Rhode Island Fishing Report- March 9, 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 later this month. 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 ready for the RISAA show this weekend, and said that fishing reports have been a bit on the quiet side. Despite the quiet reports, there are still a good deal of fishing options across the state. Freshwater anglers are reporting a strong white perch bite in some of the local ponds, while largemouth reports have been strong across the state for anglers tossing jigs and jerkbaits. 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. Ralph and the crew will be at RISAA this weekend with a wide selection of rods and tackle, be sure to stop by and say hello! 

Elisa, from Snug Harbor Marina reports that word from some of the local headboats has been that the cod fishing has improved quite a bit. 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 it would appear that a few herring may be starting to show up. The shop will be at RISAA this weekend, so be sure to stop by and say hello! 

Dustin, at RI Kayak Fishing Adventures, said things remained basically status quo this week, besides a slight uptick in holdover striped bass action. 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, and if you make it to RISAA this weekend, give Dustin a visit! 

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

The On The Water crew will also be at the RISAA show in Providence this weekend. Stop by and check out our retail booth, or sign-up for Striper Cup if you haven’t done so already!

Rhode Island Fishing Forecast

As we creep closer to the official start of spring, fishing opportunities are slowly expanding and the show season is about to hit full swing. 

Saltwater anglers in Rhode Island was happy to see the calendar hit March, as it seems to have helped kick the cod and striped bass bite into gear. Cod fishermen that made it to the grounds this week found much steadier action, along with better quality fish. Holdover striped bass reports have continued to slowly improve, so things portend well for the upcoming weeks, as more herring trickles 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.  If you’re looking to do some spring shopping, you can take advantage of the RISAA show in Providence this weekend. The show is always a good one and is chock full of great gear/tackle sales, along with some great seminars.