New England Fall Fishing Blitz Starts Early

False albacore photo by Tom Richardson

Even at the height of summer, New England’s recreational anglers dream of autumn. Dropping temperatures force baitfish out of tidal rivers and creeks to migrate south, drawing predators straight to the shore. This annual “fall blitz” typically hits full stride in late September to early October and expands from north to south. This year’s blitz seems to be starting early with both false albacore (Fat Alberts) and striped bass already on the scene.

A beautiful striped bass. Photo/Tom Richardson

In Massachusetts, stripers have been gorging on river herring fry at the mouths of the Charles and Mystic rivers. Further south off Cuttyhunk Island, false albacore are providing explosive topwater feeds. Casting tins and topwater spooks at dawn is provoking the most striper swipes, while the speedy albies have hammered sleek epoxy jigs and small tins skipped along the surface with quick retrieves.

Rhode Island waters are also teeming with life, according to Capt. B.J. Silvia, of Flippin Out Charters in Newport. “The bait got here a couple weeks ago and the stripers and false albies have finally found them,” he said. “We’ve had great action both inside and outside of Narragansett Bay – and our ‘tog scores have been outstanding as well.”

The striper bite is also locked in along the rugged reefs off Block Island, and false albacore are apparent from the Newport and Narragansett shorelines. Soft plastic flukes on light jig heads are tempting the bass while the more cautious albies demand small resin jigs and fly patterns including Surf Candies, Albie Whores and Epoxy Minnows.

Meanwhile, New Hampshire anglers are seeing solid bass catches at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, a perennial early-fall striper honey hole. Offshore, anglers at Jeffrey’s Ledge have encountered fast-moving pods of albies pushing bait against temperature or current breaks. In these cooler waters, chunked mackerel and sand eel flies entice bass, while the albies still favor small profile tins, epoxy minnows, and 1-ounce Panther Martin BigFin Swimbaits.

As is often the case as the fall blitz gets underway, the most savage action has aligned with the first two hours of daylight. Overcast skies and slightly choppy weather conditions can help lower your target’s guard.