2 weeks ago · Updated 2 weeks ago
Connecticut’s coastal and inshore waters are entering the peak of the fall run, with anglers reporting a surge of activity from both migratory and resident species across Long Island Sound and its tributaries.
Weekly Catches
The catches below cover the last 7 days.
Striped Bass
Striped bass action remains excellent throughout Long Island Sound, especially on the Eastern Sound reefs where larger fish are responding to live eels, topwater plugs, and tubes. Anglers are finding success both on shallow reefs and deeper rock piles, with the fall run keeping fish aggressive and widely distributed.
- Big bass are being caught on live baits and large soft plastics.
- Mid-size fish are hitting plugs, while blitzing schoolies are active during baitfish pushes.
- Recent trips have produced keeper-sized stripers, with at least one notable catch by a young angler on a party boat out of Niantic.
Bluefish
Bluefish are abundant and active, with reports of both gator blues on deeper reefs and smaller tailor blues and snappers along beaches and inshore structure. The Norwalk area and central Sound have seen especially strong bluefish action, with some fish reaching up to 20 pounds during recent trips.
- Jumbo bluefish have been caught on both bait and lures, with rods bent throughout entire outings.
- After Work Special trips reported non-stop bluefish action, providing anglers with sore arms and full coolers.
False Albacore & Bonito
The false albacore bite has picked up in the eastern Sound, with pods of fish scattered but present for those willing to cover water. Bonito are also showing up in good numbers, sometimes outnumbered by albies for a change, and are being caught across much of the Connecticut coast.
- Albies and bonito are responding to fast-moving lures and small metals, especially during bait blitzes.
- Spanish mackerel have been reported as far east as Niantic, adding variety to the topwater action.
- Anglers are advised to look for scattered pods rather than large bird piles, as the fish are moving quickly and can be finicky.
Porgy (Scup)
Porgy fishing is outstanding, with jumbo porgies being caught from both shore and boat throughout the Sound. The Norwalk area and trips out of Niantic have produced easy boat limits, with fish coming from nearly every piece of structure regardless of depth.
- Bottom fishing trips have consistently filled coolers with large porgies.
- Effective baits include clams and squid strips, fished on standard scup rigs.
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are present in good numbers, though many are on the smaller side. Keeper-sized fish are being found alongside porgies, especially on deeper structure and reefs. The bite is expected to improve as water temperatures begin to drop further into fall.
- Anglers are catching sea bass while targeting porgies and during dedicated bottom fishing trips.
- Some trips have produced a mix of sea bass and triggerfish, with the best action reported from boats fishing out of Niantic and Norwalk.
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
Fluke fishing has slowed, with most catches consisting of short fish and only a few keepers mixed in for those willing to put in the time. The bite is expected to improve with cooler temperatures, but recent trips have required patience and persistence.
- Anglers are still targeting fluke using bucktails and squid strips, but the action is less consistent than earlier in the summer.
Triggerfish
Triggerfish have made a decent showing as bycatch on bottom fishing trips, particularly from boats out of Niantic. These fish are a welcome bonus for anglers targeting porgies and sea bass.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel numbers are up, especially in the Eastern Sound near Niantic, providing an exciting target for anglers casting small metals and fast-moving lures during surface blitzes.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Recent weather has been stable, with warm water temperatures persisting across Long Island Sound. The fall run is underway, but anglers are advised that late-summer tactics—such as targeting rock piles and rips—remain effective due to the lingering warmth. As temperatures drop in the coming weeks, expect bottom fishing for sea bass and fluke to improve further.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
With small baitfish exploding in numbers, topwater blitzes are frequent, especially in the mornings and evenings. Anglers should be prepared to move and cover ground to locate scattered pods of false albacore and bonito. For striped bass and bluefish, focus on shallow reefs and deeper rock piles using live eels, large soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Bottom fishing remains productive for porgy and sea bass with clams, squid, and standard rigs.
Regulations & Notices
Current minimum size and possession limits for key species in Connecticut are as follows:
- Summer Flounder (Fluke): Minimum size 14", with seasonal and gear-specific possession limits.
- Scup (Porgy): Minimum size 9", with summer period quotas and endorsement requirements for higher limits.
- Black Sea Bass: Minimum size 11", with periodic adjustments to possession limits to maintain quota targets.
- Bluefish: Minimum size 9", with commercial and recreational quotas in effect.
Anglers are reminded that limits and seasons are subject to periodic adjustment to prevent in-season closures and ensure sustainable harvest. Always check the latest state regulations before heading out, especially as fall brings changes to quotas and gear endorsements.
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