Striped bass fishing out of Stonington runs from late May through late October, and the Watch Hill reefs hold stripers from early May. This page covers the runs, the structure, the local methods and the boats that fish this port. Harbor and access details are on the Stonington port page, and biology and general tactics are in the striped bass species guide.
When striped bass are around Stonington
Stripers arrive in late May through October and stay in the reef and shoal water out of Stonington for the whole stretch.
- Opens: late May
- Closes: late October
- Early fish: Watch Hill reefs, from early May
Watch Hill starts early
Stripers are on the Watch Hill reefs from early May, ahead of the wider late May start.
Where boats run from Stonington
Boats out of Stonington work three areas: the Watch Hill reef system, Fishers Island and Block Island Sound waters, and the Latimer and Ram Island area. The Northeast striped bass guide (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide) covers the regional picture for Block Island Sound.
| Run area | Grounds named |
|---|---|
| Watch Hill reef system | Watch Hill Reef, Sugar Reef |
| Fishers Island and Block Island Sound | Fishers Island south side, The Race |
| Latimer and Ram Island | Latimer Light and Latimer Reef, Ram Island Reef, Noyes Shoal |
Watch Hill reef system
Lauren B Charters puts Watch Hill Reef within an hour’s run of Stonington. Sugar Reef lies in the same direction.
Fishers Island and Block Island Sound waters
This run covers the south side of Fishers Island, in the Isabella Beach area, and The Race.
Latimer and Ram Island
This run takes in Latimer Light and Latimer Reef, Ram Island Reef and Noyes Shoal.
Grounds and structure near Stonington
The table lists each named ground in run-area order, with depth where one is given.
| Ground | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Watch Hill Reef | Reef complex, within an hour’s run per Lauren B Charters | |
| Sugar Reef | Stonington Marina names it as within reach of its slips | |
| Fishers Island, south side | Isabella Beach area | |
| The Race | Tidal passage near Stonington Harbor | |
| Latimer Light and Latimer Reef | 35 to 40 ft | Off Latimer Light |
| Ram Island Reef | 35 ft | |
| Noyes Shoal | 10 ft | |
| Middle Ground | July and August bluefish ground |
Watch Hill Reef
A reef complex within an hour’s run of Stonington, per Lauren B Charters.
Sugar Reef
Stonington Marina names Sugar Reef as within reach of its slips.
Fishers Island, south side
The Isabella Beach area on the south side of Fishers Island.
The Race
A tidal passage near Stonington Harbor.
Latimer Reef and Ram Island Reef
Latimer is fished at 35 to 40 feet off Latimer Light. Ram Island Reef is at 35 ft.
Noyes Shoal
Noyes Shoal is at 10 ft.
Middle Ground
A July and August bluefish ground.
The Chart Contours layer will help you find this named structure. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How striped bass are fished locally
Two approaches cover most of the striper fishing out of Stonington. For general trolling and casting technique across species, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
- Trolling: downriggers and planer boards
- Reef edges: surface and fly tactics
Trolling
Boats troll with downriggers and planer boards.
Reef-edge surface and fly
On reef edges, the local surface and fly offerings are:
- Reverse atom poppers
- Herring chunks
- Large deceiver flies
Who fishes for striped bass out of Stonington
Four local operators list striped bass.
Lauren B Charters
Captain Steve Burnett runs Lauren B Charters. The Lauren B Charters species calendar shows what the operator fishes through the year.
Double Trouble Sportfishing
Double Trouble Sportfishing runs a 2004 32 ft Topaz, "Double Down," licensed for 6 passengers.
Wil-Ril Fishing Adventures LLC
Wil-Ril Fishing Adventures LLC runs a 2007 Triumph 195cc, "Kristin Lea," with a Yamaha 115 hp outboard.
Hush Fishing Co
Captain Ryan Sansoucy runs Hush Fishing Co, listed through Hush Fishing Co on Guidesly.
FAQ about striped bass fishing out of Stonington
When is the season for striped bass fishing out of Stonington?
Late May through late October. Stripers are on the Watch Hill reefs from early May.
How far is Watch Hill Reef from Stonington?
Lauren B Charters puts it within an hour’s run.
How deep are Latimer Reef and Ram Island Reef?
Latimer is fished at 35 to 40 ft off Latimer Light. Ram Island Reef is at 35 ft.
What methods are used for stripers here?
Boats troll with downriggers and planer boards. On reef edges, anglers fish surface and fly tactics: reverse atom poppers, herring chunks and large deceiver flies.
Do charters fish for striped bass out of Stonington?
Yes. Lauren B Charters, Double Trouble Sportfishing, Wil-Ril Fishing Adventures and Hush Fishing Co list striped bass.
Is Middle Ground a striper spot?
It is named as a July and August bluefish ground.
