How-To
New England Fishing Season 2 // Episode 7 // Housatonic River, CT
By New England Boating & New England Fishing [ NEW ] · Watch on YouTube
Rivers & StreamsFly FishingSpin, Cast & Bait
Housatonic River (Stratford) Fishing Guide
Connecticut
The tidal Housatonic from Derby Dam to Long Island Sound, brackish to salty at its lower end, where Connecticut DEEP says anglers seek striped bass, which overwinter in the area.
Part of the Housatonic River.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to the Housatonic River (Stratford) for striped bass. No agency season found for the species here.
There are 12 shops nearby (3 fly, 9 bait and tackle), including The Surfcaster in Stratford. Also nearby: Candlewood Lake.
Season at a Glance
No agency season found for this fish here.
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Connecticut fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Parts of the Housatonic River
- Main PageHousatonic RiverOne of Connecticut's most popular rivers for fishing, per CT DEEP, from trout and smallmouth bass water around Cornwall to the tidal reach below Derby Dam, where anglers seek striped bass.
- Rivers & Streams · ConnecticutHousatonic River (Cornwall)One of Connecticut's most popular rivers for fishing, per CT DEEP, with a catch-and-release trout management area above Cornwall Bridge whose lower three miles are fly fishing only, and a stretch managed for smallmouth bass a few miles below.
- Rivers & Streams · Connecticut · You're HereHousatonic River (Stratford)The tidal Housatonic from Derby Dam to Long Island Sound, brackish to salty at its lower end, where Connecticut DEEP says anglers seek striped bass, which overwinter in the area.
Housatonic River (Stratford) Species
Species per CT DEEP.
Images: Duane Raver, USFWS. Public domain.
What to Use
Fishing In
Striped Bass
No agency season found
Fly
9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, 20 lb leader. Clousers and Deceivers.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodOrvis Clearwater 9 ft 9 wt Fly RodCheck Price
- ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 9 and 10 weightCheck Price
- LineScientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line · 9 wt.Check Price
Tie On in November
No flies listed for this fish here yet.
Spin / Cast
7 to 8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 30 lb braid with a 20 to 30 lb leader.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodUgly Stik Striper Spinning Rod · 7 ft medium heavy, 12 to 25 lb, moderate fast, 1 pieceCheck Price
- ReelPflueger Trion Spinning ReelCheck Price
- LinePowerPro Spectra Braided Line · 30 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
- Lure for November · 1/4 to 1/2 ozLipless CrankbaitSee Options
- Lure for November · 1/16 to 1 ozCasting SpoonSee Options
- Lure for November · 1/4 to 2 ozBucktail JigSee Options
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Buy Local
Shops near Housatonic River (Stratford):
- The Surfcaster, StratfordWebsite
- Bass Pro Shops, BridgeportWebsite
- Nutmeg Trout Unlimited, FairfieldWebsite
Map of Housatonic River (Stratford)
Housatonic River (Stratford) Fishing Videos
Picked by Gear & Tackle: for what they show about the Housatonic River (Stratford). We don't make these videos, and none is a review of a product we link.
Watch Housatonic River (Stratford) Fishing Videos on YouTube
Planning for a Month
Prime in November
No agency season found for the species here.
Daylight
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Moon
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Typical Weather
54°F high, 38°F low
About 3.1 in of precipitation for the month.
Typical, Not a Forecast: weather from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals at a station about 5 mi away.
Also Worth Packing
Clothing for November comes first, picked from typical weather here.
Waders & Boots
Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable four-layer waders built as a daily driver for seasons of wading.
Pack It For: Sep to Jun
Check Price Maker's PageWaders & Boots
Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive wading boots with determined traction for a full range of wading conditions, worn over waders or wading socks.
Pack It For: Year-round
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer
A 100% merino wool base layer for temperature regulation and moisture management, under waders or a jacket.
Pack It For: Dec to Mar
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Glacier Glove Alaska River Flip Mitt
Fingerless fishing gloves with a fold-over mitt for cold hands between casts.
Pack It For: Dec to Mar
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Frogg Toggs Pro Action Rain Jacket
A durable, waterproof hooded jacket for a wet month.
Pack It For: Mar to Apr
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Simms SolarFlex Sun Hoody
A UPF 50+ hooded sun shirt with a vented hood and extended sleeves, for long, bright days.
Pack It For: Jun to Sep
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Buff CoolNet UV Neckwear
A UPF 50 sun gaiter for the face and neck.
Pack It For: Jun to Sep
Check Price Maker's PageWaders & Boots
Simms Neoprene Wading Socks
Worn inside wading boots in place of waders when the water is warm enough to wet wade.
Pack It For: Jul to Aug
Check Price Maker's PageSome links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Ramps and Launches on Housatonic River (Stratford)
Source: CT DEEP Boat Launches. Hours and fees change; check before you go.
Shops Near Housatonic River (Stratford)
Guides and Charters Near Housatonic River (Stratford)
Charter
Captain Fish Port Jefferson
Port Jefferson, New York
Per their website: Striped Bass, Half-Day Trips
