We were the only boat at the Rocky Hill ramp when we launched.  The sky was just beginning to show the first hints of dawn.  We splashed the boat, threw our gear in, and our guide Jordan Paullo led us south down the beautiful tree lined Connecticut river. There were nearly no signs of human influence during the three mile run to one of Jordan’s favorite spots.  We were still a quarter mile away but we could see gulls wheeling above a disturbance on the surface.  As we got closer we cold see adult herring and alewives getting knocked out of the water by frenzied Stripers.  We cut the engine just upriver from the feed and as the boat glided into range we threw our poppers into the melee.  As I started to work the popper a wake appeared just behind and grew in height as the fish zeroed in on the plug.  The fish took a shot and missed, another shot, and then finally it was on.  I quickly realized that our choice of tackle was going to make this a memorable day.  Line screamed out of the reel and squealed against the guides as all I could do was hang on.  A few moments later I turned the fish and not longer after had a beautiful 10lb fish at the side of the boat.  The action continued hot and heavy throughout the day and it was not long before we lost count on the number of fish we caught. 

Welcome to Hartford

We booked our rooms in the Sheraton East Hartford, less than a two hour ride from NYC.  The areas we fished were more than 45 miles upriver from the nearest saltwater.  The boat ramp we used was just a ten minute ride south in the town of Rocky Hill.  This action usually starts in early May and can continue through June. 

Be sensible

No one should attempt to fish the river by boat without an understanding of river navigation and an accurate chart or GPS.  The river channel winds back and forth between the banks and simply driving down the center of the river is a recipe for disaster.  Hidden sand bars, submerged rock walls and other hazards are everywhere.  We strongly recommend using a guide for the first couple of trips.  You will not only get a better understanding of the fishery, but you will get a feel for what to look for on the water.  There are also numerous places to access the river from the bank.  Patronize one of the local tackle shops and let them direct you. 

Make mine medium, please

Light spinning tackle might make for quite a challenge, but it will be a major handicap.  The average fish range from 7 – 13 lbs, but there are always much bigger fish mixed in.  It is not unusual to catch fish in the high teens and occasionally real trophy fish are caught.  Big surface plugs are needed to handle the fast currents and rough surface waters.  A 7ft medium/heavy rod rated for up to 20lbs is the best choice.  Use anything lighter and you will be unable to effectively work the plugs and your hook sets will suffer.  A matching reel loaded with 14-20lb test line completes the outfit.  This is a great place to use the braided lines.  The thinner diameter, lack of stretch and increased casting distance will be a big advantage.  Attach a 30lb fluorocarbon leader attached to the main line using a small swivel.  Use a simple loop knot to tie the plug to the leader.  The loop will ensure that the plug has the best and most natural action.

Make some noise

We used Stillwater’s Smackit popping plugs.  This is a big, noisy, long casting plug that stands out well in the commotion caused by eddies and the fleeing herring.  Small plugs tend to disappear and simply don’t make enough noise.   Always crush the barbs on these plugs.  It will make landing, unhooking and release much easier and safer.  A slower than average retrieve is usually enough to get the fish interested.  Once there is a missed strike or a boil, slow or stop the retrieve and this will usually induce a strike.  Do not set the hook until you feel the weight of the fish.  When the fish are not visible on top, 5-7 inch swimmers are very effective.  We were using Stillwater’s Beach Runners in color combinations that were very close to the herring and alewives.  Resist the temptation to catch the herring and alewives and use them for bait.  It is illegal to fish for and/or posses these bait fish.  When the fish are deep, shads and other deep running baits can be very effective. 

Work the eddies

When the fish are not actively crashing bait on the top, drift down a section of river and cast into and around the numerous eddies and rips.  These features are caused by bottom structure such as ledges, sand bars and submerged rock walls.  The fish will typically hold in these features and wait for the current to carry a meal to them.  The herring and alewives often congregate near the mouths of creeks.  The bass are usually nearby and these areas can produce some of the biggest fish.  It also is important to keep an eye on the still water near the banks and watch for signs of herring dimpling the surface.  When drifting in a river with a significant current it is important to vary the direction of the retrieve with respect to the current.  Cross-current, up-current and down-current retrieves are all effective.  Many times a down current retrieve will draw a strike from a spot even after an up-current and cross-current retrieve yielded nothing. 

Watch for birds and blowups

Though not numerous, the gulls are often present.  Always keep an eye out for any feeding activity.  The gulls can be spotted in the air from much further away than the surface commotion.  Even when they are not feeding, they are usually roosting on or around the schools of herring and alewives.  If you are in an area and the gulls start jumping off the water and flying, follow their flight.  They are often alerted by the cries of other gulls in other section of the river.  In addition to the gulls, there are cormorants that also feed on the herring and alewives.  When approaching an area where the fish are actively feeding on the surface, always approach from up-river.  Adjust your drift so that the boat stays to the outside of the feeding area, do not pass through it.  The fish will not be spooked and you will be able to work the area thoroughly with up-current, cross-current and down-current retrieves. 

Simply a must