Bluefish are usually readily available inside Greenwich Bay, especially in June. Photo by Tom Richardson

East Greenwich is a great jumping-off spot for inshore anglers who wish to access other parts of Narragansett Bay. However, there’s no need to roam too far, as some fine fishing exists right inside Greenwich Bay and its tributaries, especially at the beginning and end of the season.

School stripers enter the bay in late April, feeding on small baits inside the various creeks and coves of Greenwich Bay. The quiet, protected waters of Apponaug Cove, Warwick Cove, Buttonwood Cove, Brush Neck Cove and Greenwich Cove are a skiff and kayak angler’s paradise in May and June. Concentrate on areas of good current and underwater structure, such as shoals and rockpiles, in 5 to 10 feet of water. Long Point off Goddard State Park, Cedar Tree Point (at the mouth of Apponaug Cove) and the rocks off Chepiwanoxet Point and Sally Rock Point will all hold school stripers in the early season.

If you want to put the kids on some fast, dependable action, the June bluefish run inside Greenwich Bay can’t be beat.

As the waters warm, larger bass move into upper Narragansett Bay. Late May through and early July are prime times to catch a trophy fish in this area, especially if adult bunker (menhaden) are present in the bay. You can often catch big bass by snagging a bunker and fishing it around the school, or you can take the bait on a ride and soak it in such honey holes as the tip of Warwick Neck, the cut between Patience and Prudence Islands, and Rocky Point.

Many anglers also run north into the Providence River to fish live bunker and chunk baits off spots like Sabin Point, Squantum Point and Pomham Rocks. As the bigger fish start to vacate the upper bay in mid-July, focus your efforts around the bay bridges and spots closer to the ocean, such as Bonnet Point, Dutch Island, Beavertail Point and Brenton Reef off Newport. Live-lining, trolling tube-and-worm combos and vertical jigging can account for some impressive fish during the midsummer months. At night, live eels and chunks are tops.

If you want to put the kids on some fast, dependable action, the June bluefish run inside Greenwich Bay can’t be beat. The blues typically run 3 to 6 pounds, and are easy to catch on swimming plugs and metal spoons fished on light spinning or conventional gear. If the fish aren’t showing on top under birds, simply troll along the 10-foot contour line on a rising tide and you should catch all the blues you can handle. As waters warm, focus on slightly deeper areas near the mouth of Greenwich Bay.

Ray's Bait & Tackle on Apponaug is a great source of local fishing info. Photo by Dave Dauer

Midsummer brings a lull to the fishing inside the bay, but the waters often come to life again in late August, especially if schools of peanut bunker are present. If the bait is thick, you can be sure that big schools of bluefish will soon be tearing into them, providing spectacular surface action.

In September and October, striped bass often return to the upper bay to feast on small baitfish before continuing their southward migration. If conditions are right, it’s possible to catch stripers and blues throughout the day under working birds.

Other inshore options near East Greenwich include scup and seabass. You can find these species around most any rocky outcropping inside the bay during May and June. Almost any type of bait will work, although clams and seaworms are generally favored.

Last but not least, fluke are available in the lower bay starting in June. You can find the flatfish in areas of swift current and good bottom structure. The bridges are popular fluking spots, as is the drop-off along the channel between Dutch Island and Jamestown.

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State of Rhode Island Requirements