we had a private charter with several kids, they all had a blast!  We had an easy boat limit of sea bass, with some nice blackfish and porgies rounding out the coolers.  Mother Nature won again for Sunday and Monday, as we're tied to the dock due to the heavy winds. 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!”

Ed at Hillyer’s Bait and Tackle said once again, there wasn’t a whole lot of change week over week and his customers were settled into the rhythm of the late season. The blackfish bite has been steady 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 - although they also heard reports from other anglers catching fish in 40 to 60 feet, as well. 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 $10, they are a great deal. There is still some striper action to be had, mostly around the mouths of the Connecticut and Thames Rivers. Eels have been popular as have soft plastics and topwater lures. He said the shop will have green crabs and eels right through the end of the blackfish season and they will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Tim at J&B Tackle emailed over their report to say “This week's excitement around the shop was not just the great tog fishing but weighing in two huge fish that earned a spot on the JB Bragging Board. Fishing for striped bass in the Thames and CT Rivers continues to be very good. Bass have been busting on decent size bunker schools with large spoons, the Nessie and the Game On X -Chop have produced the best results. Tog fishing continues to grow in late season popularity with most anglers limiting out or at least getting keeper size fish. Last week's weather was incredible; a few warm days mixed in had many customers clearing their schedules to get out. Fish seem to be moving into deeper water as the nights get colder. JoeBaggs, Lunker City, S&S and Asylum jigs are the most popular with customers basing their decisions on the jig may sit on the bottom and color of jig. Rig fishing has helped anglers new to tog fishing and those going deeper who need heavier weight to maintain the bottom. The first of two big fish weighed in this week was a 16.05-pound monster. For offshore, several boats made it out during a weather window when good water was pushing through, and they were rewarded. Several big eyes and swords were caught using both live and frozen bait. The second fish weighed in was an incredible 377-pound dressed swordfish. The fish was fought for close to three hours on a conventional (non electric) reel. We have plenty of recently arrived frozen bait in stock if you are planning a trip. Swordfishing and big eye continue to be good to really good at Atlantis. Call or stop by JB Tackle for the most updated information if you are planning a trip. Thank you to all the participants and sponsors of the 2026 Mighty Tog Championship. Congratulations to all the winners. 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 blackfishing 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 said her customers were tracking a few bites locally. Blackfish, striped bass and squid seemed to be the main targets for most folks she’d talked to. It’s been an interesting late fall on the Fort Trumbull Pier. There was a good run of squid for a few weeks in October, then, last week they were gone but replaced by horse mackerel. This week, the macks are gone and the squid are back she’s back to selling squid jigs again instead of epoxy lures. Other shore anglers are still scoring blackfish and striped bass. Both species are still active both inside and around the mouth of the river. Blackfish for boaters have been steady on days where they can get out. Karen said she’d been a bit surprised that she hadn’t weighed any especially big fish so far this season but was optimistic there was still time for that to change. Karen reminded me that they will continue to be “the crabbiest people on Pequot Avenue” and they will be open seven days a week to support their customers, until the blackfish season closes on the 28th.