Baitfish Are Moving

Baitfish are beginning to move out of the shallow water coves, inlets and salt ponds, and predatory striped bass, bluefish, bonito and false albacore are all taking advantage. Baby bunker are moving along the coastline, as are schools of anchovies and butterfish, with some small squid here and there. The bait is somewhat scattered, and so are the predators. Because of the scatter, the fishing around Watch Hill area is a real mixed bag. But the fish are out there, and things will only improve. This is the time to go out in search of that elusive New England "Grand Slam."

For the Wood River, David at River & Rip Tide Angler in Coventry tells me that Trout Unlimited recently did a float stocking and there are plenty of very nice rainbow trout in the river. Conditions are a bit tough with water levels being so low and the fish being bunched up, though weekend rainfall may provide an assist by adding a bit of water. Some small black caddis flies are providing surface action sporadically, terrestrials maintain their dominance as best producers. David notes that water temperatures are in the mid-50 range, ideal for trout. As they continue to slide downwards, try some streamer patterns to attract bigger fish who are fattening up for the winter months ahead.