Northern Pike

Norwich, Connecticut, offers some surprisingly good Northern Pike fishing, particularly in the Shetucket, Yantic, and Quinebaug Rivers that converge here to form the Thames. These rivers, with their mix of slow-moving stretches, weedy backwaters, and submerged structure, provide ideal habitat for pike. Spring, just after ice-out, and fall, as water temperatures cool, are prime times to target these predators. During these periods, pike are actively feeding in preparation for spawning or winter. Look for them near creek mouths and weed edges. A local tip: Focus on the Shetucket River above the Greenville Dam; the impoundment creates excellent pike habitat. Be prepared for some heavy cover and consider using weedless lures or topwater baits to entice strikes. The pike here aren't giants, but you can find some respectable fish in the 5-10 pound range, offering a thrilling fight on the relatively small rivers.