LIS Marine Fishing Report

This information was provided by the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection: 

Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) range from the mid 40’s to about the 50°F mark. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:

• http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
• http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
• http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
• http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html

STRIPED BASS fishing has improved over the past week with keeper size fish being reported. The major tidal rivers are boasting good action. Striper spots include the Pawcatuck River, Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, Millstone warm water discharge, Niantic River, Connecticut River by Great Island (Wood Lot), Housatonic River, and around the Norwalk Islands.

2013 BONUS STRIPED BASS PROGRAM

In 2013 DEEP is issuing free vouchers to anglers fishing Connecticut waters (both Inland and Marine) to take 4,025 striped bass in a size range (at least 22 inches in length but shorter than 28 inches) below the current recreational minimum length for stripers in CT.

Each voucher allows the angler to keep one “bonus” striper and can be used anywhere on Connecticut waters. The vouchers are valid through June 30, 2013.

Vouchers can be obtained in person at a number of DEEP Offices (all that sell licenses, plus several coastal state parks and Dinosaur SP ‐ for a complete list, see link below), from DEEP Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Officers, and from Riverfront Recapture Rangers.

Anglers can obtain one voucher per day and use a maximum of two vouchers per day to keep “bonus” fish.

Use of these vouchers does not affect an angler’s ability to keep their regular daily limit of striped bass. Each angler participating in the program can also keep up to two striped bass a day, 28 inches or larger in total length.

For more information, visit: Bonus Striper Vouchers or call: 860‐424‐3474 or 860‐434‐6043.


WINTER FLOUNDER fishing has improved at Bluff Pt. State Park, mouth of the Thames River in the Pine Island area, Niantic River, and Norwalk Harbor. Chumming heavily is key for a successful trip.

BLUEFISH should be just around the corner as water temperatures creep into the lower 50s°F. Early season spots include the Race, Millstone warm water discharge, Plum Gut including Gardiners Bay (NY), and New Haven Harbor (Sandy Point).

TAUTOG fishing season is closed from May 1st thru and including June 30th. The reason for the springtime closure is to protect those big spawning females! 

FREE FISHING DAY – Next Saturday, May 11th!!

DEEP has designated Saturday, May 11th, as a “Free Fishing Day” where no license is required to fish recreationally in Connecticut waters (both inland & marine). This is a great opportunity for experienced anglers to both share their passion for fishing and protect its future by introducing a family member, friend or acquaintance to the sport of fishing, and a great time for visitors to our state to try out the many fishing opportunities found in Connecticut.