Fishing Reports

Fellow Anglers,

It is our goal to bring service and honesty to both the novice and seasoned angler alike. Without new angling enthusiast our resources would diminish and we must do everything we can to protect it. Here at River & Riptide Anglers we strive to bring you honest and accurate fishing reports, new product, & product reviews. Remember; whether a child or adult, take them fishing. For those which have not been fortunate enough to enjoy the resource we are striving to protect, IT WILL CHANGE THEIR LIFE FOREVER. I look forward to seeing you on the water and enjoy our updated and accurate fishing reports & Events.

Class & Seminar Schedule Thru April 2012

• Thursday February 23rd 6:30pm Proven Saltwater Patterns w/ Capt Bob Hines $20.00
• Saturday February 25th 1:00pm Saltwater Favorites w/ Capt Jim Barr $20.00
• Thursday March 1st 6:30pm Farmington River Favorites w/ David Porreca $20.00
• Thursday March 15th 6:30pm Demystifying The Cinder Worm w/ Capt bob Hines $20.00
• Sunday March 25th All Day 1st Annual Freshwater Fly Fishing School. David Porreca & Bob Hines $125.00
• Thursday March 22nd 6:30pm Opening Day Favorites w/ Bob Hines $20.00
• Sunday April 29th 3rd All Day Annual Saltwater School David Porreca & Capt Bob Hines $125.00:

Weekly Rhode Island, Connecticut, & Fishers Island Fishing Reports

Wood River & it's Tribs

What a winter it has been. This has been one season where trout have held over very well throughout the winter. Mild weather has also helped anglers enjoy the fishery. Most of the trout are spread throughout the river. Fish tail-outs. Swing buggers and dead-drift tungsten bead nymphs down deep. Size 14 -18 on the nymphs is ideal.

Florida Fishing Report

Good friend David Warburton resident Rhode Island offshore angler headed south to Florida for some fun in the sun with his fiance'. Both had a great time chassing some inshore game fish. Expect more from David this summer. David fishes with his our friend Chad aboard a 28 Enrique's as well as recently acquired Maverick 18

Nice Shirt

Wood River Fishing Report:

For those venturing out the benefits are paying off. Much of the trout fishing pressure has declined. Hunting season is coming to an end February 1st. Don't be affraid to hike a bit and work pool to pool, run to run. Its important to be stealthy as you target areas to fish. This time of the year trout can be skiddish. Dead drift heavy nymphs with European Nymphing techniques or swing small bright spey like patterns. You'll be surprised at what you'll encounter. 

 Salmon River Steelhead Report:

This past week my good friend Captain Bob Hines returned from his trip to the Salmon River. Didn't get to fish with Bob two weeks ago as Bob had to leave due to work related issues. Bob made it back up with great fishing and great fish as well. Much needed water was released and the levels went to 500cfs states Bob. A nice spike is all it takes to tunr the feedbag back on. At the tail end of his trip they raised levels to 1000cfs. This should trigger fresh runs of chrome fish. His a few shots of Bob from his thrip this past week. nice Job...

Bob Hines with local angler Michael Grant

South County Saltwater Fishing Report November 27th:

Launched out of Point Judith this AM. Dense spotty fog in areas. Once lifted it was a gorgeous morning. Fished the shoreline to Charlestown Breachway. Not as much activity as the past few days. More fish seemed to be offshore between Deep Hole and the Block. Few Bluefish in the 8lb range. No bass. Gulls and Gannets clearly mark where the bait and fish are feeding.

Wood River Fishing Report November 20th:

It's sweet living so close to the Wood River as I can always check the conditions and make the decision to fish. The Wood is down nicely and yesterday there were Midge swarming around with clear water conditions. I ran into a few anglers and our good friend Clive Bennett reported good fishing in the Wood proper. Clive is our Eruo Nymphing Guru. Clive managed several fish before noon time with Nymphing techniques. The Unfortunate: Here comes the rain, would have been nice to get some low water trouting in this weekend. We'll get out anyway. The tribs are full of fish. Get out an explore, wear orange hats and enjoy the resource.

Steelhead Fishing Report November 2011

What a trip. 14 anglers in our group headed to New Yorks Salmon River. Year 13 for me... Some started on Saturday and the majority hit the river this past Sunday. Legions of anglers were taking advantage of the holiday and hook-ups were sporadic. We focused on the mid-section of the river above Pineville. A few fish were landed on a mix of eggs, stones, and attractor patterns. The afternoon we found ourselves on the upper fly area of the Salmon River we’re fish seemed to be a little more aggressive. Monday we hit the lower fly with the group from River & Riptide Anglers dominating the section. As the crowd so did the comradery as most of the anglers were from Rhode Island. It was a good time had by all as the conversation spread up and across the river. Small black stone were the fly of choice on this day and several Steelhead were landed along with some nice browns. Due to low water throughout the fall there were still many Salmon in the River. On Tuesday we ventured out early and headed to Rochester to fish Sandy Creek for Big Browns and Rainbows. This little creek did not let us down as both Steelhead and big bruiser Browns were prolific. The fight on these big brown were like catching big stripers. Our 6 & 7 weight rods were put to the test. Here larger attractor patterns were the ticket for Brown Trout and eggs and trout beads found themselves in the mouths of Steelhead. These fisheries never seem to tire or bore and angler and the group was ecstatic. Many new anglers joined us on this trip and they are still talking about how much fun and excitement they have experienced. There always seems to be one event that remains in our minds and for me it was sight fishing to some browns off the Sandy Creek Bridge and watching a 10lb Plus Steelhead attack my egg patterns. As I found a way to leap from the bridge to only crash through the brush to land the fish I have to give thanks to Martin Custodio and David Waburton for assisting and taking photos. There was even the Dr. John Troiano who landed a 5lb Steelhead on a dry fly (Stimulator) on Sandy Creek. Joe & his Brother Chris stayed the rest of the week and the reports are they are catching some bug Steelies. Chris may be top rod on this trip as every time you looked over at him his rod was tight to Steel. Sir Clive Bennett again utilized his Nymphing skills to hook and land several fish. Mike Croteau, on his first trip got the game and also landed his fist Steely and several Brown Trout on Sandy Creek with Black Stones. David Warburton avid big game offshore angler also got the bite and will be back for more.The Salmon River has been running low since this early fall and could use some water for higher releases triggering more runs. The river should fish very well this winter and precipitation will arrive and water flows should increase. Here are some photos of the trip with more to come as the shots for in. Stay tuned as there will be more trips over the next few months.

 

THE ARRIVAL w/ Redington CPX Switch Rods

Mike Coteau with a huge Sandy Creek Brown Trout

Mike Muzzy Releasing a gorgeous CoHo

Sir Clive with Sandy Creek Brown

David Porreca Salmon River Steelhead

John Troiano with Salmon River Steelhead

John Steelhead Stimulator Dry Fly Steelhead Sandy Creek

Ron Marafioti Salmon River Steelhead

Ron's Choho

 

Sir Clive Bennett with Salmon River Steelhead at "Old Farts Pool"

Sir Clive with Sandy Creek Brown Trout

Mike Muzzy with Sandy Creek Steelhead

Don't you want to Pinch those cheeks

Chris Grenon Salmon River Brown

 

Joe Grenon Salmon River Steelhead

 

Chris Grenon Salmon River Steelhead

 

 

David Warburton Salmon River Steelhead

 

 

David Porreca Sandy Creek Steelhead

 

 

Sandy Creek Steelhead

 

 

Mike Croteua Sandy Creek Brown

 

 

Sandy Creek

 

 

Pat DeGregorio Sandy Creek Brown

 

 

Ed Sullivan Sandy Creek Steelehad

 

 

 

Steelhead Fishing

The reports continue to pour in, here is my good friend Ben and his son Alex fishing Steelhead Alley. This is what its all about. YOUTH... Look at that smile. I think Alex is hooked. Hey Dad, how soon before he gets his Tarpon.

  

 

Rhode Island's own Jeff Perry got his first taste of the Great Lakes Tributaries this week and among several other fish landed this huge Brown along a Seaway Trail tributary. Kudos Jeff nice job. He's got the bug.

Our annual Steelhead trip begins this weekend. The Salmon River is running at 335cfs and there are plenty of fish in the Salmon River. We'll have much to share upon our return. For those contemplating making this trip for the first time you don't know what you missing. Stop in for advice and guidence as it can be a trip of a lifetime.

Rhode Island Fishing Report October 30th:

We were hoping to hit the Charlestown Breachway this AM however with snow and wind we slept in. This afternoon with the desire to hit the water I took a ride with the surf rod and headed to the Breachway. When I got there, there were two suf anglers on the beach, one on the point. Birds were diving the point and fish were breaching. As I made my way to the point it happened to be one our customers who like me had the craving to get out. Shad and Stripers were in the mix. Bunker and what appeared to be Mullet were driven to the surface by feeding fish. I assisted the gentleman land a nice 26" fish and then the outgoing tide calmed what was aready very flat seas. Tons of bait as well as a few seals were around. It turned out to be a brisk but gorgeous evening. Well worth the trip. It isn't over yet.

Rhode Island Fishing Report October 22nd:

Got a report of dirty water along the RI shoreline. Big seas turned things up quite a bit. Shoreline settling down this coming week. Anticipate Albies to be on there way out. Lots of bait around, striper fishing should pick up as the Mehaden make the migratory run. West & So West winds will be a god sent early this week. Tuna bite on the Cape is hot. RI Offshore little slow. Lets see what the week brings.

Join Us October 27th at River & Riptide Anglers for a night with Dick Brown noted Bonefish Angler and author. We'll also be presenting our 1st hosted trip to South Andros Island in the Bahamas. To register for the October event please click the link below as space is limited.

WOW... Does Dick Brown know Bonefishing. Great event thanks Dick for coming down during our first snowfall.

Bonefishing with Dick Brown October 27th / Bonesfishing Pleasant Bay Lodge February 12 

 

Sunday October 16th Wood River Fishing Report

Fished with a few of the gang today along the Wood River below and above Rte 165. Many anglers out there enjoying what left of the fall and sunny weekends. With my Sage 99 in hand I hooked and landed a nice 16 inch Rainbow. Water levels were pretty high so we focused on European Nymphing tactics. I'm still new at this technique however Clive Bennet has taken this strategy to the next level. We moved up toward the Falls River Bridge and Clive hooked and landed a few more bows. I heard Joe and Chris landed a few at the confluence of the Falls & Flat Rivers. 

 

Sunday October 9th Fishing Report: Watch Hill / Fire District

 Had a fun but frustrating day on the reef. Eary AM big bass on the surface. Sun up bass down deep. Massive plumes of Bay Anchovy with Stripers, Albies & Blues busting in the them. Too much bait frustrating, not enough bait frustrating. I'll take too much bait. False Albacore from Watch Hill to Fire District. Super flat and finicky

California Resident & One of My Great Clients Kerry Krueger Aboard the Royal Star on Guadalupe's Outer Rock:

Mid Spetember was the date with photo supplement Captain Toussaint’s reporting today that features little more than another successful turn less any dockside antics or drama; just the way we like it. Any way photos today at full resolution feature Royal Star veteran Kerry Krueger in the heat of battle pulling on his 86# Guadalupe prized Yellowfin. With our trusty Pentax W20 camera I made an attempt to capture the dramatic setting while fishing up against Guadalupe’s famed Outer Rock. The backdrop of this incredible chunk of rock up close and personal makes every catch here far more memorable. Enjoy today’s images and look for Randy’s reports to continue throughout the week.

Kerry, I'll be coming on one of these trips with you brother. Nice job, save me some sashimi...

 

 

Has everyone see the latest weather report? The next 7 days are looking great. Lets hope they're right. Time to get out and chase the final days of Falsies. Don't forget the Wood River. The water levels should come down by the weekend and the fishing should be great. Long awaited great weather.

Sunday October 2nd Fishing Report: (Watch Hill, RI)

Fished with Joe & Chris Grenon today. We hit the Watch Hill Reef early AM to fined clouds and rain. As we motored about we were marking fish along the red can. As the skies began to darken we headed toward Fishers Island to find some bright skies.

 

The False Albacore on the east side of Fishers Island were running the shoreline in 4ft swell. These fish had lock jaw. Several boats in the area and bent rods. As the skies cleared we headed back to Watch Hill to meet our friend Ed Sullivan. False Albacore were on both sides of the reef. Seas were a little hectic and my eyes were torn between Albies and the guys in stand up jet skis jumping the Watch Hill Reef. Joe and Chris did land two nice False Albacore on Watch Hill can. Traffic began to build and we decided to leave the fish for another day.

 

Wednesday September 28th Fishing Report:

Yesterday was brutal on the Watch Hill Reef to the Race. East Wind New Moon big dirty water, and big rolling seas. Hate the East Winds. Some fish showing but not many. Once the tides lay down things should pick up. Bait is still there.

Monday September 26th Fishing Report:

Things were a little tough yesterday, we came up on the New Moon and some bigger tides. Water was a little dirty around Watch Hill and Fishers Island. Albies were present however very shy. We did manage a small striper on the Watch Hill Can. We found pods of bait on the East End of Fishers Island. Slack tide at 10:30 things got lifeless. Back at it tomorrow and Friday.

Sunday September 19th Fishing Report:

Fished the moring with Jim Jaques & his friend Steve. Water temps were 66 degrees on the Watch Hill Light. At 1st light birds were working over the rip. Not much in the way of marking bait however we worked the rip as the sun peaked over the horizon. Focussing on False Albacore Jim worked an E-Zbody Rainbow pattern in size 2 when a False Albacore came out of no where. Nice Fish... We spent another hour working the rip with building seas and very little success. As the seas continued to build making things somewhat uncomfortable we decided to head to the West Side of Fishers Island, The Race. We stopped short on Napatree Point as boats were in a cluster. False Albacore were eveywhere. We fished with success in the Mayhem. As the morning progress it seemed the fish became lock-jawed seeing hundreds of flies and baits and the hum of lower units. Both anglers caught fish and had a great day. My afternoon trip scrapped early as building seas grew and grew. As a captain they were a little fun in the new North Coast however they were very un-easy for fly anglers. We'll be back at it on Wednesday and Thursday.

 

Sunday September 11th:

I had 3 more hours of break in the new NorthCoast 23 so I decided to casually run the remaining hours with my wife Sandy as we just celebrated out 10th anniversary. We didn't head down too early in effort to avoid anglers launching boats. NOAA was reporting 2ft seas out of Watch Hill through the race. Things obviously changed because it was blowing BOOGERS with big chop. We steamed through Fishers Island heading to the Dumplings. Just outside the red buoy birds were working the chop. As we motored closer to my surprise Hard Tails were clearing the water. The wife didn't feel comfortable with running and gunning as we were the only boat on these fish. They didn't stay up long however they kept moving from the dumplings to south of Hay Harbor. Some schools were good size. By noon time a heard of sailboats came through and the wind blew hard through Fishers Island Sound. At that point the fish seem to lay down a bit as I am sure they continued to blitz.  We'll see you out there soon with more reports. For Albie and Fall charters be sure to give us a call as we have some dates open. 401-392-1919

Rhode Island / Fishers Island Fishing Report September 4, 2011.
Spent the moring putting hours on the new motor. Fished with Bob Hine, Ed Sullivan, Joe, Chris & Mike Muzzy on the flats boat. We found big Bluefish and stripers mixed in on the Watch Hile Reef. One Bluefish caughed up what believe was Atlantic Sardine roughly 5 inches long. Plenty of fish and plenty of boats. We then headed over to the race to fins massive amounts of birds and blue West of Race Rock. Water temps were 68 degrees and there was a lot of life. Once the tide slacked mid day the wind picked up out of the South West and the fishing died off.

September 25th Steelhead School: Salmon River & it's Tributaries

Have you ever dreamed of catching 10lb plus Rainbow Trout. The opportunity is just 5 hours away. Join myself David Porreca & Bob Hines for and all day workshop and learn from over 40 years experience catching these amazing fish. During this workshop we'll cover all aspects of fly fishing the Salmon River in New York. You'll leave this workshop with knowledge and varied techniques to have a successful trip. For me the last 11 years have been an adventure with a yearning passion to go back again and again. This workshop is beginning to fill. Advanced registration is required. Contact the shop for tuition and details @ 401-392-1919

 

Rhode Island Fishing Report: It looks like tropical storm conditions may be hitting our coast line this weekend making things a little rough for boat anglers. For those throwing the surf stick this could turn things on a bit. I have always enjoyed fishing the front end of a tropical storm. Could be a great time to hit areas such as Narragansett Beach, West Wall, or Charlestown Breachway. Just be very cautious as storm surges can make things very dangerous. Stay tuned as we'll post some reports from the weeks tropical weekend.

There have been some reports of Bonito being caught around the North Rip of Block Island. In addition some good info has come in from the reefs at Watch Hill to the Race. The Wood River is back in great shape with Terrestrials being the ideal patterns taking trout on the surface.

Well, we scrapped Monday night due to the heavy rains and chance of T-storms. Hopefully this weather pattern doesn't hurt things as droves of bait are making their way in shore. Bonito have been sptted and caught around the Block. They should rear the funny face around the West Wall west to Watch Hill and the race. I'm heading to New Orleans this week for the IFTD show. We'll be back at it next week. Be sure to stock up on your Albie & Bonito flies. We have some nice patterns for this upcoming season. Also Note: Reports from fellow guides up north are stating that northern Mass, NH & Maine have good stripers at the inlets of estuaries. We should ave a good fall run this year. I'd like to hope the near shore waters stay warm.  Would like to chase some Mahi when I get back.

It Pays to be mobile, headed out on Thursday August 4th with Kerry Krueger and Roger Earle to fish the North Rip to find lifeless seas. What a difference a few days can make. Covered New Harbor to the SouthWest Corner no birds and no bait. Back to the Rip to check the changing tide and still nothing. Today Friday was a different story. With Kerry's last day in town he wanted to get back on the Stripers, Ken Boyer joined Kerry on this outing and we headed West launching out of Barn Island. We made it to Race Rock by 6:00am and found acres of terns working all the rips. Blue fish began breaking and we went tight right away. For over an hour this continued until one Striper was taken on 30LB RIO Wire. The fish kept breaking but the bite slowed. We switched to mono leaders and Striper after Striper after Striper. Fish & birds were breaking as far as the eays can see. This lasted for several hours until the Blues began to take over. At 11:30am arms were tired and we motored home with smiles on our faces. Move around, stay mobile and don't be afraid to try new water. If anyone has any questions about the Fishers Island area or interested in guided trips give me a call at the shop.

Captain David Porreca 401 392-1919

 

 

 

Tuesday August 2nd 2011: Hit the North Rip of Block Island today, arrived at 6:00 one hour too late. Bass were up on the surface with some sightings of Bonito just off the green can. Hit the south east corner with very little life. Tom Smotherman hit the Fairway Buoy yesterday afternoon and struck gold on Mahi Mahi. Again lots of life out there. Back out to the North Rip on Thursday.

Rhode Island Fishing Report Sunday July 31st: The gang headed back out looking for Mako's today. With seas one ft or less we passed the East Grounds and headed for the Fairway Buoy. After fianally settling in the drift my good Friend Pat hooked into a huge Blue Shark, leadered and released. After a few hours a flash came through the slick right at the stern, Mahi! Good size too, by the time we scrambled to get the fly rods the bait began to pull. I set the hook and a nice Mahi was in the air. I would believe a school came through and one nice fish took the bait. I faught the fish for a few minutes with several nice jumps, no other fish were around. This one went on ice. After more time in the slick and no sharks to the boat. Ed Sullivan had Joe and Chris on his boat and they consistantly hooked dog fish. As we headed in shore a bit we found a lobster bucket floating. As we pulled up there were two chick Mahi along with other fish, no takes. We packed it in. Good job to Pat fighting his first Blue Shark and Captain Bob Hines for tailing my first Mahi. What a day it was out there with seas less than a foot.

 

Block Island Striper Blitz July 28th: Fished with Clients Kerry Krueger & Mike Croteau. With yesterdays lifeless Watch Hill trip we headed to the North Rip of Block Island. We arrived around 6am to find Striped Bass bitzing along the entire reef. Massive amounts of baitfish were clearing the chop and keeper stripers were acrobatically leaping to feed. The action was fast an furious. Tide was out-going and the reef was ripping, there was no secret fly, as long as it was presented to the fish. Intermediate lines worked. We landed several fish with the smallest 29inches. Stripers were fighting for the fly. Once te tide went slack it was over. Here's to the change in tide. Congrats to Kerri from Cali in landing his first legal size Striped Bass.

 

 July 21st Fishing Report: Hit the Watch Hill Reef today with Floridian clients Alan & David. Lil Narragansett Bay didn't come through as water temps were 70 degrees. Outside on the WH Lt in dense fog we found schools of bass feeding on Halfbeaks, yes Halfbeaks. The fish didn't stay up long however we ended up with a few. The fog got worse and we headed in at 10:30am.

Friday July 22nd Fishing Report: Fish the Wood River this AM with clients from Florida. We headed out early to avoid the heat of the day. We found a few sporadic rising fish and one Brown Trout fell to a well presented caddis. The fish was released with very little stress. Water temps are approaching 70 degrees. Best times to fish would be early AM or later in the evening. Terrestrials throughout the day with Hex later in the evenings. Be sure to release fish quickly

 

 

Sunday July 17th: Captain Bob Hines of Fly Fish RI putting the stank to a 7ft Blue Shark. Note: The Bill Pate Marlin,,, I've got my name all over that reel.

 

 

During this trip we headed to the East Grounds in search of Mako Shark, 3 boats, Myself, Ed Sullivan & Tom Smotherman. We hooked and leadered several Blue Sharks. Tom actuall had some Mahi in the slick until sharks showed up. The fishery can be fast a furious.You don't need to head out to the dump to find these fish as they are usually just offshore. The issue is traffic inshore when setting up chum slicks. The East Grounds offers great opportunites for both Mako & Blue sharks. After a trip several years ago with Captain Joe Pagano we were into a few Blue Sharks and while one fish was on I had a 200lb class Mako stare me down at the bow of the boat. With fly rod in hand I placed the fly on the Mako's nose and he continued to stare at me. The River & Riptide gang will continue to pursue these fish through August. The goal is Mako on the fly. We'll coninue to report and share the techniques we use during our trips. If anyone is interested  in Lt Tackle Sharkin give me a call at the shop. Captain David Porreca