Rhode Island Fishing Report- March 16, 2023

Rhode Island Fishing Report

The Frances Fleet in Point Judith has had a quiet couple of weeks but is back in the water and taking reservations for what is usually a great late-winter fishery. To check on the schedule for upcoming trips and to make reservations check out their website or call the office.  

Ralph, at Crafty One Customs has been getting organized after another great three-day weekend at the RISAA show. Word on the fishing front has been mainly focused on anglers looking for largemouth bass, and they are having some success on large swimbaits and Ned Rigs. Panfish anglers are also finding some strong results for white perch and crappie in the non-trout stocked waters. Trout waters remain closed until opening day, but that will be here before you know it. Holdover striped bass are still in and around the rivers and should start making their way to the upper reaches of the bay shortly.  

Elisa, from Snug Harbor Marina reports that the cod fishing has continued to be strong, although it has been tough for many of the boats to get out there, with the continued windy days. Anglers making it out to the grounds are reporting more action, along with some much nicer fish. Holdover striped bass anglers also found some better fishing this week in the local backwaters, and most are reporting seeing at least a few herring in the runs, so the bite should continue to improve.  

Dustin, at RI Kayak Fishing Adventures, said things remained basically status quo this week, with some decent holdover striped bass action on the warmer days. The bass seem to be moving around a bit more in the tidal estuaries, and the same can be said for the white perch. The lakes and ponds across the state are all devoid of ice and largemouth anglers are reporting more bass activity. Opportunities and target species will increase as we get closer to spring, so head over to rifka.com to book your kayak and/or shore fishing trip today.  

• Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Fishing Forecast

Our neighbors to the north got a reminder that the winter may not be over just yet, but across Southern New England most of the fishing has gone into high water/early Spring mode. 

Rhode Island saltwater anglers can continue to take advantage of increasing opportunities as we work through March. Cod fishermen that made it to the grounds this week found much steadier action, although the wind machine made it a bit more difficult than last week. Holdover striped bass reports have continued to slowly improve, so things portend well for the upcoming weeks, as more herring trickle into the area. White perch reports have also been strong and are providing another nice option in the tidal estuaries. Trout stocked waters across the state are now closed until opening day, but there are still plenty of bodies of water that are open for bass, pickerel, pike and panfish fishing.