Date: 2026-08-29
Quick Take: Striped bass topwater action is picking up with good morning and pre-dusk bites, while bottom fishing remains steady with strong scup and black sea bass from wrecks and rock piles. Fluke fishing is improving with keeper-size fish around Block Island and inshore bays. [Facts: RI053, RI057, RI059].
Best Bet This Week: Target striped bass around Newport using topwater lures during morning and dusk periods, or work the lower bay with tube and worm rigs near mackerel schools for consistent action. [Facts: RI056, RI060, RI053].
What Fish Are Active: Striped bass, black sea bass, scup, fluke, and tautog are all active. Bluefish and bonito are present but less targeted. False albacore are expected soon. [Facts: RI055, RI076, RI077, RI066, RI083].
Where to Fish: In western Rhode Island, focus on breachways for striped bass at dawn and dusk. Central areas like Newport offer improved striper action. Eastern waters near Block Island provide fluke and bonito opportunities. Rock piles statewide hold black sea bass and scup. [Facts: RI003, RI056, RI059, RI057].
Freshwater Focus: Learn more at dem.ri.gov/trout-study A Northern Snakehead , an extremely invasive freshwater fish species, was caught in Asa Pond, South Kingstown, in early summer 2026. Most designated trout waters are stocked prior to the opening day of trout season.
How to Fish: Use bottom fishing techniques over wrecks and rock piles for scup, black sea bass, and tautog. For striped bass, live-lining scup or mackerel during the day and live eels at night are effective. Topwater lures work well in low light. [Facts: RI057, RI005, RI053].
Best Baits and Lures: Squid is effective for fluke around Block Island. Live scup, mackerel, and eels are prime baits for larger striped bass. Jigs and soft plastics are starting to produce for false albacore offshore. [Facts: RI059, RI005, RI093].
Trend Watch: Striped bass fishing is steady with a slight slowdown due to sharks but expected to improve as fall migration begins. Fluke are transitioning deeper but still available inshore. Black sea bass numbers and sizes are increasing. [Facts: RI016, RI075, RI019].
Regulation and Access Changes: Trout stocking occurs before the season opening in April, with ongoing studies on PFAS accumulation in stocked trout. No new regulation changes reported for saltwater species. [Facts: RI047, RI046].