Rhode Island Fishing Report- March 2, 2023

Rhode Island Fishing Report

The Frances Fleet in Point Judith has had a quiet couple of weeks, but is looking forward to starting to hit the grounds hard throughout March. 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 busy getting customers rod and reel orders squared up before the season, while also getting ready for show season. In terms of fishing opportunities, there are still a good deal of options across the state, but reports have been relatively quiet. Holdover striped bass are still in and around the rivers and should start making their way to the upper reaches of the bay shortly. Trout waters are now closed until the opening day, but freshwater anglers are still reporting decent results for largemouth and panfish. The shop is currently open Wednesday through Friday from 9-6 and Saturday from 9 -3. They will be attending the RISAA show in Providence, which runs the weekend of March 10th, so be sure to stop by and say hello.

Elisa, from Snug Harbor Marina reports that the boats that have been running trips to Coxes and the other well known ledges have been finding some better results for cod. The holdover striped bass fishermen are still finding sub-par results compared to past years, but there are still a few fish to be caught. Trout stocked waters across Rhode Island are now closed until the second Saturday in April, but there are still some good open water opportunities to find largemouth bass, a few pike, and some panfish. They will also be attending the NE Saltwater Fishing show from March 10th to the 12th, so be sure to come say hello if you can get up there! 

Dustin, at RI Kayak Fishing Adventures, said things remained basically status quo this week, other than the closing of fishing in trout stocked waters. Holdover striped bass and white perch fishing has remained solid. The lakes and ponds across the state are all devoid of ice and largemouth anglers are reporting more bass activity. If you’re considering kayak fishing, Dustin reminds anglers to wear a dry suit, as the water temperatures are still cool. Opportunities and target species will increase as we get closer to spring, so head over to rikfa.com to book your kayak and/or shore fishing trip today! 

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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast

A quick blast of winter weather reminded us that we’ll likely pay for the mild winter we’ve had thus far, but there are still plenty of great winter fishing opportunities regardless. 

Holdover striped bass reports have continued to slowly improve, so things portend well for the upcoming weeks, with the days getting longer and the river herring arrival on the horizon. The cod reports from Rhode Island have started to trend up and that should continue through March, which is historically a strong month for this fishery. 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.