Connecticut Fishing Report- December 7, 2023

Connecticut Fishing Report

Matt, at Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook told me that things in the saltwater started to slow down, since the blackfish season has ended. Holdover striped bass fishing is holding down the fort for most saltwater anglers, along with some reports of school bass still hanging out around the beaches. The water is slowing down quite a bit, so small soft plastics fished low and slow are getting the job done. Freshwater guys are reporting some solid trout action in the TMAs, which should only improve over the coming weeks, along with the Atlantic salmon that were recently stocked again. Matt has also had success hitting the local lakes and ponds and working the dying weed beds. This time of year a vast amount of the fish in the lakes and ponds are congregated, so you can piece together some good multi-species days.  

 

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Heather from Black Hawk Sportfishing didn’t have a whole lot new to report, as the weather kept them tied to the docks for most of the week. Prior to the bad weather, the sea bass were feeding nicely, with limits all over the boat, along with some nice cod and some leftover scup to help fill the coolers. They were able to make one trip out to Coxes last weekend, where they found some jumbo sea bass, some nice scup, and a few ling. They will continue to fish through December, weather permitting, so be sure to grab your tickets and join them! 

Captain Mike Roy, at Reel Cast Charters has wrapped another successful season. They want to thank all their clients for a great year of fishing, and they look forward to seeing everyone next year. As far as current fishing reports, Mike said holdover striped bass are starting to dominate the catch, with good action from most of the tidal rivers/estuaries. The bite across the beaches hasn’t died just yet either, with sporadic peanut bunker blitzes popping up on the beaches throughout the central sound.

Bobby J’s in Milford reports that the Housatonic has become the main attraction locally, as the winter striped bass holds are filling up with their winter residents. Nighttime is the best bet if you’re looking for steady action and some bigger fish, but the fish have been chewing in the late afternoons as well. The stripers out front are thinning out quickly, but you may be able to find some stragglers. Sea bass is also an option out front, but be prepared to fish deep. Freshwater anglers are chasing trout and are finding good success in the recently stocked ponds, along with the TMAs. The shop Christmas Party will be on December 16th and there will be a storewide 15% off sale to celebrate! 

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Tyler, at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports that things out in the Sound have really slowed down in a hurry. You may find some straggler fish around 11B or 28C, as well as running the beaches, but they are thinning out quickly. Most of the striper guys are starting to focus on the Housatonic, where there have been good catches from the mouth all the way to Shelton. Larger soft plastics in the 6- to 9-inch range are accounting for most of the bigger fish. On the freshwater side of things, the Saugatuck Reservoir has been fishing well for trout, walleye and a few smallies, with most of the fish coming on shiners. The local trout streams, including the Mill, Norwalk, and Mianus are all fishing well for trout.  

Connecticut Fishing Forecast

Connecticut anglers have seen things quiet down in the salt, although a few options remain. With temperatures continuing to drop, the action in the saltwater has slowed down, but the holdover striped bass have gotten more concentrated in the tidal rivers and are providing good action. Early indications from the Housatonic are that the holdover season has started off hot, with some quality fish being reported on anglers throwing larger soft plastics after dark. Freshwater anglers are reporting an uptick in trout action in the lakes and ponds, along with steady action in the TMAs. Atlantic salmon have recently been stocked in the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers and provide another strong early winter option. Pike, bass, perch and carp reports are also steady and will remain so right up until things freeze over, especially if you pay extra attention to the areas of thinning out weed beds.