JB Tackle Fishing Report – April 10, 2026 | Striped Bass Migration Update & Local Conditions
Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year for saltwater anglers, as the highly anticipated striped bass migration begins along the Northeast coast. If last week’s incredible blitz in Raritan Bay, New Jersey, is any indication, the 2026 striped bass season is shaping up to be exceptional.
Large schools of bunker are moving north, and striped bass are actively feeding as they push up the coast and into back bays. Early reports confirm that striped bass have started showing up in western Long Island, with fish splitting between the north shore and the Long Island Sound. As always, water temperature is the key factor—as it continues to rise, expect the migration to accelerate and fishing action to improve.
Connecticut Fishing Report – Local Conditions
Here in Connecticut, the local fishing report remains consistent with holdover striped bass being caught in the Lieutenant River, Thames River, and Connecticut River. Anglers targeting holdovers are seeing the best results with smaller soft-plastic lures, especially in colder water.
Tautog (blackfish) fishing is also beginning to improve. While it’s still early in the season, there have been reports of fish being caught. As water temperatures climb and more boats hit the water, we expect larger tog and more consistent action in the coming weeks.
Striped Bass Migration Forecast
The striped bass migration in Connecticut and Long Island Sound is currently on schedule, with the first significant push of fish expected by late April. If warming trends continue, holdover bass fishing should improve as early as next week.
Reports from Raritan Bay continue to describe the bite as “epic,” with aggressive feeding on bunker schools. This is your signal to prepare—now is the time to get your boats, kayaks, and fishing gear ready so you don’t miss the peak of the spring run.
Upcoming Offshore Fishing Seminar
Join us this week for our free offshore fishing seminar:
“Trolling Bars and Lures for Tuna”
📅 Thursday | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
🎣 Presented by Captain AJ D’Angelo & Brian Moskey
To attend, email tim@jbtackle.com to reserve your spot.