4/17/26 Duck, Duck, Worm
Southern Rhode Island Fishing Report – April 17th
Duck, Duck, Worm
We're officially in one of the best transition periods of the season. Things are starting to come alive across both fresh and saltwater, and it's only going to get better from here.
Freshwater
Trout Opening Day was a success for most anglers who got out, and if you missed it—don't worry, there are still plenty of fish around to put together a solid outing.
Bass fishing has been hot across the board. Whether you're fishing larger lakes or smaller ponds, fish have been aggressive and willing to eat a variety of baits. Swimbaits, spinners, crankbaits, Rapalas, and worms (rigged just about any way) have all been producing.
Striped Bass
The warm temperatures this week have things moving. We're right on the doorstep of seeing our first wave of fresh migratory fish.
We also saw the first worm hatches of the season this week. Gulls were actively picking, and there were even signs of white perch feeding. For now, those worms are getting a pass without heavy striper pressure—but not for long.
Early Season Strategy:
- Expect the first arrivals to be smaller "schoolie" bass
- A consistent southwest wind over a few days can push fish onto the south shore
- Focus on the west sides of structure: jetties, sandbars, and rock piles
Key Areas to Try:
- The West Wall
- In front of Ocean Mist
- Any breachway or adjacent structure
Don't overlook the wash—some of the first fish of the season are often right at your feet in the white water.
Herring runs are in full swing, and holdover bass have been feeding well—especially at night. With so much bait around, don't be afraid to throw bigger profile lures to stand out.
Stop in for your Reel Respool or grab some early Striper lure favorites like:
Al Gags Whip It Fish or Cinder Worm Flies.
Tautog
The tog bite remains slow. Water temps are still cold, and fish are mostly lethargic and holding tight to structure.
As temps rise just a few more degrees, these fish will start sliding shallower to spawn. For now, it's still worth a shot—or a solid backup plan if the striper bite doesn't materialize.
We are stocked up with Crabs and Magic Tail Tog Jigs: Game Changer and Back Bay Series.
Looking Ahead
- Herring runs should continue to improve
- Holdover bass will remain active in rivers and ponds
- Fresh schoolie stripers should start showing in the coming weeks
- Squid are not far off
- Trout fishing will stay strong after opening pressure fades
- Big largemouth are feeding up ahead of the spawn
This is one of the fastest-moving and most exciting stretches of the fishing season—things can change overnight.
Get Ready Now
Stop by the shop to get dialed in, talk fishing, and grab the latest gear—or shop anytime online.
We're open 7 days a week.
Charlestown Update
The Charlestown Breachway repair is officially complete.
I was able to get out this weekend and check the channel—if you have any questions, give the shop a call and we'll get you pointed in the right direction.
Shop Hours
- Saturday: 6–6
- Sunday: 6–5
- Monday–Friday: 8–6
Weekend Weather
Friday (4/17):
W winds 5–10 kt → NW afternoon. Seas 2–3 ft.
Chance of showers, patchy morning fog (visibility ~1 NM or less)
High: 69° | Low: 51°
Saturday (4/18):
E winds ~10 kt. Seas 2–3 ft
High: 57° | Low: 47°
Sunday (4/19):
NW winds 15–20 kt. Seas 2–3 ft
Showers likely through the day and night
High: 56° | Low: 41°
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