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Weekly reports submitted by Cast a Fly Charters, Capt. Ray Stachelek
Wind conditions and algae blooms continue to plague fisherman and bathers alike in upper Narragansett Bay. Runoff from rain, discharge, and daytime heat has created higher levels of nitrogen in the water level. Perhaps with the nighttime temperatures near the mid 50's the last few days, might aid in killing many of the blooms. The strong winds should help break it up also. Water tends to be clearer south of Prudence Island.
Fishing remains slow during the daylight hours. Striped bass remain in seclusion near reefs, deeper structure, and channels. Most are isolating themselves into smaller pods searching for crabs, small lobsters, and other bottom dwellers. Finding schools of bait has been difficult and when you do, nothing has been pushing them. A mixture of stripers and bluefish were holding in 40 feet of water at Half Way Rock and the Sandy Point drop-off. They are stacked up like cordwood during day light hours. Try getting them to hit though is another story. Working these areas near sunset or tide changes might be productive as fish move off their haunts to search the shallows at darkness.
The "Lady Crab Hatch has continued this week. Watch in areas south of Prudence Island to the bay bridges. Nutrients in the water could help prolong this natural cycle. You have to look close to find them. They are only 3/16 in size and very transparent. High winds tend to put them down. Once schoolies get regulated to this experience, watch out. Surface action and sight fishing can be unbelievable. Try smaller Clousers, deceivers, and bucktail flies in olive or white. You're not trying to match the hatch here, but rather the baitfish that the crabs will attract.
Small bluefish have been hitting swimmers and weighted rubber lures at Fox Island, URI docks and the mouth of Wickford Harbor. Boaters have the advantage. Bring plenty of extra shad bodies.
Wind conditions and algae blooms continue to plague fisherman and bathers alike in upper Narragansett Bay. Runoff from rain, discharge, and daytime heat has created higher levels of nitrogen in the water level. Perhaps with the nighttime temperatures near the mid 50's the last few days, might aid in killing many of the blooms. The strong winds should help break it up also. Water tends to be clearer south of Prudence Island.
Fishing remains slow during the daylight hours. Striped bass remain in seclusion near reefs, deeper structure, and channels. Most are isolating themselves into smaller pods searching for crabs, small lobsters, and other bottom dwellers. Finding schools of bait has been difficult and when you do, nothing has been pushing them. A mixture of stripers and bluefish were holding in 40 feet of water at Half Way Rock and the Sandy Point drop-off. They are stacked up like cordwood during day light hours. Try getting them to hit though is another story. Working these areas near sunset or tide changes might be productive as fish move off their haunts to search the shallows at darkness.
The "Lady Crab Hatch has continued this week. Watch in areas south of Prudence Island to the bay bridges. Nutrients in the water could help prolong this natural cycle. You have to look close to find them. They are only 3/16 in size and very transparent. High winds tend to put them down. Once schoolies get regulated to this experience, watch out. Surface action and sight fishing can be unbelievable. Try smaller Clousers, deceivers, and bucktail flies in olive or white. You're not trying to match the hatch here, but rather the baitfish that the crabs will attract.
Small bluefish have been hitting swimmers and weighted rubber lures at Fox Island, URI docks and the mouth of Wickford Harbor. Boaters have the advantage. Bring plenty of extra shad bodies.
